Every year on May 8, the world celebrates World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of emergency medical services and strengthen the global commitment to humanitarian response. The day is marked through awareness campaigns and field programs that highlight the necessity of acquiring first aid skills and contributing to a safer, more secure society.

In this context, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority continues to play its pioneering role in both humanitarian and relief efforts, placing special emphasis on volunteer work as a key indicator of societal advancement. The Authority seeks to entrench a culture of volunteerism and promote its noble values through specialized training programs and impactful initiatives designed to enhance volunteer efficiency and broaden their reach in community service.

SRCA's efforts are firmly rooted in the seven fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality. These principles serve as both a moral and operational framework that guides all of SRCA’s activities, reaffirming its neutrality and independence in delivering emergency services and its ongoing commitment to activating these values across all its programs and initiatives.

Coinciding with this global occasion, SRCA has launched its first responder app, "Mustajeeb", marking a significant step forward in community engagement. The app empowers individuals to act as first responders during emergencies, embodying the philosophy of “Human First.” Through this innovative platform, SRCA aims to cultivate life-saving skills within the community, ensuring timely response to emergencies by enabling the public to assist even before emergency teams arrive on site.

Meanwhile, the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization (ARCO) continues to unify Arab humanitarian efforts, supporting national societies through joint programs and bilateral cooperation. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing coordination, increasing effective Arab representation on international platforms, and promoting the principles of the Movement, as well as disseminating knowledge of international humanitarian law and advocating for peace and human rights.

It is worth noting that the idea of this international day commemorates the birthday of Henry Dunant, founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross. The first celebration took place on May 8, 1948, and it was officially named World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day in 1984, in recognition of the pivotal role the Movement plays in alleviating human suffering around the world.