The Yemeni Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, Technical Education, and Vocational Training, Dr. Khaled Al-Wasabi, affirmed that the King Salman Medical and Educational City project in Al-Mahra Governorate is one of the greatest developmental and strategic projects the Republic of Yemen has witnessed in its modern history. The minister's remarks came during an interview with the newspaper Okaz, in which he praised the pivotal role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in supporting the stability and development of Yemen.

Al-Wasabi explained that this massive project, funded and supervised by the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, is not merely a traditional medical facility, but a comprehensive educational and medical complex that will bring about a qualitative leap in the level of health and academic services in the country. He pointed out that the city will include a state-of-the-art university hospital and medical colleges affiliated with Al-Mahra University, which will contribute to graduating qualified Yemeni professionals capable of bridging the gap in the health sector.

The development context and the Saudi role in the reconstruction of Yemen

This project comes within the framework of ongoing efforts by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY), which aims to improve infrastructure deteriorated by years of conflict. Al-Mahra Governorate, where this project is located, is a relatively secure and strategically important location, making it a fertile ground for establishing sustainable projects that serve not only the residents of the governorate, but also neighboring governorates and all Yemenis.

Historically, the Kingdom has been a primary supporter of Yemen in various crises, with its projects extending beyond urgent relief aid to encompass sustainable development. The health and education sectors are among the most severely affected in Yemen, with international reports indicating that a significant percentage of health facilities are out of service, thus underscoring the vital importance of King Salman Medical City as a new lifeline for the Yemeni people.

Strategic importance and expected impact

This project is expected to have far-reaching positive impacts at both the local and regional levels. Locally, the medical city will provide advanced treatment services that previously required Yemeni patients to travel abroad at considerable expense, thus alleviating the financial and physical burden on Yemeni citizens. The project will also create hundreds of direct and indirect job opportunities for young Yemenis, both during the construction and operational phases.

On the educational front, linking the medical city to Al-Mahra University will enhance scientific research capabilities in Yemen and provide a practical training environment for medical students, thus ensuring the sustainability of future healthcare services through national expertise. This project underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to a comprehensive development vision aimed at rebuilding Yemeni institutions and enabling them to resume their role in serving society.