Major General Sultan Al-Arada, a member of the Presidential Council and the governor of Marib province, inaugurated the highly anticipated event titled "Medical Research as a Contemporary Necessity" on Saturday, May 25, 2024. In his opening speech, Major General Al-Arada made a significant announcement, unveiling plans for the construction of a state-of-the-art medical city in Marib. This ambitious project will encompass Marib General Hospital, specialized centers, and a university hospital affiliated with the esteemed Faculty of Medicine at Saba Province University.

During his address, Major General Al-Arada revealed that funding for the construction of the Faculty of Medicine and the university hospital would be provided through the Saudi Program for Development and Reconstruction in Yemen. He expressed deep gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their invaluable directives and support in bringing these medical facilities to fruition in Saba Province University and Marib province.

Emphasizing the paramount importance of education and learning, Major General Al-Arada underscored their role as fundamental pillars in the comprehensive national battle. He described education as the driving force for change, the enhancer of national values, and an effective tool for achieving political, social, and economic stability. Recognizing the significance of academic qualifications, he stressed the need to nurture a generation capable of confronting future challenges and producing scientifically and professionally qualified individuals who can contribute effectively to the development and upliftment of society.

The advancement of the healthcare sector emerged as a top priority for the political leadership and the government, who are working tirelessly to establish a robust and sustainable healthcare system that can cater to the needs of the citizens. Major General Al-Arada expressed unwavering confidence in the first medical conference's ability to fulfill its objectives, with the anticipation of producing significant recommendations that contribute to overall goals. He envisioned the conference as a platform to foster partnerships among relevant government entities, and scientific and medical institutions, and facilitate the exchange of experiences and ideas among participants.

Reiterating the unwavering support of the political leadership, Major General Al-Arada assured continued assistance in completing university infrastructure and implementing plans and visions aimed at developing universities across various academic and research fields. The convening of the first medical conference at Saba Province University, as it embarks on its eighth year of scientific and academic progress, symbolizes the institution's steadfast commitment to promoting knowledge, skill development, and capabilities. Major General Al-Arada commended the university's continuous efforts in achieving scientific and academic excellence, emphasizing that it is not merely a place of study but an environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and sustainable development.

The significance of the first medical conference cannot be understated, considering the exceptional circumstances the country has faced since the Houthi terrorist militia gained control of state institutions and seized the capital, Sana'a. Major General Al-Arada regarded this gathering of distinguished academics, doctors, and researchers from various provinces of the republic as a vital event. He called upon all participants to redouble their efforts in confronting practices that target the nation and its citizens while resisting acts that undermine both the present and the future.

In a show of solidarity, the Minister of Public Health and Population, Dr. Qasim Bahibh, and the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Khalid Al-Wasabi, delivered their speeches through video communication. They lauded the achievements and successes of Saba Province University since its establishment in 2016 and affirmed their commitment to incorporating the conference's outcomes into the research and health policies of their respective ministries.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Qadasi, the President of Saba Province University and the Chairman of the first medical conference, shed light on the collaborative efforts between Saba Province University and the Yemeni Council for Medical Specializations that led to the conference's inception. The primary aim of this joint endeavor is to generate recommendations that underscore the importance of medical research and foster a heightened level of awareness and objectivity in the face of challenges.

During his speech on universities, Dr. Mahmoud Al-Meissari, the President of Abiyan University, hailed the convening of the medical conference under such challenging circumstances as a remarkable achievement for Saba Province University and Marib province. He accentuated the conference's potential to offer proposed solutions to numerous health problems, benefitting Yemeni universities as a whole.