Written by: Sheikh Abdullah Mohammed Qassem Dabwan

Full Name and Birth:
Sultan Bin Ali Mabkhout Al-Aradah was born on January 1, 1958, in Al-Wadi District, Marib Governorate, Yemen. He belongs to the Al-Fjeeh tribe, one of the largest and most influential subtribes of the Abidah tribe in Marib.

Education and Early Political Career:
He graduated from the Faculty of Arts at Sana’a University and began his political and social career in the late 1970s, a time of national transformation and reform.

During this period, he was a founding member of the "Correction Committee" led by President Ibrahim Al-Hamdi. The committee aimed to implement political and administrative reforms as part of a broader state-building vision.

Positions and Responsibilities:

  • Member of the Shura Council from 1987 to 1990.

  • Member of Parliament for two consecutive terms (1993–2003) representing the General People’s Congress (GPC), nominated by consensus among leading political parties.

  • On April 6, 2012, he was appointed Governor of Marib, initiating a new phase of governance and development in the governorate.

  • On April 7, 2022, he was appointed as a Member of the Presidential Leadership Council, the body that assumed the duties of the President and Vice President of Yemen.

Role in the Yemeni War:
Since late 2014, Marib has been under threat by Houthi militias. Major General Al-Aradah played a pivotal role in:

  • Unifying local forces: He successfully brought together various political, tribal, and religious factions to confront the common threat.

  • Protecting state institutions: He strengthened military and security structures and effectively managed local disputes to prevent internal collapse.

  • Establishing a strong coordination network among military and civil authorities to maintain services and governance under difficult conditions.

Popular Reputation and Balanced Leadership:
Major General Al-Aradah is widely respected across tribal and official circles. He is known for:

  • Peacefully resolving tribal and political disputes, gaining the trust and respect of citizens across Marib.

  • A leadership style that balances tribal influence and state authority, especially in a region where both dynamics are essential.

  • Support for freedom of expression and the press, viewing media as a cornerstone for public awareness and community development.

In the Presidential Leadership Council:
Since joining the Presidential Leadership Council in 2022, he has contributed to:

  • Security and military arrangements not only in Marib but also in other key governorates.

  • Strategic national decision-making, with a clear focus on unity and sovereignty.

  • Active engagement in critical files, leveraging his military experience and deep-rooted tribal connections.

Field Initiatives and Activities:

  • Regular participation in security and executive meetings in Marib to ensure coordination between military and civil entities.

  • Key initiatives, such as working to reopen the vital Al-Bayda–Marib road, helping to improve economic and civilian movement.

  • Ongoing support for development and infrastructure projects, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.

Media Presence and Public Communication:
Major General Al-Aradah maintains strong public engagement through:

  • Field visits and official delegations, including a recent return from Saudi Arabia in March 2025 after official meetings.

  • Active use of social media (such as Facebook and Twitter), keeping the public informed and fostering transparency.

Conclusion – The Essence of Major General Sultan Al-Aradah:
Major General Al-Aradah exemplifies modern Yemeni leadership, characterized by:

  • Astute political judgment, grounded in legislative experience and social awareness.

  • Influential military presence in resisting Houthi advances and securing key territories.

  • A unique ability to integrate tribal traditions with institutional governance.

  • A symbol of stability and civil-military cohesion, especially in the strategic governorate of Marib.

By all measures, Sultan Al-Aradah is not merely a state official—he is a pillar of national resilience and a figure of contemporary Yemeni statecraft.