Marib Governor Stresses National Duty to Protect Yemeni Antiquities
The Member of the Presidential Leadership Council and Governor of Marib, Sultan al-Arada, emphasized that safeguarding Yemen’s archaeological heritage is a national responsibility, calling for coordinated efforts between official authorities and local communities.
“The protection of archaeological sites is a national duty,” al-Arada stated. He added that the Marib local authority is preparing to launch a project to fence off the governorate’s archaeological sites.
His comments were made during a meeting on Saturday with Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Muammar al-Eryani, Yemen’s UNESCO ambassador Dr. Mohammed Jameih, and Dr. Zaydoon Zaid, President of the American Institute for Human Studies and Special Advisor to the American Council for Overseas Research Centers.
Al-Arada praised the longstanding cooperation between Yemen and the American Foundation for Human and Civilization Studies in preserving the country’s antiquities.
Dr. Jameih noted that UNESCO can support training and capacity-building initiatives, stressing that fencing projects must align with the 1972 Convention for the Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage.
Dr. Zaid confirmed that the American Foundation is ready to collaborate with the Yemeni government and Marib authorities to preserve antiquities and provide local staff with training programs. He also announced plans to hold the next session of the Sabaean Conference in Marib governorate.
