Yemen is a place like no other. I strongly believe the entire country or at least most should be protected by UNESCO. Historical buildings, ancient heritage, villages from hundreds of years are all around you.

It’s not a specific place. You are within it. Everywhere I turn, there’s always something I want to capture; the intricately carved wooden doors, well-decorated windows, clusters of mudhouse with contrasting windows and doors, historical sites, the traditionally dressed men and women, their day to do day movements; it’s endless. Everything is especially unique.

I can’t describe enough of it. You’ll understand what I’m talking about once you visit Yemen.

Not to mention the people. The kindest and hospitable you’ll meet. I went with not knowing anyone and left with many new friends.

Here are the places I visited during my very short and spontaneous trip to Yemen.

Hadhramaut Governorate

Yemen is divided into 21 governorates and I visited one of them; Hadhramaut.

Hadhramaut is the largest governorate in the country. It is a very traditional region with pristine beaches, towering mountains, and beautiful valleys.

I chose Hadhramaut for my first visit as it is a non-conflict zone and it is also where I’m originally from.

Hadhramaut Coast

Along the coast of Hadhramaut lies a sandy coastline along the Arabian Sea with crystal clear blue water.

Those living along the coast are mostly fishermen and traders. Therefore you know, they have great seafood dishes!

Mukalla

A seaport and capital of Hadhramut. It’s an urban city and home to the Qa’aiti Palace.

Qa’aiti Palace is the only museum in Mukalla. Unfortunately, all of the artifacts have been damaged due to the attack that happened in 2016.

Since then, the museum has been closed until enough funds are gathered to restore them back. 

Ghayl Ba Wazir

An agricultural district with many tobacco farms is also home to the first middle school in Hadhramaut.

Many government personnel graduated from the same middle school. It is currently operating as a museum.

Ash Shihr

Another coastal town that’s home to many historical sites.

The first mosque built in the town was built during the Prophet’s time while he was traveling between Makkah and Madinah.

It is still standing tall and currently runs as an Islamic center. The narrow wooden door and structure are well protected for more than 1300 years.

It is also a major seaport in transporting Frankincense all the way to China from ancient times.

 

Al Hami

A coastal town that’s known for its thermal Sulfur water that gives many health benefits. I love to soak in thermal water! Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to do that in Al Hami. It’s on my list for my next visit!

Burum

Another coastal town with an empty and breathtaking coast surrounded by mountains!

The famous mountain crack is known as “Shaqqeen”, don’t forget to drive through it if you visit Burum!

I can’t believe such a tranquil beach is just 5 minutes away from Burum village!

One of my dreams is to camp in here on my next visit. Could you imagine how beautiful it would be at night?! The sunrise? Sunsets?! with dolphins swimming by. I just hope it won’t come too close to the shore and ends its fate. 🙁

Hadhramaut Valley (Wadi Hadhramaut)

The Great Canyon of Yemen is strikingly beautiful!

The inland is about 3 hours away from Mukalla. Those living here are mostly farmers due to its fertile region.  Driving by the valley, there are many farms, tall palm trees, donkeys, and other farm animals.

What strikes the most is the women dressed in traditional wear with the pointed straw hats in the middle of green tall grasses with a backdrop of red sand mountains.

Haid Al Jazeel

How this village is not listed under UNESCO is beyond me!

Hanging on a cliff in the middle of a valley with a dramatic drop view to the valley.

These mudhouses go up to 5 stories.

This is such an astonishing view. It would even be a lot more dramatic in the rainy season when the valley is filled with water.

You could see this view from the overflow swimming pool too!

This is at Haid Al Jazeel Resort. It has a traditional mud designed rooms with wooden interiors. I would recommend spending a night here as a break while traveling from Mukalla to Wadi Hadhramaut or the other way around.

 

Wadi Daw’an

Khaila Bugshan will definitely catch your eye from afar by its multi-colored exterior and not to mention it’s large size compared to the other mudhouses in the area.

The striking colors against the sandstone backdrop amidst the mudhouses is so picturesque.

Al Qatn

I only drove by Al Qatn due to the shortage of time, but this is where Nahd tribes are known to be. They are of course scattered all around the world and around Yemen, but Al Qatn is known to be home to the Nahd tribe.

Shibam

Shibam is nicknamed as The Manhattan of the Desert due to its striking resemblance to Manhattan skyscrapers in New York City.

These clusters of mud buildings going as high as 12 stories are believed to be the first skyscrapers in the world, dating back to the 16th Century.

Shibam is a walled city that’s listed under World Heritage in Danger by the UNESCO.

Seiyun

The capital of Wadi Hadhramout also the city filled with beautiful palaces with African, Arabic and Indian architecture.

Tarim

Also known as the city of Call of Prayers, home to the tallest minaret in the world made of mud, and at least 365 mosques in a small town of 58 thousand population.

It is home to the Islamic education and named as the Islamic Culture Capital (ISESCO) in 2010.

It is a popular choice for people around the world who are keen to study about Islam.

I visited the female Islamic school; Dar Al Zahra and the diversity amazed me! I didn’t expect to see a room filled with so many females from all over the world. I recommend visiting the school and experience the calm and spiritual environment.

Curious about true and ancient Arabian Civilisation? Visit Yemen and experience it for yourself 🙂

Check out the photo session I had with @fares_coool and @awad_bilkhair