Saudi Arabia supports Yemen with 1.9 billion riyals: Details of development projects

Extending the deep-rooted fraternal ties and in support of the development path in the Republic of Yemen, and in implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister - may God protect them - the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen announced the launch of a wide package of vital development projects and initiatives with a total value of 1.9 billion Saudi riyals.

This strategic step comes as a confirmation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment to supporting the brotherly Yemeni people in all circumstances. This generous support aims to improve infrastructure, raise the efficiency of basic services, and enhance job opportunities, which directly contributes to achieving economic and social stability in the liberated Yemeni governorates.

The context of Saudi support and its strategic importance

The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) is the Kingdom's development arm in Yemen, focusing its strategy on transitioning from urgent humanitarian relief to sustainable development. This new package is of paramount importance as it covers vital sectors that directly impact the daily lives of Yemeni citizens, such as health, education, water, energy, and transportation. This support comes at a crucial time to strengthen the capacities of Yemeni government institutions and improve the level of services provided to citizens, reflecting the Saudi leadership's commitment to Yemen's unity, stability, and development.

Details of development projects in Yemeni governorates

The new projects are geographically distributed to include most Yemeni governorates, and are sectorally diverse to meet urgent needs. The following are details of the projects by governorate:

Aden Governorate

• Ensuring the sustainability of health services by continuing to operate Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Hospital for an additional 3 years.
• Enhancing water security by establishing the first desalination plant of its kind in Yemen.
• Developing the air transport sector by starting the second and third phases of the Aden International Airport rehabilitation project.
• Improving road infrastructure by creating, expanding and upgrading the marine road and its associated intersections.

Hadhramaut Governorate

• Supporting the health and academic sectors by establishing Hadramout University Hospital.
• Facilitating movement and trade by rehabilitating and upgrading the vital Al-Abr - Seiyun road.
• Strengthening higher education by supporting Hadramout and Seiyun universities to establish colleges for computer science and information technology.
• Supporting the agricultural sector through the Agricultural Veterinary Technical Institute Development Project.

Socotra Governorate

• Improving the efficiency of medical services through the operation of Socotra Hospital.
• Supporting the education sector by establishing the Technical Institute and the College of Education.
• The establishment of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Mosque to serve the local people.

Shabwa Governorate

• Shabwa Hospital is operational to serve the residents of the governorate.
• Supporting public education by constructing and equipping modern model schools.
• Supporting the local economy through the agricultural value chain enhancement program.

Taiz Governorate

• Enhancing rural health by establishing and equipping the Al Ain Rural Hospital.
• Solving the energy crisis by building a 30-megawatt power plant.
• The vital Al-Mukha Hospital continues to operate.

Al Dhale' Governorate

• Establishing and equipping the Al-Dhali' Rural Hospital.
• Building model schools and training programs to enhance teachers' capabilities.
• Implementing a program to improve the livelihoods of productive families.

Al Mahrah Governorate

• The operation of King Salman Medical and Educational City for 3 years represents a qualitative leap in health and educational services.
• Establishing a College of Applied and Health Sciences within the Medical City.

Abyan Governorate

• Establishing and equipping a swimming hospital.
• Construction and equipping of model schools to serve students.

Marib Governorate

• Implementation of the third phase of the Al-Abir strategic road expansion and rehabilitation project.
• Supporting girls' education by establishing and equipping an educational complex for girls.

Lahj Governorate

• Establishing a Maternity and Child Health Center and a Maternity Emergency Center.
• Building model schools and an initiative to restore access and learning opportunities for children.

The economic impact of the oil derivatives grant

In addition to construction projects, the package includes direct support for the energy sector through a grant of petroleum derivatives, aimed at operating power generation plants. This support not only provides electricity to homes but also improves power reliability in hospitals, schools, airports, and ports, as well as stimulating industrial and commercial activity, thus contributing to easing the burden on the Yemeni government's budget and stabilizing the local currency.