Saudi Arabia to Provide Food Aid to Tajik Citizens Ahead of Ramadan

Signing of the Humanitarian Aid Agreement. Photo courtesy of the Saudi Embassy in Tajikistan

Saudi Arabia will extend humanitarian aid to Tajik citizens by distributing 7,120 food packages worth $400,000. The initiative, part of the «Food Basket 2025» project, coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, reports Asia-Plus, citing the Saudi Embassy in Dushanbe.

Each package will weigh approximately 70 kilograms and include essential staples such as rice, flour, cooking oil, sugar, and other items—all sourced from Tajik markets.

“These packages are designed to sustain a family of five for one month,” noted embassy officials.

The aid will reach an estimated 35,000 Tajik citizens. Recipients will be identified by local officials in collaboration with the Red Crescent Society.

The embassy highlighted that the «Food Basket» project is an initiative of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. In 2025, the project is being implemented in 25 countries in preparation for Ramadan.

Last year, a similar initiative targeted only residents of Dushanbe, where 7,500 food packages were distributed.

Since 2015, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has been active in Tajikistan, funding projects in healthcare, food security, infrastructure rehabilitation, and housing. To date, the center has invested over $16 million in the country.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a sacred period when Muslims believe Allah revealed the first chapters of the Quran. During this month, Muslims observe the fast of Uraza (Orozo), refraining from food, drink, harmful habits, and distractions during daylight hours. They focus on spiritual purity and avoid thoughts or actions that may taint the soul.

In 2025, Ramadan will span nearly the entirety of March.