Saudi Arabia supports Yemen with $150 million to address the electricity crisis
Under the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has provided urgent support to Yemen in the amount of US$150 million. This support, implemented through the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen and overseen by His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, comes in the form of petroleum derivatives designated for operating power generation plants in various Yemeni governorates.
The general context and humanitarian dimensions of support
This support comes amidst the complex humanitarian crisis that Yemen has been experiencing for years, which the United Nations has described as one of the worst in the world. The ongoing conflict has severely damaged infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector, causing prolonged power outages and directly impacting the lives of millions of Yemenis. Electricity is vital for the operation of essential facilities such as hospitals and water pumping stations, upon which citizens depend for healthcare and clean water. This grant addresses a pressing need, especially with the rising temperatures during the summer months, which exacerbate the suffering of the population.
The importance of support and its expected impact
This oil grant is expected to have a direct and positive impact on several levels. Domestically, the support will contribute to stabilizing the electricity service, ensuring the continued operation of hospitals and medical centers, schools and government facilities, and supporting small commercial and industrial activities that rely on energy. It will also alleviate the financial burden on citizens who are forced to resort to expensive alternatives for generating electricity. Regionally and internationally, this support reflects the pivotal role the Kingdom plays in supporting the stability of Yemen and backing the legitimate government, not only militarily and politically, but also through development and humanitarian aid aimed at building a sustainable future. It also aligns with international efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and support the foundations of the Yemeni state.
Continuity of the Saudi approach to supporting Yemen
This support is not an isolated event, but rather an extension of the Kingdom's long-standing approach to supporting the brotherly Yemeni people. The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen has provided a series of oil derivative grants over the past years, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. These include a $180 million grant in 2018, a $422 million grant in 2021, and a $200 million grant in 2022. These grants have contributed to the operation of more than 70 power plants, positively impacting the daily lives of citizens and enhancing the efficiency of government institutions. In addition to the energy sector, the program has implemented 287 development projects and initiatives across eight other vital sectors, including health, education, water, transportation, agriculture, and capacity building for government institutions, all aimed at achieving sustainable development and stability throughout Yemen.
