SAUDI Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have given $930 million (£505m) to UN humanitarian efforts in Yemen.

The nations made the pledge as a war between a Saudi-led military coalition and Yemen’s Shiite rebels enters its fourth year.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman presented the previously pledged donation to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The Arab world’s poorest country is in the grips of a stalemated war and what the UN calls the worst humanitarian crisis, with 22 million people needing aid.

Guterres thanked Prince Mohammed for the contribution, which covers nearly a third of the total the UN is seeking for Yemen humanitarian aid this year.

“On the other hand, we know that there is no humanitarian solution for humanitarian problems,” Guterres added. “The solution is political, and we are entirely at your disposal to work together to find a political solution when that becomes possible.”

The UN said Guterres and the prince also discussed protecting civilians and needs for humanitarian access and open ports.

The US provides logistical support and weaponry to the Saudi-led coalition, which has been criticised for airstrikes that kill civilians.

Iran has denied accusations of supplying arms to the Yemeni rebels, known as Houthis.