Yemen: The Forgotten Treasure of the Arabian Peninsula

Discover Yemen – A Cradle of Civilizations and Lost Worlds

Situated at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen is a country cloaked in history, layered in tradition, and dotted with some of the most surreal landscapes on Earth. While modern-day Yemen faces turmoil, its past reveals an era of wealth, wisdom, and world trade. From the sky-piercing mud towers of Shibam to the alien-like flora of Socotra Island, Yemen is a mystery waiting to be rediscovered.

This land, once the realm of the Queen of Sheba, is a destination for those drawn to untouched culture, legendary hospitality, and adventure far from the crowds.

🏙️ Sana’a – The World’s Oldest Continuously Inhabited Capital

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sana’a is a breathtaking blend of ancient culture and Islamic architecture. Its old city is famous for its distinct multi-story tower houses, adorned with intricate white gypsum patterns on brown brick exteriors.

Top attractions:

• Old City of Sana’a – Wander narrow alleys lined with gingerbread-like buildings

• Bab al-Yemen (Gate of Yemen) – The grand entrance to the old souk

• Al Saleh Mosque – A stunning example of modern Islamic design

• Traditional Yemeni markets (souks) selling silver, daggers, coffee, and spices

Even under political instability, Sana’a stands as a cultural gem – its very structure tells the story of centuries.

🏯 Shibam – The Manhattan of the Desert

Nicknamed the “Manhattan of the Desert,” the town of Shibam features towering mud-brick skyscrapers that date back to the 16th century.

Why it’s extraordinary:

• Vertical mud buildings up to 11 stories tall – the earliest example of high-rise urban planning

• UNESCO designation for its architectural and historical significance

• An oasis surrounded by the Wadi Hadhramaut desert, providing surreal scenery

Shibam offers a glimpse into pre-modern urban innovation in the Islamic world.

🌴 Socotra Island – Yemen’s Alien Paradise

Often dubbed the “most alien-looking place on Earth,” Socotra is a remote island in the Arabian Sea, known for its bizarre landscape and unique biodiversity.

Unmissable features:

• Dragon’s Blood Trees – Umbrella-shaped trees that bleed red sap

• White-sand beaches and turquoise waters

• Hoq Cave – A vast limestone cavern with stalactites and ancient inscriptions

• Endemic plant and animal life – 37% of Socotra’s plants exist nowhere else on Earth

• Camping under the stars amid otherworldly terrain

Socotra feels like another planet and is a paradise for eco-travelers, photographers, and biologists.

🕌 Al-Mahwit & Haraz Mountains – Ancient Villages in the Sky

In the western highlands, Haraz Mountains rise dramatically, peppered with stone villages that seem to grow from the cliffs.

Highlights include:

• Al-Hajjarah – A village built on sheer cliffs, with stone houses balancing on rock ledges

• Manakha – The main hub for exploring Haraz and nearby traditional villages

• Terraced farming and ancient footpaths

• Views that stretch to the Red Sea on clear days

This region offers some of the best hiking and cultural immersion in all of Yemen.

🕌 Religious & Historical Significance

Yemen has deep roots in Islamic history, and even pre-Islamic civilizations such as Saba, Himyarite, and Qataban flourished here.

Key landmarks:

• Marib Dam – A massive engineering feat built before the Common Era by the Sabaean Kingdom

• Queen of Sheba Temple (Mahram Bilqis) – A sacred temple near ancient Marib

• Numerous ancient mosques, including some over a millennium old

• The original homeland of the Yemeni Jews, known for their influence on local art and architecture

Yemen’s sacred sites attract historians and scholars from around the world.

☕ Yemeni Coffee Culture

Yemen is believed to be the birthplace of the coffee trade. The port city of Mocha gave its name to the popular mocha coffee blend.

Must-try coffee experiences:

• Qishr – A spiced coffee made from dried coffee cherry husks

• Traditional Yemeni coffee houses in Sana’a

• Learn about the ancient coffee trade routes

• Visit highland farms where coffee has been cultivated for centuries

Yemeni coffee is rich, earthy, and infused with centuries of tradition.

🍽️ Cuisine – Spiced, Hearty, and Homely

Yemeni food is aromatic, filling, and crafted with care. It reflects centuries of trade and cultural exchange.

Top dishes:

• Saltah – A bubbling stew of meat, vegetables, and fenugreek froth

• Mandi – Fragrant rice with lamb or chicken cooked underground

• Bint al-Sahn – A honey-drizzled layered bread served with ghee

• Fahsa – A spicy meat stew served in a sizzling stone pot

• Yemeni flatbreads, baked in traditional clay ovens

Food in Yemen is a communal affair — a symbol of unity and warmth.

🎉 Culture, Clothing & Traditions

Yemenis are fiercely proud of their identity and traditions. While conservative, the culture is layered and poetic.

Traditions to know:

• Janbiya dagger – Worn by men as a symbol of honor

• Khat chewing – A daily social tradition

• Poetry and oral storytelling are revered

• Colorful weddings, tribal dances, and community feasts

• Women often wear abaya and niqab, while men wear thobe or sarong

Despite war and hardship, Yemeni culture thrives in resilience.

🚨 Travel Note

Due to ongoing conflict and instability, travel to Yemen is currently not advised without thorough planning, embassy consultation, and security measures.

However, when peace returns, Yemen is poised to become one of the most stunning and authentic destinations in the world.

💡 Why Visit Yemen (When Safe)?

• One of the oldest civilizations in the Arabian Peninsula

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites and ancient cities

• Alien beauty of Socotra Island

• Authentic Arabian hospitality and tribal culture

• Cradle of the coffee trade and poetry traditions

Yemen is not for the faint of heart — but for travelers seeking meaning, culture, and raw beauty, it offers an unforgettable experience unlike any other.