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Yemen, Saudi Arabia Deepen Infrastructure and Recovery Partnership

Yemeni Minister of Public Works and Roads Hussein Al-Aqrabi and Mohammed Al-Jaber, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Yemen (Saba)
Yemeni Minister of Public Works and Roads Hussein Al-Aqrabi and Mohammed Al-Jaber, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Yemen (Saba)
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Yemen, Saudi Arabia Deepen Infrastructure and Recovery Partnership

Yemeni Minister of Public Works and Roads Hussein Al-Aqrabi and Mohammed Al-Jaber, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Yemen (Saba)
Yemeni Minister of Public Works and Roads Hussein Al-Aqrabi and Mohammed Al-Jaber, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Yemen (Saba)

The internationally recognized government and the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) have signed a new memorandum of cooperation to overhaul road infrastructure and revive economic and trade sectors

The agreement, signed by Minister of Public Works and Roads Hussein Al-Aqrabi and Mohammed Al-Jaber, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Yemen and the general supervisor of the program, signals a move from emergency response to sustainable development, based on institutional capacity building and improved basic services.

In a statement, the Saudi program said the deal will secure sustainable road maintenance and operations while raising technical standards.

Planned measures include installing modern vehicle weighing stations to curb overloading, a leading cause of road damage, alongside technical and advisory support to rehabilitate and operate transport networks. The initiative will also bolster the Roads Maintenance Fund in coordination with relevant Saudi authorities.

Projects on the table include expanding and rehabilitating several key arteries, most notably the strategic Al-Abr Road and the Haijat Al-Abd Road, as well as other routes across multiple provinces.

The total stretch exceeds 200 kilometers, a scale expected to cut transport costs and ease the flow of trade between governorates.

The signing coincided with talks between Tariq Saleh, a member of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, and Al-Aqrabi on the ministry’s next-phase priorities.

The government’s vision places infrastructure at the heart of economic and social recovery.

Saleh underlined the ministry’s central role in establishing stability in liberated areas, describing the rehabilitation of international and inter-governorate roads as critical to easing public hardship and improving the movement of goods and supplies.

Al-Aqrabi outlined the ministry’s 2026 blueprint, focused on restoring strategic road networks and vital outlets, completing stalled projects, and improving the urban landscape to reinforce the state’s presence and strengthen public trust in government institutions.

Saleh also called for boosting the efficiency of the Roads Maintenance Fund and enforcing transparent standards in resource management and project execution, saying the current phase demands high-level performance to deliver tangible results, particularly amid Yemen’s economic and humanitarian strains.

Observers view the emphasis on transport infrastructure as a strategic calculation. Roads sit at the center of supply chains and directly affect the cost of goods and services, making their rehabilitation a practical gateway to stimulating the local economy and encouraging investment.

The development drive extends beyond transport. The same period saw expanded engagements between Yemeni officials and the Saudi program to deepen cooperation in health, education, energy, water, and agriculture.

In this context, Salem Al-Khanbashi, a member of the Presidential Leadership Council and governor of Hadhramaut, met Al-Jaber, with both sides reaffirming the depth of Yemeni-Saudi ties and commending sustained Saudi support on the military, humanitarian, and development fronts.

According to official Yemeni media, Al-Jaber said Riyadh remains committed to providing comprehensive political, economic, and developmental support to Yemen, with a focus on dialogue-based solutions that deliver security, stability, and sustainable development.

During a visit to the program’s headquarters in Riyadh, Al-Khanbashi reviewed projects implemented under a broad development framework spanning education, health, energy, transport, agriculture, and fisheries, as well as initiatives to improve basic services in Hadhramaut and other liberated provinces.

Program officials presented a detailed briefing on ongoing projects designed around citizens’ core needs, prioritizing infrastructure reinforcement and improved public service delivery to underpin social stability.

In the health sector, Yemen’s Minister of Public Health and Population, Qassem Buhaibeh, met a technical team from the Saudi program to discuss executive steps for establishing a Health Fund, described as a strategic mechanism to secure sustainable financing for medical services and upgrade care quality.

According to official sources, discussions covered the technical and procedural framework for launching the fund, including governance and transparency mechanisms to ensure resources are allocated in line with sector priorities and actual needs.

Buhaibeh said the Health Fund marks a decisive step toward stabilizing health facility finances, especially under mounting pressure on the healthcare system, praising Saudi backing that has supported infrastructure upgrades, medical equipment improvements, and human capacity development.

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Gulf

UN Security Council Condemns Attack on UAE Nuclear Plant

The Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
The Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
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UN Security Council Condemns Attack on UAE Nuclear Plant

The Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
The Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)

Russia joined other UN Security Council members on Tuesday to condemn the drone strike on the UAE's Barakah nuclear power plant, which Abu Dhabi said originated from Iraq where pro-Iranian proxies are active.

The unclaimed drone struck an electrical generator on Sunday near the Arab world's first nuclear power plant in Barakah in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, triggering a fire but causing no injuries nor radiation leak.

"Attacks targeting peaceful nuclear facilities in any country of the world...are categorically unacceptable," said Russia's ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzya.

"Against this backdrop, our country categorically condemns the actions of those who carried out the strike targeting the plant on the territory of the UAE, thereby generating risks of escalation," he continued without naming any party.

"We trust that all stakeholders will do everything necessary to avoid a recurrence of such a dangerous incident," he added, noting that the strike likely would not have happened without the US-Israeli operation against Iran, Moscow's long-standing ally.

Abu Dhabi said Tuesday that the drones came from Iraq, where Iran-backed groups have been carrying out attacks against Gulf nations since the Middle East war erupted.

From China to the United States, the other members of the Security Council also condemned the strikes, which have not been claimed by any group.

"What sane nation, either directly or indirectly through proxies, sends drone attacks into an active and ongoing nuclear power plant?" asked US ambassador Mike Waltz, denouncing "outrageous and unacceptable attacks."

"What is the world left to believe? That if Iran...can't achieve a nuclear weapon -- and it can't use it as it has threatened over and over again on its neighbors -- that it's now going to find a clever and dangerous way to weaponize a nuclear power plant?

"I struggle to come to any other conclusion," he said.

Gulf

Saudi Arabia Expands Use of AI to Serve Hajj Pilgrims

The Smart Makkah Operations Center is one of the operational and technical pillars supporting SDAIA’s work during Hajj (SPA)
The Smart Makkah Operations Center is one of the operational and technical pillars supporting SDAIA’s work during Hajj (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Expands Use of AI to Serve Hajj Pilgrims

The Smart Makkah Operations Center is one of the operational and technical pillars supporting SDAIA’s work during Hajj (SPA)
The Smart Makkah Operations Center is one of the operational and technical pillars supporting SDAIA’s work during Hajj (SPA)

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, known as SDAIA, has expanded the technological transformation Saudi Arabia is driving during the Hajj season, rolling out programs designed to boost operational efficiency and strengthen coordination among government agencies in one of the world’s largest annual logistical operations.

The aim is to deliver faster and better services to pilgrims.

SDAIA’s work included operating and supporting 75 sites in the holy sites and 14 sorting sites and security control centers by providing technical systems and services. It also supported Hajj operations at air, land and sea ports across the Kingdom in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, while running technical systems and platforms in the holy sites.

Makkah Route

Dr. Majid AlShehry, official spokesman for SDAIA, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the authority had continued to support the Ministry of Interior’s Makkah Route initiative, now in its eighth year and implemented with several government agencies.

He said SDAIA provided advanced technical services in 10 countries through 17 international ports, equipping the initiative’s halls with the latest digital solutions powered by data and artificial intelligence. The services helped pilgrims complete procedures at airports in their home countries before arriving in Saudi Arabia.

Mobile device

AlShehry said SDAIA, in partnership with the Ministry of Interior, had developed a mobile device this year supported by data and AI technologies to help authorities complete pilgrims’ procedures automatically and flexibly, particularly for the elderly and people with disabilities.

The device verifies travel documents and visas with high accuracy, ensuring a smoother and safer experience from departure. It can capture biometrics, take a facial image and read a pilgrim’s passport data in no more than 40 seconds, helping improve performance and ease the Hajj journey this year, 1447 AH.

SDAIA also supported Hajj operations at air, land and sea ports across the Kingdom in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, while running technical systems and platforms in the holy sites and supporting sorting sites and security control centers, AlShehry said.

He said the work strengthens technical integration with relevant government agencies, speeds up procedures, supports business continuity and improves operational efficiency during the season.

SDAIA has reinforced its technical capabilities at the Kingdom’s air, land and sea ports with specialized teams working around the clock to ensure the continuity of technical services and primary and backup communication networks, maintaining uninterrupted operational readiness.

It provided technical services at several key ports, including King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Taif Airport, Jeddah Islamic Port, the Empty Quarter crossing, Al Batha, Salwa, Al Ruqi, King Fahd Causeway, Halat Ammar, Neom Port, Jadidat Arar, Al Haditha and Al Wadiah.

Operating 75 sites in the holy sites

AlShehry said SDAIA’s work extended to operating and supporting 75 sites in the holy sites and about 14 sorting sites and security control centers. This included providing technical systems and services, supervising infrastructure and communication rooms, preparing workstations and connecting them to SDAIA’s network under approved cybersecurity standards.

The work also covered preventive maintenance, receiving and immediately handling technical reports, and training participating staff to use modern systems and platforms.

AlShehry described the Smart Makkah Operations Center, SMART MOC, in Makkah as one of the main operational and technical pillars supporting SDAIA’s Hajj work this year. The center monitors the performance of systems and digital platforms supervised by the authority and tracks response indicators and business continuity around the clock.

He said specialized Saudi staff monitor data flow, detect technical challenges and address them proactively, helping maintain stable and reliable digital services in line with operational requirements and cybersecurity standards.

Surveillance cameras

SDAIA, in partnership with the Ministry of Interior, developed a smart digital system for security surveillance cameras through the Sawaher platform, AlShehry said.

The platform included infrastructure for smart surveillance cameras, security monitoring rooms and operational platforms to support field monitoring and crowd management in the holy sites and on roads leading to them during Hajj.

The system analyzes data, grouping indicators and crowd behavior using advanced algorithms to measure density and crowd numbers.

AlShehry also cited the Baseer platform, which SDAIA developed with the Ministry of Interior through advanced technical work based on AI technologies and algorithms, including computer vision and large language models.

He said Baseer monitors crowds, supports their safety and helps smooth their movement as they enter the Two Holy Mosques during the Hajj 1447 season. The platform is integrated with security and service agencies, providing field commanders with accurate, immediate analysis, supporting decision-making and improving pilgrim safety.

19 languages

AlShehry said the comprehensive national application Tawakkalna accompanied pilgrims during this year’s Hajj through an integrated package of services available in 19 languages.

Pilgrims can log in easily to view services relevant to their journey, including Hajj permits available through Tawakkalna in integration with the unified digital Hajj permit platform, Tasreeh. The application also allows users to view all types of Hajj permits issued by government agencies.

On charitable work, AlShehry said the national platform Ehsan continued to support projects serving pilgrims by offering trusted opportunities to support Hajj-related initiatives.

He said Ehsan also enabled the electronic performance of the udhiyah sacrifice ritual in line with Islamic guidelines and organized digital mechanisms that ensure efficiency and reliability, while strengthening the sustainability of charitable impact through the Ehsan Endowment Fund.

Gulf

Iraq Vows No Leniency with Parties Harming Ties with Saudi Arabia

Iraqi government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi. (INA)
Iraqi government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi. (INA)
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Iraq Vows No Leniency with Parties Harming Ties with Saudi Arabia

Iraqi government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi. (INA)
Iraqi government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi. (INA)

Iraq said it was ready to cooperate fully in verifying any information about an attack on Saudi Arabia that was launched from its territory, renewing its condemnation of the incident and vowing measures to prevent any breach of Iraqi sovereignty.

The Iraqi government’s latest condemnation came a day after the Foreign Ministry denounced the attacks on the Kingdom, in what observers said signaled Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s new government was keen to protect ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry said on Sunday it had intercepted and destroyed three drones after they entered the Kingdom’s airspace from Iraq.

Iraqi government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi renewed Baghdad’s condemnation on Tuesday, saying Iraq “reaffirms its firm and historic position in support of distinguished and lasting relations with brotherly and friendly countries of the region, its commitment to the security of Arab states, the importance of supporting stability, all efforts to ease tensions, and preventing attacks, whatever their source.”

“The Iraqi government condemns the recent drone attacks that targeted Saudi Arabia and affirms its continued joint efforts to strengthen regional security and safeguard the security and sovereignty of countries in the region,” he said.

Awadi repeated that the military authorities did not detect or record any activity from the country’s airspace, stressing, however, that Iraqi institutions were fully ready “to cooperate in verifying any information related to the circumstances of the attack that targeted the Kingdom.”

He stressed Iraq’s “categorical rejection of the use of its territory, airspace or territorial waters to launch any attack on neighboring countries.”

Awadi said Iraqi security forces had taken “all necessary steps and measures to thwart and uncover any attempt in this context,” adding that there would be “no leniency toward anyone who tries to violate the sovereignty of the Iraqi state or damage relations with the Kingdom, neighboring countries or brotherly states.”

Observers are now raising questions over how Zaidi will deal with pro-Iran armed factions and confront their activities at home and abroad, particularly under continued US pressure.

In recent months, after the outbreak of the US-Israeli war against Iran, factions launched hundreds of attacks on targets inside Iraq, most of them in the northern Kurdistan region.

They also carried out attacks on more than one country in Iraq’s regional neighborhood. Those attacks stopped during the ceasefire, before resuming with three drones over Saudi territory.

Many believe the factions’ latest attacks pose a serious challenge to Zaidi’s authority. The prime minister, whose government was approved by parliament last week, has received clear US, domestic and Arab backing, a development that was not welcomed by the factions, which are seeking to embarrass him at the start of his tenure in Iraq’s top executive post.