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 Redirects Aircraft to Alternative Airports

This image released by Bahrain's Interior Ministry shows firefighters extinguishing flames after an Iranian projectile struck an industrial area in Ma'ameer, Bahrain, Monday, March 9, 2026. (Bahrain Interior Ministry via AP)
This image released by Bahrain's Interior Ministry shows firefighters extinguishing flames after an Iranian projectile struck an industrial area in Ma'ameer, Bahrain, Monday, March 9, 2026. (Bahrain Interior Ministry via AP)
TT

Bahrain Redirects Aircraft to Alternative Airports

This image released by Bahrain's Interior Ministry shows firefighters extinguishing flames after an Iranian projectile struck an industrial area in Ma'ameer, Bahrain, Monday, March 9, 2026. (Bahrain Interior Ministry via AP)
This image released by Bahrain's Interior Ministry shows firefighters extinguishing flames after an Iranian projectile struck an industrial area in Ma'ameer, Bahrain, Monday, March 9, 2026. (Bahrain Interior Ministry via AP)

Bahrain's Civil Aviation Affairs said on Wednesday it had coordinated the successful transfer ⁠of aircraft from Bahrain ⁠International Airport to ⁠alternative airports.

The authority said the repositioning was carried out to enhance operational readiness.

Bahrain has been targeted by Iranian drones and missiles, which have killed two people in the country, according to authorities.

In one recent incident, an Iranian drone attack on Bahrain damaged a water desalination plant.


Drones Hit Near Dubai Airport, Wounding 4 People

An alert issued by the United Arab Emirates' Interior Ministry, warning of potential missile threats and instructing to seek shelter, is displayed on a mobile phone, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2026. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky
An alert issued by the United Arab Emirates' Interior Ministry, warning of potential missile threats and instructing to seek shelter, is displayed on a mobile phone, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2026. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky
TT

Drones Hit Near Dubai Airport, Wounding 4 People

An alert issued by the United Arab Emirates' Interior Ministry, warning of potential missile threats and instructing to seek shelter, is displayed on a mobile phone, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2026. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky
An alert issued by the United Arab Emirates' Interior Ministry, warning of potential missile threats and instructing to seek shelter, is displayed on a mobile phone, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2026. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky

Two Iranian drones hit near Dubai International Airport on Wednesday, wounding four people though flights continue, authorities said.

The Dubai Media Office said the attack caused “minor injuries to two Ghanaian nationals and one Bangladeshi national, and moderate injuries to one Indian national.”

It said flights continued.


Saudi Defenses Destroy 7 Ballistic Missiles, 22 Drones

Official spokesman of the Saudi Defense Ministry Turki al-Malki. (SPA)
Official spokesman of the Saudi Defense Ministry Turki al-Malki. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Defenses Destroy 7 Ballistic Missiles, 22 Drones

Official spokesman of the Saudi Defense Ministry Turki al-Malki. (SPA)
Official spokesman of the Saudi Defense Ministry Turki al-Malki. (SPA)

Official spokesman of the Saudi Defense Ministry Turki al-Malki announced on Wednesday that the Kingdom intercepted and destroyed six ballistic missiles that were fired at the Prince Sultan Air Base in the al-Kharj region, 80 kms southeast of Riyadh.

They downed another missile that was fired at the Eastern Region.

Al-Malki added that eight drones were destroyed in the Eastern Region, seven in the Empty Quarter that were fired at the Shaybah oil field, five east of al-Kharj and two in the Hafar al-Batin region in the Kingdom’s northeast.

The Saudi government had on Tuesday underscored the Kingdom’s full right to take measures that ensure its security, sovereignty and safety of its territories, as well as its right to repel attacks.

It hailed the air defense for intercepting and destroying hostile rockets and drones that were fired at the Kingdom.