His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), announced that the national platform for charitable work, “Ihsan,” has achieved a historic milestone, with total donations exceeding 14 billion Saudi Riyals. This announcement was made during a government press conference hosted by the Minister of Media, Mr. Salman Al-Dossari, and the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Mr. Majid Al-Hogail, highlighting the platform’s pivotal role in promoting a culture of giving in the Kingdom.
General context: “Ihsan” is a pioneering model in digital charitable work
The “Ihsan” platform was launched in March 2021 by royal decree as a national platform aimed at maximizing the impact of the charitable and non-profit sector and facilitating donations for citizens and residents of the Kingdom. The platform operates under the direct supervision of the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the entity responsible for leading the Kingdom’s data and artificial intelligence agenda, ensuring the use of cutting-edge technologies to serve humanitarian work. This remarkable success of the platform reflects the deeply rooted values of solidarity and giving within Saudi society, values that reach their peak during times of giving such as the holy month of Ramadan, when donations increase significantly.
Strict governance and advanced technology to ensure transparency
Dr. Al-Ghamdi affirmed that “charitable work is an inherent characteristic of this nation,” noting that the platform’s success is not accidental, but rather the result of a rigorous governance system that ensures donations reach their intended beneficiaries. He explained that 13 governmental and regulatory bodies monitor the platform’s performance, enhancing its credibility and transparency. He added that the donation lifecycle takes place in a secure and efficient digital environment, with the donation process taking no more than five seconds, minimizing the role of intermediaries between donors and beneficiaries. To strengthen this connection, the platform provides reports for donors and facilitates the delivery of audio and video thank-you messages from beneficiaries, creating a unique and meaningful human experience.
Importance and impact: Achieving the goals of Vision 2030
This achievement represents a significant step towards realizing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to increase the contribution of the non-profit sector to the GDP. By providing a unified and reliable channel for donations, Ihsan empowers numerous charitable organizations and development projects across diverse sectors, including healthcare, education, housing, and relief. Internationally, through Ihsan, the Kingdom is setting a leading example in the digital transformation of charitable work, demonstrating the power of technology and artificial intelligence to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of millions. Furthermore, initiatives such as the Ihsan Endowment Fund have been launched to ensure the sustainability of charitable giving and expand its impact.
Al-Ghamdi concluded his statement by saying that the platform witnessed more than 12 million daily donations, reflecting the great confidence that Saudi society places in the “Ihsan” platform as a first destination for organized and safe charitable giving.
