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Yemen

Yemen Highlights

Yemen is a country with an extraordinary wealth of culture and history, from the ancient city of Shibam, often referred to as "Manhattan of the Desert" for its towering mud-brick buildings, to the old city of Sana`a, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with distinctive rammed-earth and burnt-brick towers. Al-Saleh Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Arab world, and Dar al-Hajar, an iconic rock palace, are must-sees. Socotra Island, with its alien-like Dragon Blood Trees and biodiversity, offers natural wonders that rival the Galapagos. Despite its treasures, Yemen has been profoundly affected by ongoing conflict, and travel is currently advised against. However, its rich heritage and natural beauty continue to be a testament to the resilience and spirit of Yemen and its people.

Top 10 Attractions

Al Hudaydah

On the Red Sea coast, Al Hudaydah is home to pristine beaches and offers a different view of Yemeni life. Its historic center is characterized by distinct Ottoman architecture. more

On the Red Sea coast, Al Hudaydah is home to pristine beaches and offers a different view of Yemeni life. Its historic center is characterized by distinct Ottoman architecture.

Al Mukalla

The port city of Al Mukalla is known for its white buildings and bustling fish market. Its historic sites include the Al-Ghwayzi Fort and the Sultan`s Palace. more

The port city of Al Mukalla is known for its white buildings and bustling fish market. Its historic sites include the Al-Ghwayzi Fort and the Sultan`s Palace.

Al-Saleh Mosque

A modern piece of architectural beauty, the Al-Saleh Mosque in Sana`a is the largest in Yemen. With its ornate decorations and expansive courtyards, it`s a must-visit for those interested in Islamic architecture. more

A modern piece of architectural beauty, the Al-Saleh Mosque in Sana`a is the largest in Yemen. With its ornate decorations and expansive courtyards, it`s a must-visit for those interested in Islamic architecture.

Archaeological Museum of Al Mukalla

The Archaeological Museum of Al Mukalla holds a variety of artifacts and exhibits that cover the history of Hadramawt and Yemen. more

The Archaeological Museum of Al Mukalla holds a variety of artifacts and exhibits that cover the history of Hadramawt and Yemen.

Bab al-Yemen Market

The Bab al-Yemen market in the old city of Sana`a is an ancient gate that leads to a bustling market. Here, you can find traditional Yemeni items such as spices, clothes, and jewelry. more

The Bab al-Yemen market in the old city of Sana`a is an ancient gate that leads to a bustling market. Here, you can find traditional Yemeni items such as spices, clothes, and jewelry.

Dar al-Hajar

Dar al-Hajar or the Rock Palace is an iconic symbol of Yemen. This five-story building was erected on top of a rock spire and served as the summer residence of Imam Yahya. The views from the top are truly stunning. more

Dar al-Hajar or the Rock Palace is an iconic symbol of Yemen. This five-story building was erected on top of a rock spire and served as the summer residence of Imam Yahya. The views from the top are truly stunning.

Ghumdan Palace

Ghumdan Palace, located in Sana`a, is believed to be the oldest skyscraper in the world. Although only ruins remain today, it`s still a site of historical significance. more

Ghumdan Palace, located in Sana`a, is believed to be the oldest skyscraper in the world. Although only ruins remain today, it`s still a site of historical significance.

Great Mosque of Sana`a

One of the oldest mosques in the world, the Great Mosque of Sana`a was reportedly built during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad. It`s a place of immense religious and historical significance. more

One of the oldest mosques in the world, the Great Mosque of Sana`a was reportedly built during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad. It`s a place of immense religious and historical significance.

Ibb

Known as "the green province," Ibb is one of the most fertile regions in Yemen. The city is situated in a mountainous area and offers beautiful natural sights and a cooler climate. more

Known as "the green province," Ibb is one of the most fertile regions in Yemen. The city is situated in a mountainous area and offers beautiful natural sights and a cooler climate.

Marib

The ancient city of Marib was once the capital of the Sabaean Kingdom. The ruins of the old city include the Marib Dam, temples, and other archaeological sites. more

The ancient city of Marib was once the capital of the Sabaean Kingdom. The ruins of the old city include the Marib Dam, temples, and other archaeological sites.

Military Museum

Located in Sana`a, the Military Museum offers a glimpse into Yemen`s military history, with a range of displays that include weapons, uniforms, and other war relics. more

Located in Sana`a, the Military Museum offers a glimpse into Yemen`s military history, with a range of displays that include weapons, uniforms, and other war relics.

National Museum of Yemen

The National Museum of Yemen, housed in the former Imam`s Palace, contains artifacts that trace Yemen`s history from ancient times to the present. This includes sculptures, jewelry, and items from ancient civilizations such as the Sabaean and Himyari... more

The National Museum of Yemen, housed in the former Imam`s Palace, contains artifacts that trace Yemen`s history from ancient times to the present. This includes sculptures, jewelry, and items from ancient civilizations such as the Sabaean and Himyarite Kingdoms.

Old City of Sana`a

The Old City of Sana`a is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with stunning, ancient multistoried buildings. This ancient city has been inhabited for over 2,500 years and has a unique architectural beauty with its rammed-earth and burnt-brick towers... more

The Old City of Sana`a is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with stunning, ancient multistoried buildings. This ancient city has been inhabited for over 2,500 years and has a unique architectural beauty with its rammed-earth and burnt-brick towers rising several stories high. Despite the turmoil, it`s a must-visit site if safe to do so, to soak in its rich history and culture.

Shibam Mud Brick-made Skyscrapers

Often referred to as `the oldest skyscraper city in the world` or `the Manhattan of the desert`, Shibam is famous for its distinct mud brick-made high-rise buildings, which are a testament to the advanced urban planning and architecture of the 16th-c... more

Often referred to as `the oldest skyscraper city in the world` or `the Manhattan of the desert`, Shibam is famous for its distinct mud brick-made high-rise buildings, which are a testament to the advanced urban planning and architecture of the 16th-century Hadramawt people.

Socotra Island

Often called the "Galapagos of the Indian Ocean," Socotra Island is home to unique and endemic flora and fauna not found anywhere else in the world, including the Dragon`s Blood Tree. Its spectacular landscape and biodiversity make it a natural wonde... more

Often called the "Galapagos of the Indian Ocean," Socotra Island is home to unique and endemic flora and fauna not found anywhere else in the world, including the Dragon`s Blood Tree. Its spectacular landscape and biodiversity make it a natural wonder that`s certainly worth the visit.

Taiz

The city of Taiz is renowned for its cultural and educational contribution to the country. The city has several historic sites, including the 13th-century Ashrafiya Mosque and the historic Cairo Citadel, offering panoramic views of the city. more

The city of Taiz is renowned for its cultural and educational contribution to the country. The city has several historic sites, including the 13th-century Ashrafiya Mosque and the historic Cairo Citadel, offering panoramic views of the city.

Tawilah Tanks Craters

The Tawilah Tanks Craters in Dhamar are large ancient cisterns used for water storage. Their age and construction techniques make them a fascinating historical site. more

The Tawilah Tanks Craters in Dhamar are large ancient cisterns used for water storage. Their age and construction techniques make them a fascinating historical site.

Thula

Thula is an ancient fortified city with intact walls and gates. Its stone tower houses, narrow streets, and traditional houses offer a journey back in time. more

Thula is an ancient fortified city with intact walls and gates. Its stone tower houses, narrow streets, and traditional houses offer a journey back in time.

Wadi Dhahr

Wadi Dhahr is a beautiful valley known for its fertile soil and cool climate. The Rock Palace (Dar al-Hajar) is one of its main attractions. more

Wadi Dhahr is a beautiful valley known for its fertile soil and cool climate. The Rock Palace (Dar al-Hajar) is one of its main attractions.

Zabid

Zabid is an ancient town with a rich history. Its old university is one of the oldest in the world, and the city`s traditional Islamic architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. more

Zabid is an ancient town with a rich history. Its old university is one of the oldest in the world, and the city`s traditional Islamic architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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