On Thursday, September 26, 2024, Sultan Al-Aaradah, a member of the Presidential Leadership Council and Governor of Marib, expressed his astonishment at comparisons made between the Yemeni government's relationship with its Arab allies and the Houthis' ties to Iran. He deemed such comparisons “unjust.”

Al-Aaradah made his remarks during a ceremony with Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed bin Mubarak to lay the foundation stone for a series of developmental projects in Marib, funded by the Saudi Program for Development and Reconstruction of Yemen.

He stated, “While Iran supplies the Houthis with countless missiles, explosives, and mines, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is providing the Yemeni people with a medical college, a school for distinguished students, and a range of significant humanitarian projects.”

The governor emphasized that these humanitarian initiatives “will remain etched in memory and firmly established on the ground, undeniable by anyone.” He highlighted the role of the Al-Salam Hospital in Saada as a testament to this commitment, noting that it continues to serve the community to this day.

Al-Aaradah expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership, government, and people, for their support to the Yemeni populace, particularly through the Saudi development program.

The projects for which the foundation stone was laid include the construction and equipping of a medical college, the establishment of an educational complex for girls, and initiatives to enhance water resources.

Attendees from the Yemeni government included Interior Minister Ibrahim Haidan, Trade and Industry Minister Mohammed al-Ashwal, Electricity and Energy Minister Mani’ Yusif, Finance Minister Salem bin Bureik, Information Minister Muammar al-Eryani, and Water and Environment Minister Tawfiq al-Sharjabi. From the Saudi program, Ali Al-Dosari, the program director in Marib, was present.