Yemen is a fascinating place in the Arabian Peninsula to visit. Everything about Yemen isn’t awful. There are several distinct characteristics of Yemen. Aside from the Yemen conflict and poor legislation, you can discover several appealing features about Yemen. Traveling to Yemen isn’t as difficult, hazardous, or daring as you think! Here are ten things travelers told us they wished they knew before visiting Yemen. This blog also includes some travel advice for visiting Yemen.
1. With a Yemeni visa, you may visit Socotra Island.
Socotra, an island situated between Yemen and Somalia that’s owned by Yemen, is isolated from the rest of the world. This beautiful place has some of Earths’ most unique landscapes and life forms–37% of its plant species and 90% of its reptiles are found nowhere else. To visit Socotra, you need a Yemeni visa; however, getting one isn’t simple to do on your own so you might have to turn to someone for help planning your trip.
2. There are four UNESCO-protected natural sites in Yemen.
Yemen is home to four UNESCO listed heritage sites, three cultural and one natural. The Sanaa, Zabid, Shibam, and Socotra Archipelago are all home to ancient cities.. In addition to these remarkable places, Yemen has a rich culture spanning centuries. The Yemeni government has identified a total of 20 more locations that meet the criteria of the World Heritage center. So, if you’re a heritage enthusiast seeking to learn more about Yemen, it’s definitely worth checking out because there are several unique aspects about Yemen connected to heritage.
3. The location of Yemen provides many strategic advantages.
The answer to the question “Where is Yemen located?” is quite instructive.. It’s located on the southern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, between Oman and Saudi Arabia. Yemen is encircled by the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Red Sea, which make it one of the most active and shipping lanes in the region. The port of Aden is a Deepwater harbor that can accommodate big ships. Because it lies halfway between Europe and Asia, this port plays an important role in global trade routes, especially oil via the Suez Canal. Yemen has a lot of good things going for it as a result of its position along one of the world’s busiest trade routes.
4.Yemen was known as Arabia Felix in ancient times.
The name “Yemen” is derived from the ancient Greco-Roman term for “rich”. Yemen was once known as Arabia Felix, Latin for “fortunate,” or “happy,” owing to its fertility. The land became fertile as a result of the rain attracted by the high mountains. So, where is Yemen now in terms of luck and happiness? Because of the severe humanitarian crisis of hunger, sickness, death, and ongoing war in Yemen, the country has become less fortunate than ever before. Despite this, Yemen still has plenty of good left to discover and share. If you look deeper into Yemeni culture, you’ll find a lot of unique things about it.
5.Yemen is one of the world’s leading coffee producers.
Did you know that the most frequent coffee word, Mocha, is derived from the little port in Yemen called “Al Makha”? That’s where the world’s first coffee beans were commercially exported. Yemeni Arabica beans are still cultivated in significant amounts, making Yemen one of the major nations exporting coffee. Yemeni coffees have a distinct flavor profile with undertones of earth and chocolate. A delicious experience not to be missed! nThe delightfully named “Yemeni Coffee” or “Kawa” has a powerful yet smooth taste with hints of chocolate and nuts.
6. In Yemen, people dress very conservatively.
Yemeni people are traditional by nature, and it is reflected in their clothing choices. Both men and women are dressed in loose clothing. Thoob or Thwab is a loosely hanging ankle-length garment worn by males, while the Futa skirt or warp around the male skirt are also popular. The traditional sana’ani curtain-style dress is one of the most widely worn female costumes. Men may be seen wearing t-shirts, tees, and jackets from western fashion brands such as Diesel and Breton Fachionaire.While Yemenis are okay with foreigners showing some skin, it’s always best to dress modestly when traveling to Yemen.
7. One of the oldest Quranic texts is housed in Yemen.
The Sana’a manuscript, the oldest known duplicate of the Quran, was found in Yemen in 1972. As an Islamic country with deep religious roots, Prophet Muhammed says to take refuge in Yemen if disorder threatens. Consequently, Muslims are encouraged to travel to Yemen at least once as the region plays such an important role within Islam.
8. Wadi Dhahr is a unique tourism destination where visitors can visit the beauty and traditions of the Arabian Peninsula.
The majority of visitors to Yemen are confined to Sanaa’s ancient city and the mythical Socotra islands. Wadi Dhahr, which is located on the outskirts of Sanaa, is worth a visit. However, you must show your papers to the armed personnel at the military checkpoint along the border. This mountain top offers a bird’s eye view of Sanaa’s city and is an amazing sight.Apart from the locals, who may be seen sipping tea on the hilltop, few people visit this location. Instead, if you’re concerned about whether it’s safe to travel to Yemen in general, or the outskirts in particular, I recommend going with a guide or a known local to show you the site.
9. The rock at the entrance to Al-Hajar is hand-carved.palace
Dar Al Hajar, more popularly known as the stone house, was crafted in the 1930s for Imam Yehya who happened to be Yemen’s ruler at the time. Despite being made out of stone, this building takes on a skyscraper-like appearance and its base was actually carved into a gigantic rock. The Dar Al Hajar wasn’t built for show; it was designed as a summer retreat for Yemen’s royal family. Take a closer look at the inside of the castle while you’re here. The well at the castle’s entrance, which supplied water in the days gone by, and Qamaria – a pinnacle of ancient Yemeni construction – are two features that may be observed. The Qamaria, or colorful windows constructed of stained glass, is an excellent example of Yemen’s distinct architectural design.
10. The construction of the Saleh Mosque led to many controversies.
The Saleh Mosque is the largest mosque in Yemen, located in Sanaa. The Saleh Mosque was erected and dedicated to Ali Abdullah Saleh by the late Yemeni leader Ali Abdullah Saleh in 2008, hence its name. Many people criticized the president for spending such a large amount of money on the mosque since it was built at a cost of approximately 60 million dollars, which is roughly equivalent to 15 billion in local currency. The Saleh mosque is one of the most well-known landmarks in Yemen and a beautiful example of Yemeni architecture. The mosque is also open to non-muslims and usually visited by tourists. Muslims are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to Yemen at least once in their lifetime.
Recap
If you think of Yemen as a nation like the one depicted in the media, you may be incorrect. Set aside any concerns about whether it is wise to go to Yemen. The people of Yemen are joyful and full of life, as are the cities and streets. You couldn’t detect hostility toward the prospect of tourists visiting from locals who are always happy to help and nice. However, when you consider how the Yemeni economy has collapsed and that danger awaits for the new generation to arrive, reality sets in.Yemen’s currency might not be doing so hot, but the country as a whole is an amazing place with some of the world’s best cuisine. You’ll have unique adventures, make unforgettable memories, and see landscapes and cultural sites like never before. travelling to Yemen will also show you that sometimes misconceptions are wrong!
