Abdul Karim Abdullah al-Arashi

Early life Born in 1934 in Sanaa, North Yemen, Al-Arashi received his basic education in Sanaa and completed his studies at the Scientific School. He then embarked upon judiciary and administrative work while he was young. After the September 26 revolution, he became more prominent at the political level, as he participated in various military campaigns in defence of the revolution.

Career Vice president Abdul Karim Abdullah Al-Arashi with then-president Ali Abdullah Saleh during the announcement of unified Yemen, 1990 Al-Arashi held numerous prominent positions, being appointed Minister of Finance twice, during which he established the state's first budget. He also was appointed Minister of Local Administration whereupon he reformulated the Local Governance Law.

Following President Ahmed Al-Ghashmi's assassination, He was appointed Chairman of the Presidential Council of the former Yemen Arab Republic (also known as North Yemen) from June 24 to July 18, 1978. Shortly thereafter, he was elected chairman of the People's Council (Parliament) as well as vice president in the same year.

In 1988, Al-Arashi unanimously was elected Shura Council president. Two years later, namely on the occasion of reunification, he was elected a member of the Presidential Council. In 1997, he was appointed a consultant to the president.