http://www.english.hadhramaut.info Culture Minister launches Zabid streets paving [The Source: .sabanews.net/hadhramaut.info - 03/04/2009] Culture Minister Mohammed al-Maflhi has launched a paving project of the streets of the historical town of Zabid at a total cost amounted to $50000.Zabid is one of the oldest towns in Yemen, it was the capital of Yemen from the 13th to the 15th century and a center of the Arab andMuslim world due in large part to its famed University of Zabid and being a center of Islamic education.Speaking to Saba, al-Maflhi said that the project includes the restoration of the town's walls, noting the cement material would be used for paving and restoring the walls and streets of the historical town of Zabid that has been declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.Zabid has an urban population of around 23,000 persons on Yemen's western coastal plain.The project is funded by the Social Fund for Development and the Department of Public Works and roads in Hodeidah province.Al-Muflhi also opened the fourth gate of Zabid after its restoration at a cost of $200000, fund by the Social Fund for Development.The Yemeni Minister confirmed that it will be conserving more than 200000 square meters inside the town of Zabid, pointing out the importance of the cooperation between Yemen and International organizations to maintain this historic city to be incorporated in the World Heritage.In 2000, Zabid was listed on the List of World Heritage in Danger; the listing was made on the behest of the Yemeni government due to a state of poor upkeep and conservation.Zabid's domestic and military architecture and its urban plan make it an outstanding archaeological and historical site