Seiyun - After years of neglect and structural decay, the iconic Seiyun Palace in eastern Yemen is being restored to its original splendor through a major heritage initiative led by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) in partnership with UNESCO and Yemeni cultural authorities.

The palace, one of the world’s largest mud-brick structures, served as the royal residence of the Kathiri sultans and is a symbol of Yemen’s rich architectural and historical legacy. It was once featured on Yemen’s national currency, reflecting its cultural significance.

The restoration project was launched in response to a 2022 collapse of a large section of the palace’s outer wall, which sparked widespread concern over the monument’s future. The initiative includes structural repairs, restoration of traditional wooden ceilings, carved doors, and decorative inscriptions, and training of local engineers and artisans in heritage preservation techniques.

The project is being implemented by UNESCO’s Gulf States and Yemen Office, with support from the Saudi Ministry of Culture, Yemen’s General Organization of Antiquities and Museums, and the Social Fund for Development.