Information about Yemen

Yemen is one of the oldest countries in the world, located in the southwest of the Arabian Peninsula. It is an amazing place where ancient traditions, unique culture and rich history of Yemen are intertwined. Tourists are attracted by ancient cities, unique nature and unique flavor of Arab culture. Despite the difficult political situation, Yemen remains an important part of the world cultural heritage.

The country is famous not only for its historical sights, but also for its extraordinary nature. The island of Socotra, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, amazes with its diversity of flora and fauna. The locals, who have preserved unique customs, are always happy to talk about their culture and life in a country where the past is closely intertwined with the present.

Traveling to Yemen requires careful preparation, especially in terms of safety and observance of local customs. Here it is important for tourists to be aware not only of the sights, but also of how to behave in the country, so as not to violate traditional norms of behavior.

Yemen is located in the southwest of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia to the north and Oman to the east. The western coast of the country is washed by the Red Sea and the southern coast by the Arabian Sea. Yemen is characterized by a variety of natural areas, from mountain ranges to deserts and beach coasts.

The climate in Yemen is diverse: coastal areas are hot and humid, mountainous areas are cooler, and desert areas are characterized by a hot and dry climate. The best time to visit the country is from October to March, when the heat subsides and tourists can comfortably explore both historic cities and natural areas.

Yemen's history dates back thousands of years. One of the most famous civilizations in Yemen is the Saba, which existed over 3,000 years ago. For centuries, Yemen was an important trading center on the incense route linking Arabia with Africa and India. The country's many historical monuments testify to its rich past. Tourists should be alert for religious holidays such as Ramadan, when many establishments and stores may operate on a reduced schedule or be closed altogether.

Yemen has many unique places to visit. Here is a list of the top 10 attractions:

1. Old City of Sana'a. Yemen's capital is famous for its ancient buildings with distinctive alabaster windows.
2. Shibam. A desert city known as the “Manhattan of the Desert” for its high-rise mud houses.
3. Socotra Island. A unique biosphere reserve with rare species of plants and animals.
4. Aden. An important port city with an ancient history and magnificent beaches.
5. Marib. Ancient city, former capital of Saba, famous for its archaeological sites.
6. Taiz. A city surrounded by mountains, famous for its old mosques and markets.
7. Kaukaban Fortress. A fortress city perched on top of a cliff with panoramic views of the valley.
8. Hadramawt. A region with picturesque mountains and ancient clay buildings.
9. Al Mukalla. A seaside town known for its white houses and historic buildings.
10. National Museum in Sana'a. A museum presenting the rich history of the country, from ancient kingdoms to the present.

It is important for travelers going to Yemen to be prepared for the peculiarities of the culture and traditions of this country. Yemen is a country with deep religious roots, so it is necessary to observe certain norms of behavior:

• Clothing. Women are advised to dress modestly: wear long dresses or pants that cover their legs and put a headscarf over their heads. Men should also avoid short shorts and open-shouldered T-shirts.
• Photos and videos. You should not take pictures of people without their permission, especially women, or of military installations and buildings.
• Communication. Politeness and respect for elders is encouraged in Yemen. Greet people with the traditional Arabic greeting “Assalamu alaikum”.

What to bring on your trip:

• Comfortable clothing that conforms to local norms.
• A head covering to protect you from the sun.
• Insect repellent.
• Health insurance, including evacuation insurance.
• A stockpile of cash, as ATMs are not available everywhere.
• A translator to communicate with locals, as not everyone speaks English.

Yemen is a treasure trove of authentic souvenirs that are not only reminiscent of the trip, but also culturally valuable. Here are 10 items worth bringing back:

1. Silver jewelry. Yemen is famous for the skill of jewelers who make unique silver jewelry.
2. Jambiya dagger. The traditional Yemeni dagger is a status symbol and an important part of a man's national costume.
3. Incense. Frankincense and myrrh are especially popular and can be found in the markets.
4. Coffee. Yemen is considered the birthplace of coffee. Yemen's mocha is known for its rich flavor.
5. Ceramics. Handcrafted by local artisans, it impresses with its quality and beauty.
6. Honey from Socotra. The unique honey produced on the island is known for its healing properties.
7. Fabrics and shawls. Local weavers create beautiful fabrics that can be used as shawls or decorative items.
8. Spices. Yemen is famous for its variety of aromatic spices, especially saffron and cardamom.
9. Perfumes. Arab oil-based perfumes have a long-lasting fragrance and are considered some of the best in the world.
10. Books about local culture and history. For those who love to read, you can find interesting works about the ancient history and traditions of Yemen.

It is also important to take care of travel insurance before traveling to Yemen. Having insurance is not only a requirement for crossing the border, but also a guarantee of your safety during your stay in the country. Health insurance will cover the cost of treatment in case of illness or injury, which is especially important in countries with unstable medical infrastructure. This can include emergency care, hospitalization, and evacuation if specialized treatment abroad is required. Such insurance will provide reassurance in any unforeseen situation.

In addition to medical, we recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance, which will cover not only health but also other risks such as lost luggage or trip cancellation. If your luggage is lost, damaged or delayed, the insurance program will compensate for the damage. And if your trip is canceled or postponed for valid reasons (such as illness or unforeseen circumstances), the insurance will reimburse the costs associated with your ticket and hotel reservations. We can help you arrange such insurance by providing you with several options of insurance plans that are suitable for your trip to Yemen.

We can assist you in arranging medical insurance that will be fully compliant for travel to Yemen. We can help you choose the best insurance plan to make your trip as safe and secure as possible. Go to our Insurance page and get insurance quickly and easily.