Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen Completes 91 Km of Al Abr Road Expansion

Vehicles travel on the Al Abr Road that serves as a crucial link between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Vehicles travel on the Al Abr Road that serves as a crucial link between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen Completes 91 Km of Al Abr Road Expansion

Vehicles travel on the Al Abr Road that serves as a crucial link between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Vehicles travel on the Al Abr Road that serves as a crucial link between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) has completed the second phase of Al Abr Road expansion and rehabilitation project, extending 40 kilometers from Al-Duwaibi to Ghuwariban, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday.

The first phase, covering 50 kilometers from Al-Duwaibi to Al Abr in Hadhramaut, was completed in May 2024, bringing the total completed length to 91 kilometers.

Al Abr Road is a vital part of Yemen's transportation network. It is an important route connecting three major governorates - Marib, Hadhramaut, and Shabwa - and serves as a crucial link between Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

The expansion and rehabilitation project is a significant contributor to bolstering economic and social development in Yemen, improving access to regional and international markets, and facilitating the movement of people and goods between the Kingdom and Yemen.

In a step reflecting the integration of development projects and initiatives offered through SDRPY to support the transportation sector, the program is also working on the rehabilitation of Al-Wadiah Border Crossing, one of the most important land crossings.

These two projects contribute to stimulating commercial and investment activity both through the crossing and in the surrounding areas along Al Abr Road. This underscores the program's vital role in supporting infrastructure, boosting economic activity, creating job opportunities, boosting trade between the two countries, and contributing to sustainable development in Yemen.

The Al-Wadiah Border Crossing rehabilitation project includes the construction of new buildings and the rehabilitation of existing ones, as well as infrastructure improvements such as roads, open spaces, site enhancements, surveillance systems, and strengthened water and power sources at the crossing.

The improvements aim to boost services for travelers and strengthen economic and trade relations between the two peoples.

SDRPY provides support to the transportation sector in Yemen through 31 comprehensive development projects and initiatives. These include the rehabilitation of airports, increasing the capacity of ports, and improving the efficiency of border crossings.

The program also includes the rehabilitation of approximately 150 kilometers of vital roads across various Yemeni governorates, which represent a significant contribution to the country's economy.



Bahrain Says Repelled Iranian Attacks

Smoke rises after a drone was intercepted during early morning hours in Manama, Bahrain, July 14, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
Smoke rises after a drone was intercepted during early morning hours in Manama, Bahrain, July 14, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
TT

Bahrain Says Repelled Iranian Attacks

Smoke rises after a drone was intercepted during early morning hours in Manama, Bahrain, July 14, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
Smoke rises after a drone was intercepted during early morning hours in Manama, Bahrain, July 14, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer

Bahrain’s army said Saturday that its air defenses repelled a wave of Iranian attacks.

"Air defense systems thwarted" the strikes, the army said in a statement, adding that they "intercepted and destroyed a number of treacherous Iranian aerial assaults.”

Bahrain's interior ministry said air-raid sirens had sounded five times since dawn, urging residents to take shelter.


Kuwait Says Iran Hit Second Power and Water Plant, Flights Rescheduled

FILE PHOTO: A drone view shows Kuwait City, in the aftermath of strikes by Israel and the US on Iran, in Kuwait, February 28, 2026. REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A drone view shows Kuwait City, in the aftermath of strikes by Israel and the US on Iran, in Kuwait, February 28, 2026. REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee/File Photo
TT

Kuwait Says Iran Hit Second Power and Water Plant, Flights Rescheduled

FILE PHOTO: A drone view shows Kuwait City, in the aftermath of strikes by Israel and the US on Iran, in Kuwait, February 28, 2026. REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A drone view shows Kuwait City, in the aftermath of strikes by Israel and the US on Iran, in Kuwait, February 28, 2026. REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee/File Photo

Kuwait on Saturday said Iran struck another of its power and water plants, leading to several power generation units being deactivated, a day after a similar attack.

"Another electricity and water distillation plant was targeted by a hostile attack that led to a fire erupting in one of the plant's components," Kuwait's ministry of electricity and water said in a statement.

It is the second attack on a power and water plant in as many days, with the first on Friday causing a fire and damage at the facility.

Kuwait's fire service said attacks by Iran on Saturday sparked blazes at two locations, with several firemen and a worker injured.

The country's national carrier said most of its flights were being rescheduled as air traffic had been temporarily suspended at Kuwait International Airport due to rocket and drone attacks.


Saudi Arabia Welcomes Jordan’s Initiative for Commercial Flights Between Amman, Sanaa

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Saudi Arabia Welcomes Jordan’s Initiative for Commercial Flights Between Amman, Sanaa

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs logo (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates' initiative to operate regular commercial flights between Amman and Sanaa to facilitate civilian movement and address the humanitarian needs of the Yemeni people.

Commending the Yemeni government's approval of the measure as a positive step toward serving the Yemeni people and alleviating humanitarian suffering, the Saudi ministry urged the Houthis to engage positively with the initiative and cease escalatory practices that exacerbate the country's crisis.

The ministry reiterated its unwavering support for all efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in Yemen, preserving its sovereignty, and fulfilling the aspirations of its people.

The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates had announced that Royal Jordanian Airlines would implement an initiative to operate regular flights from Amman to Sanaa, noting that work would proceed to complete the technical and logistical procedures for this.

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry affirmed that the initiative comes in support of Saudi Arabia's efforts to back the peace process in Yemen, and in implementation of previous understandings regarding the operation of commercial flights between Jordan and Yemen.