Latest news with #SaudiDevelopment
Arab News
30-06-2025
- General
- Arab News
Saudi-led initiative restores Yemen's iconic Seiyun Palace
RIYADH: After years of deterioration that threatened its survival as a historical and cultural symbol, Seiyun Palace in Hadramout, eastern Yemen, is regaining its original form through restoration led by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen. Seiyun Palace was once featured on Yemen's national currency due to its importance, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Originally built as a fortified stronghold to protect Seiyun, the palace later became the residence of the sultans of the Kathiri state, who ruled Wadi Hadramout. Despite its significance, the palace suffered damage over time, reaching a critical point in 2022 when a large part of its outer wall collapsed, raising concerns about its future. This led to calls for restoration, according to the SPA. At the Yemeni government's request, the Saudi development program launched a project to restore the palace. Funded by the program and implemented by UNESCO, the effort involved Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture and Yemen's General Organization of Antiquities and Museums, with support from Yemen's Social Fund for Development. Restoration included repairing the outer wall and mudbrick structures. Attention was given to restoring wooden ceilings, carved doors, and windows that showcase Yemeni craftsmanship. The project also preserved the palace's architectural features, including traditional decorations and wall inscriptions. Local engineers and technicians were trained in restoration techniques for ongoing maintenance. This project supports development in Hadramout and the preservation of Yemen's heritage. The palace can now receive visitors and host events, enhancing its role as a cultural and tourism site, the SPA reported. The Seiyun Palace restoration is one of 264 projects by the Saudi development program across Yemen, covering education, health, transportation, energy, water, agriculture, fisheries, and institutional capacity building.
Asharq Al-Awsat
26-05-2025
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
SDRPY Provides Comprehensive Educational Support across Yemeni Governorates
In line with Saudi Arabia's commitment to Yemen's development and stability, the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) has launched pioneering development projects and initiatives that have significantly improved the quality of education across various Yemeni governorates, SPA reported. This support reflects the Kingdom's dedication to building a sustainable and inclusive educational future that contributes to Yemen's advancement and prosperity. The program's efforts span general and higher education, as well as technical and vocational training, through the implementation of 56 educational projects and initiatives across 11 Yemeni governorates: Aden, Taiz, Marib, Hadhramout, Shabwah, Socotra, Al Mahrah, Lahij, Abyan, Hajjah, and Al Dhale. To ensure continuity and access to education, the program has provided school and university transportation services through designated buses that transport students from their homes to educational institutions and back. This initiative has improved school attendance and eased the burden on families, particularly in remote areas facing challenging conditions. These educational projects and initiatives are part of a broader effort comprising 264 development projects and initiatives across various sectors in Yemen, including education, health, water, energy, transportation, agriculture and fisheries, institutional capacity building, and integrated development programs.
Arab News
21-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia launches BAE Systems Arabian Industries to boost local manufacturing
JEDDAH: Defense manufacturing is set to advance in Saudi Arabia with the launch of BAE Systems Arabian Industries, a new entity aimed at accelerating localization and strengthening the Kingdom's military industrial base. The company results from the merger of two major players in the defense ecosystem — BAE Systems Saudi Development and Training, which focuses on capability building, and the Saudi Maintenance and Supply Chain Management Co., a provider of supply chain and technical services, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The move marks further progress in the Kingdom's push to expand its defense capabilities, with localization of military spending rising to 19.35 percent in 2024, up from just 4 percent in 2018. The Kingdom aims to surpass 50 percent by 2030, in line with Vision 2030's goal of a self-sufficient defense sector. Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali, governor of the General Authority for Military Industries, inaugurated BAE Systems Arabian Industries at an official ceremony held at the company's new headquarters in Riyadh, attended by several officials and defense industry leaders. In a post on his X handle, the governor said: 'This will enhance local content and open up broad horizons for national and international companies to contribute to building a solid and sustainable military-industrial system, with the goal of enhancing local content in terms of human and technical cadres.' The merger was finalized nearly four months ago to consolidate operational strengths and leverage over three decades of experience in defense training, capability development, and logistics. 'He pointed out that the integration of national and global expertise within this unified entity reflects the confidence of major companies in the attractive investment environment provided by the authority in cooperation with its partners in both the public and private sectors,' the SPA report stated. Al-Ohali noted that the initiative would play a key role in transferring knowledge and building national expertise, supporting the Kingdom's goal of localizing over 50 percent of military spending by 2030. He reaffirmed the authority's support for initiatives that boost local content and create opportunities for both national and international companies to help build a strong and sustainable military-industrial sector. In a LinkedIn post, Abdulatif Al-Shaikh, the new company's CEO said: 'We are guided by a clear vision to be the leading Saudi company in the defense sector by supporting and developing capabilities within the Kingdom and across the region, in alignment with Vision 2030.' In another development, Saudi Arabia recently completed production of its first locally manufactured components for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD system launcher in Jeddah. This follows localization agreements signed during the 2024 World Defense Show and reflects increasing technical collaboration with global defense firms such as Lockheed Martin.
