The Saudi Program for the Reconstruction of Yemen: 268 projects and a comprehensive development vision

Assistant General Supervisor for Institutional Relations and Head of the Communication and International Cooperation Sector at the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen that the program represents a fundamental pillar in the Saudi vision towards Yemen, as it stems from a firm conviction that development is the most effective tool for achieving stability and sustainable peace, thus transcending the concept of temporary humanitarian response.

This came during his participation in a dialogue session entitled “Transformations of the Yemeni Scene: Politics, Security and Opportunities for Stability,” as part of the activities of the Saudi Media Forum held in the capital, Riyadh, where he highlighted the pivotal role that the program has played since its establishment in unifying Saudi development efforts directed towards Yemen, and ensuring the efficiency of planning and implementation in direct coordination with the legitimate Yemeni government.

Direct economic support and a continuous lifeline

In discussing the economic impact, Ibn Kadsa revealed figures reflecting the deep ties between the two countries, explaining that the Kingdom hosts approximately two million Yemeni residents whose annual remittances to Yemen amount to nearly $4 billion . These remittances are a vital source of support for the Yemeni economy and a lifeline for millions of families, directly contributing to supporting the local currency and stimulating economic activity.

He pointed to the Kingdom’s exceptional position as the only country that did not stop issuing work visas to Yemenis even in the darkest circumstances, whether during periods of intense conflict or during the global Corona pandemic crisis, based on the bonds of brotherhood, neighborliness and common destiny.

A paradigm shift: from relief to development

Ibn Kadsa explained that the program's strategy represents a unique experience regionally and internationally, as the first specialized program dedicated to providing direct development and economic support from one country to another. This approach focuses on transitioning from "immediate relief" to "sustainable development" through infrastructure and service projects that enhance opportunities for economic recovery and pave the way for a Yemeni-led stabilization phase.

This strategy gains its importance from the historical context of the Yemeni crisis, where the infrastructure was severely damaged, making there an urgent need for projects to restore basic services such as electricity, water and roads, which is what the program focused on to ensure the sustainability of the daily life of the Yemeni citizen.

International partnerships and 268 development projects

The program has successfully drawn the international community's attention to the importance of development as a tool for peace, with established institutions such as the World Bank Group (WBG) now guiding their projects in Yemen by adopting the program's strategies. Ibn Kadsa announced that the program has so far implemented 268 development projects and initiatives , covering multiple vital sectors.

• Education: Building schools and supporting universities and technical institutes.
• Health: Equipping hospitals and medical centers.
• Energy and water: Renewable energy projects and desalination plants.
• Transportation: Upgrading roads, ports and airports to facilitate trade.

He concluded by emphasizing that these projects are not only aimed at urban development, but also focus on human development through the economic empowerment of youth and women, and the promotion of community participation, thus creating an environment that rejects extremism and supports regional stability.