Religious communities and organisations, religious institutions, religio-political mass movements and interfaith organisations are responding to the coronavirus pandemic in the Middle East. They have been fulfilling distinct roles and are suited for different aspects of international development cooperation and humanitarian aid. Local communities integrate material and spiritual support and reach people otherwise hard to reach. Islamic courts and ministries engage in health messaging. The role of mass-movements remains controversial and continued reconsideration of their place among social service providers is mandated by their size and impact. Interfaith organisations can foster social cohesion and tackle gender-related challenges to development. The varied responses of these actors should be seen against the backdrop of a widening gap between Arab governments and citizens since the Arab Spring in 2011. The corona pandemic challenges development cooperation to quickly translate international funding into local action. Development cooperation should draw on the distinct strengths of religious actors to counter economic and social hardships now and in the near and midterm future.