Saudi Support for Yemen: Saudi Arabia approved a new budget-support payment of over SAR 224 million (about $60m) to ease Yemen’s budget deficit and help stabilize the rial, alongside extending the Masam landmine-clearance program for another year. Cabinet Economic Planning: Yemen’s Council of Ministers approved the annual plan for 1448 AH, including a mining-sector strategy and steps to strengthen standards, metrology, and quality control to protect consumers and support the national economy. Hunger Warning: The UN warned Yemen’s hunger crisis is worsening, saying the share of people unable to secure basic food needs has jumped to nearly 60% and urging urgent funding and action. Humanitarian & Security Updates: Southern forces said they released four servicemen held by al-Qaeda in Abyan after nearly 18 months, while the EU Naval Mission reported protecting over 2,040 commercial vessels through the Red Sea since launching in 2024. Culture & Rights: Yemen’s deputy minister for culture and tourism met poets and performers’ leaders to address rights, VAT and coordination with telecom and production companies, ahead of Mawlid 1448 AH commemorations. Red Sea Trade Context: With Red Sea and Hormuz routes still central to regional commerce, shipping security remains a key business risk for Yemen’s import-dependent economy.