Sanaa’s Minister of Culture: Saudi, Emirati parties involved in smuggling Yemeni antiquities

SANAA, Dec. 12 (YPA) – Minister of Culture and Tourism in Sanaa, Ali Al-Yafei, said on Wednesday that there is a role for Saudi and Emirati parties in smuggling Yemeni antiquities abroad.

Al-Yafei confirmed that “Sanaa will not allow the continuation of the smuggling of Yemeni antiquities and will take the necessary measures to recover what has been smuggled.”

The minister added that there are many Yemeni antiquities that are being smuggled by “mercenaries” to Aden and then abroad.

He pointed out that the ministry is working to restore its building and tens of thousands of Yemeni manuscripts while preparing a large museum to display over 500 artifacts and document the country’s history.

YPA