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Shaimaa Olwan
Shaimaa Olwan
The Republic of Yemen is an Arab country located southwest of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. Saudi Arabia borders it on the north, and Oman borders it on the east. Yemen has a southern coast in the Arabian Sea and a western coast in the Red Sea. More than 200 islands are scattered between the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, the largest of which are Socotra and Hanish.
Yemen is one of the oldest centres of civilisation in the ancient world. It is not precisely known when the history of ancient Yemen began, but some inscriptions depict that it started a long time ago. For example, Sheba was mentioned in a Sumerian text dating back to about 2500 BCE, from the middle of the 3rd millennium BCE.
The inscriptions in Yemen revealed the history of ancient Yemen, dating back to the late 2nd millennium BCE. One of the most essential and famous kingdoms in ancient Yemen was the Kingdom of Sheba, Hadramawt, and Himyar, which is credited with developing one of the oldest alphabets in the world.
The Romans called Yemen «Happy Arabia or Happy Yemen.» Yemen has more archaeological and written evidence than the rest of the regions of the Arabian Peninsula. Yemen has four World Heritage sites: Socotra, ancient Sana’a, the ancient city of Shibam, and the ancient city of Zabid.
Table of Contents
Historic Cities of Yemen
Embark on a journey through time as you explore Yemen’s historic cities, where ancient stones whisper tales of bygone civilisations. Discover architectural wonders and labyrinthine streets that tell stories of a rich and storied past.
The Ancient City of Shibam
The buildings of the city date back to the 16th century CE. They are one of the oldest examples of meticulous urban organisation based on the principle of a high building, as it contains tall tower buildings emerging from the rocks.
Old City of Sana’a
It is at least an ancient city from the 5th century BCE; some buildings were built before the 11th century CE. It became the temporary capital of the Kingdom of Sheba during the 1st century CE. It is called the «walled city», with seven gates, of which only Bab al-Yaman remains. It is one of those ancient cities from the 5th century BCE.
There are 103 mosques and approximately 6,000 houses built before the 11th century CE. The old city of Sana’a has distinguished architecture. It is known for being richly decorated with different shapes and proportions, such as nub blocks, walls, mosques, brokers, baths, and contemporary markets.
Zabid’s Historic Metropolis
Zabid is a Yemeni city that constitutes a site of exceptional archaeological and historical importance, thanks to its local and military architecture and urban planning. In addition to being the capital of Yemen from the 13th to the 15th centuries, Zabid was of great importance in the Arab and Islamic world for centuries because of its great Islamic university. The city has been endangered since 2000.
Natural Wonders of Yemen
Yemen, a treasure trove of biodiversity and natural splendour, offers landscapes that captivate the imagination of every traveller. From the isolated Socotra Archipelago to the majestic Haraz Mountains, each site serves as a testament to nature’s artistry.
Socotra Archipelago
A Yemeni archipelago consisting of 4 islands in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of the Horn of Africa, 350 km south of the Arabian Peninsula. The island has a unique and distinctive vital settlement due to its isolation. The archipelago is considered one of the most important natural reserves in the world. It was included by UNESCO in 2008 on the World Heritage List due to the incredible biodiversity of this island and its ecological charm and impact on the world.
Socotra, the largest archipelago island, harbours many rare and endangered animals and trees. It is characterised by its unique trees used in medical industries, the most famous of which is the «Blood of the Two Brothers» tree, the symbol of the island that does not exist anywhere in the world.
Architecture and Building Techniques
The architectural style in most Yemeni cities is one of Yemen’s most prominent manifestations of culture. The appearance of the four- and six-story houses in Old Sana’a is not much different from that in old Yemen in the northern highlands, such as Old Sana’a, which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The houses were built with stones, and the windows were painted white. In other regions, such as Zabid and Hadhramaut, people used bricks and milk to make their homes. UNESCO included the mud towers in Shibam and Hadramout on the list of World Heritage Sites.
Haraz Mountains: Ancient Paths and Panoramic Views
The Haraz Mountains, crisscrossed with ancient trekking routes, offer more than just scenic views; they are a gateway to understanding Yemen’s rich cultural tapestry. Travellers can explore terraced fields that climb steep slopes and villages that cling to rocky outcrops. The region is not only a paradise for hikers but also a place to immerse oneself in the traditional lifestyles of the local villages. Here, the hospitality of the Yemeni people is as memorable as the landscape, offering insights into a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries.
Al-Hajarayn – The Rocky Wonder
Al-Hajarayn, known for its dramatic rocky landscapes, holds significant geological and historical importance. The area is characterised by its rugged terrain, which has shaped the local architecture and lifestyle. The best times to visit are during the early spring or late autumn when the weather is most favourable for exploring the natural beauty. Visitors are advised to wear suitable hiking gear and be prepared for variable temperatures, ensuring a comfortable and rewarding experience.
Each of these sites not only underscores Yemen’s status as a destination for ecotourism but also highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to preserve these wonders for future generations. Whether you are an avid hiker, a nature enthusiast, or a cultural explorer, Yemen’s natural wonders offer an unparalleled experience that beckons to be discovered.
Most Important Touristic Cities in Yemen
There are many beautiful tourist cities in Yemen, which include a group of attractions for tourists, in addition to various tourist activities. Here are the 7 most critical tourist towns to visit in Yemen
Sana’a
Sana’a is the capital of Yemen and is considered one of the most essential and prominent cities that attract tourism. It is situated at 2,200 meters above sea level. Sana’a is regarded as one of the oldest cities in the Arab world. Its history dates back more than a thousand years. Sana’a also includes more than 50 mosques and several markets, orchards, museums, and famous baths that can be visited. Here, we present some places that can be visited in Sana’a.
Old Sana’a
It is called the walled city; it had seven gates, of which only Bab al-Yaman remained. It is one of those ancient cities from the 5th century BCE. There are 103 mosques and approximately 6000 0 houses. All of these buildings were built before the 11th century CE. The old city of Sana’a is distinguished by its architecture, as it is richly decorated with different shapes and proportions, such as nub blocks, walls, mosques, brokers, baths and contemporary markets.
Al Bakiriyya Mosque
The Al Bakiriyya Mosque is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in Sana’a. It is located in Qasr al-Silah Square. The dome of the Al Bakiriyya Mosque consists of two main sections: one on display, called the sanctuary or courtyard, and the other covered, the House of Prayer.
Great Mosque
The Great Mosque was built during the era of the Prophet Muhammad and is one of the oldest Islamic mosques. It is very similar to the mosque established by the Umayyad Caliph Al-Waleed bin Abdul Malik, as it is rectangular and has a vast area. It has 12 doors, and its outer walls were built of Turkish stone. The black balconies were constructed of bricks and plaster.
Dar Al-Hajar Palace
Dar Al-Hajar Palace consists of seven floors, in harmony with its design and the natural composition of the rock. A perennial taluka tree is estimated to be 700 years old at its gate. Black turkey stone. It is considered one of the most important tourist attractions in Yemen.
The Military Museum
The Military Museum in Sana’a displays Yemeni military heritage, including more than 5,000 artefacts, some of which are ancient military tools. The exhibits are arranged according to the historical and chronological sequence of historical facts and events from the Stone Age and prehistoric times to the present day.
Aden City
The city of Aden is distinctive and attractive because it overlooks the coasts, which bring a wonderful atmosphere to the town. The city is above the volcano’s crater, which has been dormant for millions of years. You will find a famous port in Aden, naturally formed without human intervention.
Here are some of the attractions of the city of Aden:
Aden Cisterns
Aden cisterns are one of the city’s most prominent historical and tourist attractions. They are located at the bottom of the Aden plateau, about 800 feet above sea level, and are considered one of Yemen’s most visited attractions.
Sira Castle
Sira Castle is one of the fascinating castles and fortresses of the ancient city of Aden. The castle played a defensive role in the city’s life throughout the ages. The castle was named Sira, after the island of Sira where the castle is located.
Eden Lighthouse
The Lighthouse of Aden is one of the prominent archaeological monuments in the city of Aden. Some historians say it is a minaret of one of the ancient historical mosques, which disappeared with time, and only this part of the mosque remains.
Taiz City
Taiz is called the dreamy city and the cultural capital of Yemen, as it is famous for its civilisation’s prosperity throughout the ages. Taiz is located near the port city of Mocha on the Red Sea, the third largest city in Yemen. Taiz is one of the essential cities in Yemen that includes many beautiful attractions, ranging from charming landscapes to recreational parks, archaeological sites, and stunning beaches.
Taiz provides its visitors with many wonderful recreational activities, such as roaming in the beautiful amusement parks and botanical gardens in the zoo, Sheikh Zayed Park, and the Al-Gareeb trees, visiting mountains such as Sabr Mountain and enjoying its therapeutic spa, going to impressive valleys such as Wadi Al-Dhabab and Wadi Jarzan, and meditating in the scenic landscapes.
You can also enjoy the beaches of the city of Taiz and practice multiple water sports and exciting beach games. This is in addition to exploring ancient and historical monuments such as the Great Gate, the city wall, and the Cairo Citadel. Here, we present some of Taiz’s attractions.
Al-Jund Mosque
The mosque is located on the eastern side of Taiz. The Jund Market, located near the mosque, was one of the most essential seasonal Arab markets; it was even famous before Islam. The Al-Jund Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Islam.
The National Museum
The National Museum is the palace of Imam Ahmad Hamid al-Din. It was the seat of his rule, and today, it has turned into a museum that contains heritage exhibits, the collections of Imam Ahmad Hamid al-Din and his family, old weapons, and memorial photos.
Al-Qahira Castle
The Castle of Al-Qahira, or Cairo, is located on a rocky hill on the northern slope of Mount Sabre.
Damla Castle
Al-Damla Castle is considered one of the most prominent archaeological monuments. Throughout history, it was an impenetrable fortress that was difficult for invaders to break into, making it one of the most famous castles in Yemen.
Seiyun
The city of Seiyun is famous for its Al Kathiri Palace. Its roots go back to the beginning of the 4th century CE when the Sabaeans and other civilisations in Hadhramaut destroyed it. Seiyun enjoyed a distinguished position during that period. The beautiful desert of Seiyun is one of the attractions for travellers. With time, Seiyun turned into the largest area of Hadramawt.
Seiyun consists of a flat plain of Wadi Hadramout surrounded by mountain ranges from the north and south. Valleys penetrate this chain, the most important of which are Wadi Shahuh and Jathmah. Seiyun has a tropical climate, with high temperatures in summer, mild winters and scarce rain in winter.
Seiyun was a small village in the 13th century CE, and in the 16th century CE, it developed after its adoption as the capital of the Kathiri Sultanate. With time and the expansion of urbanisation, its successive rulers built large mosques. The most prominent are the Jami Mosque, the oldest Seiyun Mosque, Taha Mosque, Al-Qarn Mosque, and Basalim Mosque.
Sultan Al Kathiri Palace
Al Kathiri Palace is located in the centre of Seiyun. It is one of the prominent landmarks of Seiyun and Hadhramaut and is considered one of the finest clay architectural masterpieces. This palace was built on a hill about 35 meters above ground level, allowing it to overlook the city’s market and commercial activity centre.
Mukalla
The city of Mukalla is the bride of Hadhramaut. It is full of life and a distinctive blend of historical authenticity and attractive modern buildings, making it one of the most beautiful Yemeni cities.
You can relax on the charming beaches with soft sand, swim, sunbathe, walk along the coast, and watch the fishing boats laden with fish on the city’s shores.
You can also visit important archaeological and historical sites such as the Royal Palace, its unique architectural style, the Al-Ghwezi fort, castles and rocks, and the city’s magnificent port.
Dhamar
The Dhamar Governorate is located in the southwestern section of Yemen, in a valley 12 miles wide between two volcanic peaks, 8100 feet above sea level. It is one of the most important tourist sites in Yemen.
You can see many enjoyable recreational activities, such as exploring critical archaeological sites at high altitudes, climbing mountains and heights, and getting the city’s best panoramic views from above.
In addition, you can experience therapeutic baths in natural, mineral, and sulfur springs to refresh your blood circulation and heal from many diseases.
Zabid
The village of Zabid is the first Islamic city in Yemen and one of the country’s important tourist attractions. UNESCO registered Zabid as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
The village of Zabid includes a distinctive group of tourist attractions, such as the Al-Ash’ar Mosque, which is distinguished by its unique architectural structure and many mosques and religious schools. This is in addition to a collection of excellent and unique fruits for which the village is famous.
Island and Beach
Island and beach tourism in Yemen is considered one of the most essential elements of tourist attractions. Yemishas more than 183 islands with unique, picturesque, charming, and attractive natural characteristics for marine, diving, and recreation tourism.
Yemen’s coastal strip extends more than 2,500 kilometres along the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. Here are some of the attractive islands and beaches.
Socotra Archipelago
The most famous group of islands in Yemen is an archipelago consisting of 4 islands in the Indian Ocean off the coast of the Horn of Africa near the Gulf of Aden. Socotra is the largest among the Arab and Yemeni islands. The island’s capital is Hadibo.
The island is exceptional in terms of the great diversity of its floral life and the proportion of endemic species, as 73% of plant species (out of 528 species), 09% of reptile species, and 59% of wild snail species found in the archipelago are not found anywhere else.
The site harbours important bird species at the global level (291 species), including some endangered species. The marine life on Socotra is characterised by its incredible diversity, with 352 species of reef-building corals, 730 species of coastal fish, and 300 species of crabs, lobsters, and shrimps.
The island was classified as a World Heritage Site in 2008. It was called “the most exotic area in the world”, and the New York Times ranked it as the most beautiful island in the world in 2010.
Al Ghadeer Beach
It is located in the Al Ghadeer area in the Aden Governorate and is one of the most beautiful beaches. It opens from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. It is a beach of unparalleled splendour and beauty, characterised by a moderate natural climate and a beautiful location. It has many tourist services, chalets, and rest houses.
The Golden Coast
It is located in Al-Tawahi District in Aden Governorate. The Golden Coast, or Goldmore, is one of the beaches most visited by Yemeni people. Children can have fun while swimming, and you will see groups of women gathered together, chatting and drinking tea.
Abyan Coast
It is located in the Khor Maksar region in the governorate of Aden. It is characterised by the beauty of its scenery, soft sand and clear water, and several rest stations. It has the longest beaches and coasts in the Aden Governorate. The coast of Abyan is one of the most essential beaches that adorn the temporary capital of Aden, as well as its vast area and the corniche on which it is built. The most important feature of the Abyan coast is its clear waters and fine sand.
Al-Khoukha Beaches
It is located to the south of the city of Al-Hodeidah on the eastern side of the Red Sea coast. It is a beautiful beach covered with soft white sand, with crescent shapes surrounded by white dunes. It is one of the most beautiful Yemeni beaches, shaded by palm trees spread all over it. There are lovely summer resorts characterised by their fresh air and the clarity of their waters. The beaches of Al-Khokha are among the most visited beaches in Yemen.
Al-Luhayyah Beach
It is located in the city of Al-Luhayyah, north of Al-Hodeidah Governorate, on the eastern bank of the Red Sea coast. The island is known for its large forests, mangroves, seagrass, and many migratory and endemic birds. In addition, coral reefs are present in large quantities and at shallow depths. The most essential characteristics of this beach are the nearby forests, dense trees, seaweeds, and abundant migratory birds.
Al-Jah Beach
It is located to the south of the city of Al-Hodeidah. Soft dunes shaded by palm trees, more than one million of which are a few kilometres tall, characterise it.
South Beach Mandhar Village
It is located southwest of Hodeidah and is famous for its surreal nature, lovely white sand, moderate atmosphere, and quietness.
Sharma Beach
It is located in the Al-Dis district of the Hadhramaut Governorate and is considered one of the most beautiful and purest beaches.
Famous Archaeological Sites
Yemen’s history is very ancient. It is a country of monuments, castles, forts, palaces, temples, and dams. It was the first home of the ancient Arabs. Many civilisations were present in this old land, such as the Sabaean and Himyarite kingdoms, which testify that the land of Yemen was the forerunner in many architectural, cognitive, and military arts. The civilised vocabulary of Yemeni civilisations can be seen.
In the various Yemeni museums and historical and archaeological sites in the eastern regions and throughout the country in general, and at the beginning of the first millennium BCE, Yemeni civilisations were at the height of their prosperity. They contributed a large share of knowledge and human development. All that rare mixture of rich heritage and fragrant history made Yemen an essential destination that many tourists and visitors wish to visit, in addition to being one of the most crucial archaeological tourist areas in the world.
Here are some of the attractive archaeological sites.
Shibam Hadramout
It is an ancient town and the centre of Shibam District in Hadhramaut Governorate in eastern Yemen. The walled city of the 16th century is one of the oldest and best examples of meticulous urban planning based on the principle of vertical construction. Due to its tall, towering buildings emanating from the rocks, it is called “the Manhattan of the Desert.” In 1982, UNESCO added the city of Shibam to the list of World Heritage sites.
Queen of Sheba Throne
It is the Temple of Bran, the most famous archaeological site among the antiquities of Yemen. It is located 1400 meters to the northwest of Muharram Bilqis. The Awam temple follows it in terms of importance, and it is known locally as “The Baptists”.
The archaeological excavation revealed its buried details under the sand. The temple consists of different architectural units, the most important of which are the Holy of Holies, the front yard, and its accessories, such as the large brick wall and affiliated facilities.
Titschitectural elements of the Temple of Bran have been in different periods since the beginning of the 1st millennium BCE, and it seems that the temple consists of a harmonious architectural unit in which the main entrance and the courtyard meet with the high theatre in a way that suggests splendour, beauty, and grandeur of the achievement. It should be noted that the temple witnessed a comprehensive restoration process, and thus, the temple was ready to receive tourists.
Al Kathiri Palace
It was initially built as a fortress for the popups to protect and defend the city. However, after many modifications and restorations, it became Sultan Al Kathiri’s official residence. The palace, with 90 rooms, dates back to the late 16th century CE. Part of it is now used as an archaeological museum and a public library for the history of Hadhramaut.
The palace is situated on a hill in the centre of the public market in Seiyun. It is considered one of the most prominent historical monuments in the valley, as it is characterised by its beauty, consistency, and colossal size. The palace was built of mud, and mud architecture flourishes in Hadhramaut Valley today due to its suitability to the valley’s climate, which is characterised by heat and drought.
The palace’s image is shown on the front of the 1000 riyal currency, as it is one of Yemen’s most important historical monuments. It is considered the most critical architectural masterpiece south of the Arabian Peninsula and a source of pride for historical Arab architecture.
Dar Al-Hajar Palace
Dar Al-Hajar Palace consists of 7 floors, in harmony with the natural composition of the rock, and at its gate, the taluka tree is estimated to be 700 years old. Black turkey stone. It is considered one of the most important tourist attractions in Yemen.
Marib Dam
Marib Dam is one of the oldest water dams in Yemen. Archaeological excavations showed that the oldest evidence of limiting water and taking advantage of rain dates back to the 4th millennium BCE. However, the famous dam itself dates back to the 8th century BCE. Marib Dam is one of the most important ancient Yemeni dams.
The dam was built of carefully carved stones from the mountains. Gypsum was used to connect the carved stones so the dam could stand firm against the danger of earthquakes and violent torrential rains. According to archaeological excavations, the dam suffered at least four collapses. The dam was restored and renovated in modern times.
Religious Tourism
Religious tourism in Yemen is represented by features of Islamic civilisation, such as mosques and shrines, including the Great Mosque in Sana’a, the Al-Jund Mosque, the Mosque of the People of the Cave in Taiz, the mosque and mausoleum of Sheikh Ahmed bin Alwan in Taiz, and the Al-Aidaros Mosque.
Historical Mosques in Dhamar
In the Atma area, many historical mosques are spread throughout the district, including the Bag Mosque and the Mosque of the Choir. Most of the Atma district’s mosques are considered old, and their construction dates back to ancient times.
Mausoleums in Dhamar
There are many shrines and domes for the righteous people, for example, Al-Humaydah, Al-Sharam Al-Safel, and Hijra Al-Mahroom, which are made of wooden coffins decorated with ornaments consisting of floral and epigraphic bands and geometric shapes, all executed on wood by the method of deep engraving. Several tombs are still standing and in good condition.
Al-Jarmuzy Mausoleum and Mosque
It is considered one of the important shrines in the district for Mikhlaf’s migration and one of the most famous historical mosques in Yemen.
Yahya bin Hamza Mosque
It is situated in the district of Al-Zahir. Its construction dates back hundreds of years and contains manuscripts and decorations decorated with bright and unique inscriptions, in addition to the Great Mosque in the heart of the old city of Al-Hazm. The mosque was built of mud and can host about five hundred worshipers. It has a newly built minaret and a wooden roof adorned with wooden panels on which inscriptions and Quranic verses are fixed.
Hajia Mosque
This mosque had a significant role in calling and spreading the teachings of the Islamic religion in the region. Ahmed bin Suleiman founded it.
Baraqish Mosque
The mosque is located in the middle of the archaeological area of Baraqish. Imam Abdullah built it in bin Hamza. From this mosque, the call for peace spread to the various regions of the province. His wife also dug a well in this place, and she named it after her, Nubia. The well still carries her name today. She also built a mosque next to the well.
Desert Tourism
Yemen is famous for its desert. The Empty Quarter is one of the world’s fastest, most famous, and most mysterious deserts. The ancient Yemeni trade of incense and frankincense, associated with the ancient Yemeni civilisation, is one of the attractions of desert tourism, which makes the adventure on these roads very interesting.
Therapeutic Tourism
Yemen possesses many natural components that, in total, constitute the primary and secondary factors for the establishment of medical tourism, which depends mainly on the sources of therapeutic mineral water baths, especially in Al-Huwaimi in Lahij, Tabla in Hadramout, Hammam Al-Sukhna (southeast of Hodeidah), Hammam Damt in Al-Dhalea, Eastern Diss in Hadramaut, Hammam Ali in Dhamar and other areas.
Hadramaut
In Hadhramaut, many natural hot therapeutic water sites have temperatures between 40 and 65 degrees Celsius. The well-known sites in Tbala are Ma’yan Awad, Mayan Al Rami, and Ma’yan al-Dunya. People visit all these natural healing sites daily throughout the year to recover from diseases.
Sana’a
The baths of the old district of Sana’a include the Sultan’s Bath, Qazali Bath, Spa Bath, Aortic Bath, and Toshi Bath, among many others.
They are all spread in the old Sanaa lanes. They were supplied with water from wells, one or more attached to each lane. The Bath of Sheba is considered ancient, as is the Yasser Bath, which may be attributed to the Himyarite King. The rest of the baths date back to different times of the Islamic era.
Ali Bath
It is believed that its history dates back to the 16th century CE when the Ottomans constructed the neighbourhood during the first period of their rule in Yemen.
Feesh Bath
Its history goes back to the beginning of the 18th century CE, when Imam Al-Mutawakkil established several service facilities in the Al-Qaa neighbourhood, including these baths.
Sultan Bath
One of the oldest public baths represents the inherited and famous historical model. This bath bears the name of its builder to this day.
Shukr Bath
One of the well-known ancient baths. It follows the Ottoman construction style.
Al-Mutawakkil Bath
It is one of the famous baths in Sana’a, located in “Bab al-Sabbah”. It is still standing in its original state today.
Activities Never to Miss in Yemen
Many Yemeni islands have beautiful natural characteristics that provide an excellent opportunity for marine tourism, diving, and recreational activities. In addition, the multiple mountainous heights are characterised by the beauty of picturesque nature and its permanent green terraces, especially during the summer of each year. There are peaks, slopes, and caves; even the mountains can be used for meditation, speculation, climbing, and hiking.
Horse Racing
It is one of the favourite ancient sports of the Arabs, and in Yemen, the traditional horse race is held as one of the activities of the Qarnaw Festival.
There is also the traditional horse race in the desert of Al-Jawf Governorate, where the top three are honoured. There is also the endurance race for horses over a distance of 80 km.
Camel Racing
Camel racing is also an exciting sport to watch. It has occupied a prestigious position in the hearts of Arabs for hundreds of years. It is a sport of originality, heritage, honourable competition, excitement, and speed.
Scuba Diving
The Red Sea is one of the most famous waterways on its banks. It is considered one of the best diving areas in the world due to the diversity and scarcity of the picturesque coral reefs, especially in the far south of the Red Sea.
Many islands are scattered along Yemen’s coast, and there is diverse marine life. This is considered one of the most attractive places for visitors worldwide, and the splendour of diving and water skiing is apparent.
Excursions and Hiking
The mountains of Yemen are the best places to go hiking due to the scenic views, especially in the hills northwest of Sana’a, where distances between villages are short. In addition, the authentic Arab hospitality of locals in those regions makes Yemen among the world’s largest undiscovered hiking areas.
Culture in Yemen
Yemen’s culture is abundant and rich in folk arts, such as dances, songs, dresses, and women’s Janabiya ornaments. Its origins go back to ancient times, and these arts have a role in defining the features of Yemeni identity and nationalism.
Folk Dances
There are several folk dances in Yemen, the most famous of which is the Al-Bara dance. The word “bara” is derived from the word “wit” or “ingenuity” in controlling the dagger. The styles of the dance differ according to each region and tribe. All the dances are distinguished from the other by the accompanying music, speed of movement, and their differences, except that they are ancient war and fighting dances.
The most important meaning of this skill is to teach the tribe’s people to work as an interconnected group under challenging circumstances. The dance often consists of three to four paragraphs, and the number of participants may reach 50. They perform miniature movements. The speed of the rhythm and the difficulty of the movements increase with the progress in the paragraphs. The worst-performing dancers come out of the dance.
Among the famous folk dances are Sharh and Shabwani, and Zamil for Hadramis is another dance. The Jews in Yemen have a famous dance called the Yemeni Step, in which both sexes participate, and no weapons are used. It is similar to other dances in Yemen and is often performed at weddings.
Popular Fashion
Yemenis wear a dress they call the Zanna. They place the Janabi in the middle and wrap turbans on their heads. In recent years, they have added the overcoat to their everyday wear. In the coastal and southern regions, they also wear the Ma’oz, a loincloth wrapped over the body’s lower part.
The people of the desert studded their daggers with Yemeni onyx, while the people of Sana’a were content with metal, so they planted their daggers in silver, gold, or bronze with handles of cow horns.
The use of jewellery is ancient in Yemen; only minor differences occur in the shape and placement of clothing from one region to another. Yemenis have been known since ancient times for wearing gold and silver. Jewellery is manually made and decorated with cloves and precious stones such as coral, agate, sapphire, pearl, amber, and emerald extracted from Yemeni mines.
Cuisine
Yemeni cuisine contains many unique dishes. The most famous dishes are Mandi, Madhbi, Shafut, Salta, Jalameh, Fahsa, Uqdah, Harees, Al Aseed, Madfoun, Wazf, Sahawq, Jahnun, Masoub, Mutabbaq, and Bint Al-Sahn. As for bread, there is Malouja, Moulouh, and Khameer. And drinks such as Aladani tea and Alhaqin.
Honey
Hadhramaut honey, known for its rich, intense flavour, is famous throughout the Arab region and is considered one of the world’s best and most expensive species. Besides its delicious taste, it has medicinal uses. Beekeeping is probably one of the oldest forms of obtaining food in the area. Many beekeepers are nomadic, moving between areas where there are flowers. The highest quality honey comes from bees that feed on natural plants in the desert areas that only grow in Wadi Hadhramaut, namely Sidr trees and canes.
Mandi
Mandi is made of rice, meat (lamb or chicken), and spices. The means used are usually young to give a delicious flavour. The main thing distinguishing mandi from other meat dishes is that the meat is cooked in the tandoor (the Hadrami taboon), a particular type of oven. The meat is then suspended inside a tandoor without touching the coals. After that, the tandoor closes, and the smoke inside is vented. After the meat is cooked, it is placed over the rice, decorated with raisins, pine nuts, walnuts, and almonds.
Mocha
Yemen is considered one of the first countries that cultivated coffee and exported it to the world, with evidence that coffee is called Arabica or Arabic coffee, originating from Yemen. The most critical and luxurious type of coffee is the Mocha, which is derived from the “Mocha coffee” of the famous Yemeni port (Mocha). The port of Mois derived from the first from which merchant ships set out and exported coffee to Europe and the rest of the world in the 17th century. Yemeni coffee is famous for its exceptional taste, which differs from other types of coffee grown and produced in different countries.
Saltah
Saltah is a dish with a variety of ingredients. It is considered one of the main dishes in northern Yemen, especially in the highlands. The main component of the Saltah is the fenugreek. Diversified vegetables are added to it along with the meat broth and cooked in a stone pot at a very high temperature. Crumbled meat can be added to the shawarma; in this case, it is called Fahsah.
Best Time to Travel to Yemen
The climate in Yemen is subtropical, dry, and hot desert. It is characterised by low rainfall and high temperatures, especially during summer. This is where the daily temperature during the summer reaches 40 degrees Celsius. The ideal time for tourism in Yemen is spring, fall, and winter. It is worth noting that:
Winter in Yemen
One of the distinguished tourist seasons is the long dry season, which begins at the beginning of January. This is an excellent time for water activities such as snorkelling, diving, and exploring exciting marine life. You can also explore the country’s prominent landmarks and wander among the green spaces during the monsoon rains.
Spring in Yemen
Also, it is a great time to travel in Yemen, as it is the middle of the long dry season. The drier climate and calm waters are ideal for snorkelling and diving on the beautiful Yemeni coasts. You can also take boat trips, contemplate the surrounding landscape, relax in the theme parks, and wander in the fresh air.
Summer in Yemen
The summer is sweltering in Yemen, in addition to its dust and sandstorms. However, it is also an excellent time to visit Yemen, where you can enjoy paragliding, visit the tourist beaches, watch turtles and take beautiful pictures with them.
Autumn in Yemen
Autumn is the best time ever for travel and tourism in Yemen. This is where you can walk long distances and practice mountain activities, where the valleys are filled with clean, fresh water and lush landscapes, which gives you a great chance to enjoy the bright colours of the country.
Language in Yemen
Arabic is the official language of Yemen. However, many other non-Arabic languages are also prevalent in Yemen, perhaps the most famous of which is the Al-Razihi language.
The Ideal Period for Tourism in Yemen
The ideal duration of tourism in Yemen is about a week or so. This time is enough to explore most of the country’s important landmarks. The following is a suggested tourist program in Yemen that can help you plan your program:
Day 1
Start your trip by heading to Old Sana’a. Discover its attractions and landmarks, then relax in your hotel.
Day 2
Visit Wadi Dhar, Thalaa village, Hababa city, Shibam village, Kawkaban village, and Tawila city. Then, head to the city of Al Mahwit to spend the night. It is an ideal area to see many tourist attractions and important historical sites in Yemen.
Days 3 and 4
Visit the magnificent Haraz Mountains in Al Mahwit to enjoy the best scenic landscapes. Satisfy your senses by contemplating the green mountains, the mixed views of the valley, and the desert landscapes in the city of Al Hudaydah.
Day 5
Head to the weekly Friday market at Beit Al-Faqih, where thousands of people come to buy and trade everything from goats to clothes and biscuits. End your day by going to the mountains and enjoying exciting desert sports.
Days 6 and 7
Visit Al-Hatib Village, a beautiful and clean mountain village famous for its coffee cultivation. Then, head to Sana’a to visit Sana’aleh Mosque and shop for souvenirs.
Communications and Internet in Yemen
Communication companies in Yemen are constantly working to develop this sector and provide a wide range. They have supplied and improved internet offers throughout the country. The internet speed in Yemen is acceptable, and prices are low. The Internet is also available at airports, stations, and restaurants.
Transportation in Yemen
To move within Yemen, there are many options for public transportation, and here are the important ones:
Taxi
Shared taxis are a standard means of transportation inside Yemen, and you can use them to facilitate movement between cities.
Car Rental
Renting a car in Yemen is the safest and most popular way to explore the country’s attractions.
Buses
There are many buses and minibuses in Yemen that connect cities. Buses are comfortable and affordable.
The Official Currency in Yemen
The Yemeni riyal (YR) is the official currency of Yemen. The Yemeni riyal is divided into 100 sub-units called fils.
Yemen is a treasure trove of diverse attractions and ancient mysteries, offering everything from breathtaking natural wonders to historic architectural marvels. Whether exploring the unique Socotra Archipelago or the majestic Haraz Mountains, Yemen promises an unforgettable journey of discovery and awe. Prepare to be captivated by its rich cultural tapestry and stunning landscapes.
