$12 Billion and 264 Projects: Saudi Arabia Reinforces Commitment to Yemen's Development and Stability

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues its sustained efforts to bolster development and stability in Yemen, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the nation's welfare. This commitment is underscored by the 2018 royal decree, issued by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, establishing the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY).
 This strategic initiative aims to provide comprehensive economic and developmental support, focusing on infrastructure enhancement and the delivery of essential services to the Yemeni populace. SDRPY operates in collaboration with the Yemeni government, local authorities, and civil society organizations, seeking to generate employment opportunities and foster sustainable growth.
 The Kingdom's dedication to peace, stability, and development in Yemen is consistently articulated across various platforms. Saudi Arabia has maintained its position as a principal supporter of Yemen's economic, relief, and developmental sectors for decades. Notably, the Kingdom has extended direct economic assistance to reinforce the Central Bank of Yemen's policies. Between 2012 and 2023, financial grants totaling approximately $12 billion were allocated by Saudi Arabia to support Yemen's budget and facilitate salary disbursements. Furthermore, the provision of oil derivatives grants alleviated government expenditure, while deposits bolstered foreign exchange reserves, contributing to the stabilization of the Yemeni riyal's exchange rate. A suite of strategic projects and initiatives has also been implemented to encourage economic reforms.
 SDRPY has facilitated the execution of 264 development projects and initiatives across eight critical sectors: education, health, water, energy, transportation, agriculture and fisheries, capacity building for the Yemeni government, and broader development programs. These interventions, conducted in partnership with the Yemeni government, the private sector, civil society organizations, and development partners, have yielded tangible results across Yemeni governorates.
 These initiatives have facilitated intercity and rural connectivity, expanded educational access at all levels, enabled universities and technical institutes to fulfill their educational mandates, delivered efficient healthcare and preventative services, stimulated sustainable agricultural production using renewable energy, empowered women and youth economically, promoted community engagement, and strengthened climate resilience.
 The program collaborates with over 40 local, Yemeni, regional, and international partners, reflecting confidence in the Kingdom's role and the efficacy of its efforts in Yemen's development and reconstruction. The Kingdom urges international organizations to actively participate in supporting development initiatives and to foster sustained collaboration with development partners in Yemen, under the leadership of the Yemeni government.
 Through SDRPY projects, the Kingdom has significantly contributed to the construction, equipping, rehabilitation, and operationalization of hospitals and medical centers, as well as the capacity building of medical personnel. Key projects include the King Salman Medical and Educational City in AlMahrah Governorate, a comprehensive facility encompassing one million square meters, featuring a 110-bed hospital, outpatient clinics, and operating rooms. Additionally, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital in Aden, a 20,000-square-meter facility with 270 beds, 14 specialized clinics, and a heart center, has provided over 2.4 million medical services, including 14,000 surgical procedures, 5,500 cardiac interventions, and 550,000 prescriptions.
 Recent initiatives include the Specialized Oncology Center in Taiz Governorate, designed to enhance the efficiency of healthcare services in the region. The Hadhramout University Hospital and Cancer Treatment Center project, spanning 39,625 square meters, provides 100 beds, 23 outpatient clinics, three operating rooms, and a 3,525-square-meter cancer treatment center.
 To further bolster healthcare accessibility, SDRPY is constructing and equipping the Sabah Hospital in Abyan Governorate, featuring obstetrics and gynecology departments, maternal and child care units, inpatient and operating rooms, and emergency facilities. The program is also actively engaged in preventative healthcare initiatives, having provided medical services to over four million beneficiaries and supporting 26 medical facilities across nine Yemeni governorates.
 In the education sector, SDRPY is implementing 58 development projects and initiatives across 11 governorates, encompassing general and higher education, as well as technical and vocational training. These projects include the establishment and equipping of more than 30 model schools, school transportation initiatives, university development, and the construction of colleges and institutes.
 Notable projects include the equipping of 28 laboratories within the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Aden, focusing on pharmacology, biotechnology, and chemistry. This initiative aims to elevate educational and research standards in the medical sciences. SDRPY is also establishing and equipping the forensic investigation laboratory at the College of Law, the first of its kind in Yemen.
 Furthermore, SDRPY is developing and equipping the faculties of medicine, pharmacy, and nursing at Taiz University, enhancing specialized scientific capabilities and addressing the shortage of medical personnel. The program is also expanding the University of Saba Region in Ma'rib Governorate, including the construction of a 16-classroom building and an administrative office building. These efforts aim to increase higher education efficiency and expand learning opportunities.
 SDRPY projects prioritize inclusivity, with initiatives such as the rehabilitation center for children with disabilities in Aden Governorate, serving 7,840 direct and indirect beneficiaries. This demonstrates the program's commitment to comprehensive and sustainable development.
 To enhance transportation infrastructure, SDRPY has supported the sector with over 30 projects and initiatives, benefiting more than 14 million beneficiaries. These projects have improved port efficiency, supported safe travel, enhanced vital roads, and upgraded border crossings. SDRPY has also supported five Yemeni airports, including the rehabilitation of Aden International Airport, increasing its capacity to one million passengers annually.
 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains committed to supporting the Yemeni government’s efforts to serve the Yemeni people and promote stability and development in the nation.