Yemen: The Lost Kingdom of Arabia

Located at the southern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, this country holds centuries of history, unique architecture, and untouched nature found nowhere else on Earth. A journey to Yemen is an immersion into the atmosphere of ancient cities lost in the sands, mountain villages perched above the clouds, and coasts lapped by the warm waters of the Arabian and Red Seas.

Sana’a, the capital of Yemen, is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Its history stretches back over 2,500 years, and little appears to have changed in all that time. The historic center of Sana’a, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mesmerizing ensemble of mud-brick houses with intricate stained-glass windows, narrow alleyways, and bustling markets.

Wandering through the Old City feels like stepping into medieval Arabia. The towering brick buildings, adorned with white gypsum patterns, create the illusion of a labyrinth from a fairy tale. One of the most impressive structures is the Al-Saleh Mosque—a modern construction built in traditional Yemeni style, its minarets and domes particularly stunning at sunset.

No visit to Sana’a is complete without exploring the Souk al-Milh market. The air is thick with the scent of spices, and vendors sell fragrant Yemeni honey, silver jewelry, and the iconic curved daggers known as jambiyas, worn by nearly every local man as a symbol of heritage and pride.

In the heart of Wadi Hadhramaut lies Shibam, often called the "Manhattan of the Desert." This extraordinary city is a fortress of hundreds of mud-brick high-rises, some reaching up to 30 meters tall, making them some of the earliest "skyscrapers" in human history. Built in the 16th century, Shibam was designed as a defensive settlement—its towering walls protected inhabitants from Bedouin raids.

Today, Shibam feels like a movie set from an epic historical film. The best time to visit is at dawn or dusk when the sun paints the clay walls in golden and rosy hues, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Walking through its streets, one can’t help but marvel at the ingenuity of its builders, who crafted an entire city from earth and straw, standing strong for centuries.

If mainland Yemen is a realm of history and culture, the Socotra Archipelago is a world of surreal nature. Isolated from Africa millions of years ago, this island is home to dozens of endemic plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth.

The most famous of Socotra’s wonders is the Dragon’s Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari), with its umbrella-like canopy and crimson sap, historically used as medicine and dye. Equally striking are the bottle trees and desert roses that seem to grow straight from the rocks.

Socotra’s beaches are pristine, with powdery white sand and turquoise waters untouched by mass tourism. One of the most stunning is Diham Beach, framed by dramatic limestone cliffs. Adventurers can explore Hoq Cave, where stalactites form eerie, otherworldly shapes.

Yemeni cuisine is a rich blend of Arab, African, and Indian influences, infused with local spices. One of the most beloved dishes is saltah, a hearty stew of meat, lentils, and vegetables, flavored with fenugreek and served with freshly baked flatbread.

Another staple is mandi—fragrant rice and tender meat (usually lamb or chicken) slow-cooked in a tandoor oven. The meat falls off the bone, and the rice absorbs the smoky aroma of spices.

Coffee in Yemen is more than a drink—it’s a cultural legacy. The port city of Mocha was once the center of the global coffee trade, and traditional Yemeni coffee is brewed with cardamom and served in small cups, often accompanied by dates.

Despite its beauty, Yemen remains one of the most challenging destinations for travelers. Political instability and limited infrastructure require careful planning.

The best time to visit is between October and April, when temperatures are mild. Summers can be scorching in the deserts, while mountain regions stay cool.

Visas must be obtained in advance through Yemeni embassies, and the process can be lengthy. Many areas are considered unsafe for foreigners, so checking travel advisories and consulting local experts is essential.

Yemen is not for the casual tourist—it’s a destination for adventurers seeking the extraordinary. This is a place where the past feels alive, where nature defies imagination, and where traditions have endured untouched by modernity. Traveling here demands courage and preparation, but those who make the journey will carry memories of a land unlike any other. Yemen is the last hidden kingdom of Arabia, waiting for the few who dare to discover its secrets.