SANA’A, May 5 — A formal partnership agreement was signed Monday in the Yemeni capital between the Heritage and Cultural Development Fund and the General Authority for the Preservation of Historic Cities, marking the beginning of a large-scale restoration initiative targeting archaeological buildings and historical landmarks across the country.
The agreement, overseen by Minister of Culture and Tourism Dr. Ali al-Yafei, outlines a two-phase project aimed at preserving vital elements of Yemen’s architectural heritage. The first phase will focus on the restoration and maintenance of key buildings, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism headquarters in Tahrir, the offices of the General Authority for the Preservation of Historic Cities, the Sana’a Heritage House, and the historic Dar al-Hamad building. The second phase will expand efforts to include a range of historical buildings, forts, and castles of cultural significance.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior cultural officials, including Acting Executive Director of the Heritage and Cultural Development Fund Dr. Essam Al-Sunaini and Chairman of the General Authority for the Preservation of Historic Cities Abdulwahab al-Mahdi.
Minister al-Yafei highlighted the cultural importance of the initiative, emphasizing that preserving archaeological and historical structures is essential to safeguarding Yemen’s rich national heritage. He noted that the agreement reflects a collaborative model, whereby the General Authority will conduct technical studies and cost assessments in accordance with historical preservation standards, and the Fund will be responsible for financing and executing the restoration work.
The Minister also commended the Fund’s leadership for its continued commitment to funding restoration projects and supporting broader cultural and literary initiatives, describing its role as vital to the sustainability of Yemen’s cultural identity.
