Through the Saudi Fund for Development, the kingdom makes generous loans and grants to other Arab and developing countries, mainly for infrastructure projects. Saudi Arabia promotes Islam through charitable foundations, especially in Africa, Asia and the former Soviet Union. The royal purse also supports scientific and medical research. Since the liberation of Kuwait in 1991, Saudi Arabia has given large sums to countries that supported the Allies, notably Egypt, Syria, Morocco and Turkey. In addition, the Saudi government substantially reimbursed the USA and UK for the cost of their expeditionary forces, as well as favoring companies from the Allied powers for reconstruction contracts.
