Introduction: A new step towards empowering Yemeni youth
In a move reflecting its ongoing commitment to supporting the Yemeni people, the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) a joint cooperation agreement with the Yemeni Ministry of Youth and Sports. This strategic agreement aims to enhance collaboration in supporting Yemeni sports , comprehensively developing the sports sector, improving the efficiency of sports facilities, and developing the capabilities of Yemeni youth, thus directly contributing to the improvement of sports infrastructure across various Yemeni governorates.
Historical context: Sport as an outlet amidst challenges
Yemen’s infrastructure, including sports facilities, has suffered widespread destruction and significant decline in recent years due to successive crises and the exceptional circumstances the country has faced. In this context, the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen was established in 2018 as a comprehensive response to rebuild vital sectors. The importance of this agreement stems from the fact that sports represent a vital outlet for young people, an effective means of steering them away from conflict, and a way to build a healthy generation capable of contributing to the development of their society, thus reflecting a positive local and regional impact that promotes stability and social peace.
Details of the agreement signing and prominent figures
The agreement was signed in a ceremony attended by prominent figures, including Yemeni Minister of Youth and Sports Naif Saleh Al-Bakri and Assistant General Supervisor of the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, Engineer Hassan Al-Attas. Also present were Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Dr. Afrah Al-Zuba and, via video conference, Hani Mansi, Director General of Partnerships and Agreements at the Saudi Ministry of Sports. Minister Al-Bakri praised the ongoing support provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that this support includes sponsoring tournaments and sporting activities, such as the Governorates Volleyball Championship held in Aden at the Ali Asaad Muthanna Sports Hall.
Expected impact and development of sports facilities
Dr. Afrah Al-Zuba emphasized that this support has multiple positive dimensions that contribute to improving lives and supporting the Yemeni government. The agreement includes providing technical and advisory support for the sustainability of sports facilities and organizing tournaments in various sports. Among the program's most prominent achievements in this regard is the construction of sports fields that meet FIFA standards, such as those at Al-Jazira, Al-Rawda, and Al-Minaa clubs in Aden Governorate. The initiatives also included the construction of more than 30 sports fields in model schools across various governorates, providing an excellent sporting environment for discovering talent.
Extensive sports activity and comprehensive development efforts
Engineer Hassan Al-Attas explained that Yemeni governorates are currently witnessing a continuous surge in sporting activity thanks to these initiatives, with tournaments being held in Aden, Marib, Hadramawt, and Socotra, with broad participation from clubs and youth. The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen's role is not limited to sports alone, but extends to include massive development efforts. To date, the program has delivered 268 development projects and initiatives across eight key and vital sectors: education, health, water, energy, transportation, agriculture and fisheries, capacity building and support for the Yemeni government, and development programs, thus laying the foundation for a brighter future for generations to come.
