Desperation forces Yemenis to risk lives smuggling qat to Saudi Arabia

Desperation forces Yemenis to risk lives smuggling qat to Saudi Arabia Submitted by MEE correspondent on Wed, 05/27/2026 - 09:18 While some smugglers earned enough money to start legitimate business at home, others were killed or arrested at the border Qat is a stimulant leaf classified as an illegal drug in Saudi Arabia (MEE) Off For many young Yemenis , ensuring a future often means looking to Saudi Arabia , one of the few available routes to work and stability, especially for those hoping to avoid the conflict. However, the journey to the neighbouring kingdom costs around $2,500, far beyond the reach of most Yemenis. Ahmed*, a 35-year-old chef and father of two, hoped to travel to Saudi Arabia to work in a restaurant but lacked the money needed for a visa or a Saudi sponsor.