The Saudi government set apart a high proportion of its national income to help developing countries by financing development projects in those countries.

The Kingdom discharges its responsibilities toward the brotherly and friendly countries because this country is guided by noble motives.

It has economic and political relations with other countries. It also tried to work in cooperation with international development organizations in order to achieve its goals as guided by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior.

The Saudi Fund for Development is the main tool as well as the main source the Saudi government uses to provide aid to developing countries for their development projects.

The aid is given in the form of loans and grants.

The Fund was established by a Royal Decree and started its operations on March 1, 1975.

The initial capital was SR10 billion, provided by the Saudi government.

This capital has been increased thrice by the government. Now it stands at SR31 billion.

The Saudi Fund for Development's strategy is centered on supporting priority sectors within the economic and social development plans of the borrowing countries.

There are many projects which the SFD has funded such as transportation and communication projects involving the construction of roads and airports as well as railways, the building of ground stations for communication through satellites, improvement of aeronautical telecommunications, agriculture projects, social and education projects. For example, SFD funds the construction of schools, colleges, universities and technical institutes for vocational education and training.

The purchase of equipment for these institutions is also financed by the SFD.

Special consideration is given to financing the medical sector. Funds are provided to build new hospitals and special treatment centers and to renovate existing health facilities.

Another major sector is water and sewerage projects. SFD funds water supply projects, construction of dams to save water, saline water desalination plants and power stations. Reconstruction of earthquake-affected areas also receives financial support.

Saudi funding for such projects does not exceed 50 percent of the project cost.

Those seeking funds should submit necessary documents to prove the economic feasibility of the project and the importance of social development in the country that needs the loan.

There are many international agencies that finance these projects in cooperation with the Saudi Fund for Development. They include Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, Islamic Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, OPEC Fund for international Development, African Development Fund, European Fund for Development, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Fund for Agricultural Development, Canadian International Development Agency,  International Development Association, United States Agency for International Development, European Economic Community, United Nations Development Program and Word Food Program. 

Saudi Arabia finances such humanitarian and social projects as its policies are guided by Islamic principles.

Let God provide this country security and stability so it can continue its humanitarian projects under the guidance of King Abdullah and Crown Prince Naif.