Saudi SDRPY Initiatives Drive Yemen's Development And Stability Across Sectors

Saudi Arabia has been running a wide programme to back Yemen’s development and stability through the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen, known as SDRPY. Since mid-2018, this programme has delivered hundreds of projects that aim to improve basic services, rebuild infrastructure, and support state institutions, while also focusing on long-term sustainability and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

SDRPY works across multiple Yemeni governorates to support government efforts in restoring stability, improving living conditions, and strengthening economic and social resilience. Its projects target essential needs such as health care, education, transport, water, energy, agriculture, fisheries, and institutional capacity, while encouraging community participation and working closely with local authorities and partners at regional and international levels.

Saudi Arabia’s support for Yemen stretches back to the 1970s, when the Kingdom began providing development and humanitarian assistance across many sectors. SDRPY was created by a royal decree from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in mid-2018 to build on this long-standing backing and to organise efforts under a clear development strategy.

The programme’s vision focuses on applying recognised global practices in reconstruction and development to raise planning quality, improve implementation, and secure durable results. It is designed to complement earlier Saudi initiatives in Yemen, while improving the efficiency and effectiveness of support through partnerships with local institutions, regional bodies, and international organisations to help Yemen move towards peace, recovery, and sustainable growth.

Since its launch, SDRPY has implemented 268 development projects and initiatives that span eight priority sectors: education, health, water, energy, transportation, agriculture and fisheries, government capacity-building, and wider development programmes. These projects cover 16 Yemeni governorates, reflecting a broad geographical reach that seeks to address urgent humanitarian needs while also supporting medium and long-term reconstruction plans.

Health-sector projects have played a major role in strengthening services and facilities, with initiatives benefiting around 4 million people across different regions. One of the largest schemes is the King Salman Medical and Educational City in Al-Mahra, built on an area of one million square metres and including a fully integrated hospital with a capacity of 110 beds to serve patients and support training.

Saudi Arabia SDRPY development of Yemen’s health, education and infrastructure

Another key health project is Prince Mohammed bin Salman Hospital in Aden, which has 270 beds. The hospital has provided more than 3 million medical services since opening, and also houses specialist centres for cardiac care, dialysis, and maternal and child health, helping to expand access to advanced treatment and relieve pressure on other facilities across the region.

In the education sector, SDRPY has supported projects in 11 governorates, including Taiz, Aden, Socotra, Al-Mahra, Marib, Hadhramaut, Hajjah, Lahj, Abyan, Shabwah, and Al-Dhalea. These initiatives cover general and higher education, along with technical and vocational training, aiming to improve learning environments and expand opportunities for students and trainees across Yemen.

Education-related work includes a development package for the University of Aden and the construction and equipping of colleges of medicine, pharmacy, and nursing at Taiz University. SDRPY has also backed the expansion of the University of Saba Region in Marib, which is intended to increase capacity for higher education and help prepare qualified graduates to support Yemen’s future recovery and labour market.

Saudi Arabia SDRPY development of Yemen’s water, transport and livelihoods

Water projects under SDRPY have aimed to strengthen water security and improve distribution and management systems. The programme has achieved full coverage of water needs in Al Ghaydah, 50% coverage in Socotra, and 10% coverage in Aden. These efforts support public health, reduce pressure on communities, and complement other infrastructure improvements under way in the targeted governorates.

Transport initiatives have benefited about 14 million people by improving movement of people and goods by land, sea, and air. SDRPY has rehabilitated 150 kilometres of roads, including the Al Abr Road, upgraded border crossings such as Al-Wadiah, restored airports including Aden International Airport and Al Ghaydah International Airport, and expanded capacity at ports like Nashtoon and Socotra to support trade and daily travel.

Beyond core infrastructure, SDRPY has introduced initiatives to support livelihoods, strengthen rural resilience, and expand economic opportunities for women and youth. The programme also works to revive and conserve heritage sites, restore historic buildings, and build skills in the cultural sector, linking cultural preservation with broader development goals and community engagement across different areas of Yemen.

Among the cultural and heritage projects, SDRPY has taken on the restoration of the historic Seiyun Palace. The aim is to preserve the building as an important landmark and cultural centre while also enhancing the capacity of relevant government institutions in Yemen, which is seen as a significant step for promoting stability and encouraging economic activity linked to culture and tourism.

Sustainability principles are integrated across SDRPY interventions, including support for renewable energy technologies, efforts to build the skills of Yemeni professionals in several sectors, and active community participation to connect development work with peacebuilding. The programme operates in coordination with Yemen’s government and local authorities, and in partnership with civil society organisations, UN and international agencies, the private sector, and other partners, with five executive offices in Yemen overseeing activities on the ground.

Overall, Saudi Arabia’s efforts through SDRPY are structured to meet basic needs, support critical infrastructure, and empower local communities throughout 16 governorates. By combining humanitarian and development support, and by working through a network of partnerships, the programme has become a practical model for assisting Yemen’s path towards stability, reconstruction, and sustainable development.

With inputs from SPA