Shibam
Located in the heart of Yemen’s desert, Shibam is home to approximately 7,000 residents and has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Often referred to as the “Manhattan of the Desert,” this city has historically served as a crucial crossroads connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. Remarkably, Shibam boasts some of the tallest mudbrick buildings in the world, rising between 5 to 11 stories. It is important to note that these structures face erosion challenges from wind and rain; however, local inhabitants regularly apply layers of mud to preserve their integrity.
Socotra Island
Socotra is situated in the Indian Ocean, strategically located between Somalia and Yemen. The island is notable for its ancient cave inscriptions, which feature texts in the Brahmi script, as well as numerous writings in various languages, including Arabic and Ethiopian, that trace back to the first century BC. Due to its unique lifestyle and biodiversity, Socotra is recognized as one of the most peculiar places on Earth. The island is home to an array of unusual trees resembling elephant legs and striking pink flowers. Additionally, it hosts several bird species that cannot be found anywhere else, such as the Socotra Starling and the Socotra Sunbird. It is worth mentioning that the only native land mammals on the island are bats. In 2010, the ruins of an ancient city from the second century were discovered.
Old City of Taiz
Taiz is regarded as the third-largest urban center in Yemen. The Rasulid sultans established numerous palaces, religious schools, and mosques throughout the city, many of which remain significant cultural and historical sites to this day. At the end of 2018, restoration efforts began on the National Museum as well as the Al-Husainiyah Dome, which serves as a shrine from the ancient Ottoman era.