"SDRPY Improves Sports Facilities in Yemen and Boosts Youth Engagement"

Aden, April 10, 2025 – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to play a pivotal role in supporting youth and sports development in Yemen through the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY). The Kingdom’s contributions span numerous initiatives including the rehabilitation of sports infrastructure, stadium construction, sponsorship of tournaments, and the provision of technical expertise and knowledge-sharing. These efforts aim to empower Yemeni youth and pave the way for a brighter future for upcoming generations.

SDRPY remains dedicated to launching sports projects that adhere to international standards, enhancing the skills of young individuals and helping them achieve their aspirations. Among the standout initiatives is the construction of FIFA-compliant stadiums for clubs such as Al-Jazira, Al-Rawdah, and Al-Menaa. These modern facilities offer youth premium environments for training and competition, fostering motivation and a drive for excellence.

A core focus of SDRPY is nurturing sports talent among children and adolescents. The program has built over 30 basketball and volleyball courts within model schools across several Yemeni governorates. These courts encourage physical activity, promote healthy lifestyles, and help cultivate athletic potential from an early age—shaping a generation committed to fitness and sportsmanship.

Beyond infrastructure, SDRPY also organizes sports tournaments that provide a platform for young athletes to compete and demonstrate their skills.

The program actively works to revitalize local sports hubs, such as the restoration of the Ali Asad Muthanna Sports Hall in Aden, which had remained dormant for years. This initiative reinvigorated the local athletic community, offering youth a renewed venue to grow and engage in sports.

To further enhance sports collaboration, SDRPY signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Sport in June 2020 to boost athletic development throughout Yemen.

As a gesture of appreciation and motivation, the program honored the Yemeni U-17 national team following their triumph in the West Asian Football Championship.

Through a total of 264 projects and initiatives, SDRPY continues to strengthen vital sectors across Yemen’s governorates, including education, healthcare, water, energy, transportation, agriculture and fisheries, institutional capacity building, and broad-based development programs.