UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen Julien Harneis lauded development projects by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) during his inaugural visit to Marib province, home to the largest population of internally displaced persons in the country.
In a statement shared by SDRPY, Harneis praised the program’s projects for “addressing the essential needs of Yemenis.” His visit included inspections of the MRI project at Marib General Hospital, a significant upgrade to diagnostic services, and a women’s economic empowerment initiative aimed at increasing family income through employment.
Harneis also toured expansion projects at Saba Region University, where new classrooms and administrative buildings are being constructed to accommodate more students and enhance higher education infrastructure.

Speaking to Barran Press, Harneis stated his visit aimed to “understand the reality of life for the 1.6 million displaced people here,” noting the urgent need for support in the camps and ongoing collaboration with the government, donors, and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center to provide assistance.
This visit was Harneis’s first to Marib since his appointment. He had previously remained in the Houthi-controlled capital, Sana’a, despite multiple invitations from the internationally recognized Yemeni government to relocate to the interim capital, Aden.

During the visit, local authorities briefed Harneis on the deteriorating humanitarian situation and warned of a potential collapse in basic services due to a perceived reduction in the presence of OCHA and humanitarian partners in the province.