Riyadh: The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) and UNESCO have officially signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at bolstering the preservation of Yemen's cultural heritage and identifying historical sites that may qualify for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

According to Saudi Press Agency, this agreement builds upon a successful partnership that previously saw the restoration of Seiyun Palace and support for basic education. It will provide technical assistance and institutional capacity-building across several domains, including heritage, science, and culture.

The initiatives under this program are varied, ranging from the digitization of ancient manuscripts at the Al-Ahgaf Manuscripts Library in Tarim to empowering women socio-economically via traditional craft workshops in the Socotra Archipelago.

Moreover, the collaboration also focuses on preserving intangible cultural heritage, such as the Mehri language, and promoting cultural exchange through joint musical and artistic events.

With more than 268 projects across eight critical sectors, SDRPY continues to play an essential role in preserving Yemen's cultural heritage while also contributing to sustainable development and economic progress for the Yemeni populace.