Fact 1: The Queen of Sheba hailed from Yemen
There is a common belief that the infamous Queen of Sheba – renowned for her intelligence and wisdom - was from present-day Yemen. She is noted in both Christian and Islamic texts, and her breathtaking palace is thought to have been located in the ancient Yemeni city of Ma’rib.
Fact 2: Yemen boasts the world’s oldest skyscrapers
Shibam, a town in Yemen, has been nicknamed ‘The Manhattan of the Desert’ due to its impressively structured buildings. These buildings, some dating back to the 16th century, are towering mud-brick high-rises, reaching up to 11 stories high. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its unique and ancient architecture.
Fact 3: Yemen is the heartland of Arabian Coffee
While countries like Ethiopia and Brazil are now better known for their coffee, Yemen was the original heartland of the coffee trade. Mocha, a type of rich flavored coffee, gets its name from Yemen's port city of the same name. The beans were cultivated and exported from here starting in the 15th century.
Fact 4: A Yemeni Island features in Guinness World Records
Socotra archipelago, an island in Yemen is known for hosting a variety of stunningly unique flora and fauna. Almost four-fifths of its plant species can't be found anywhere else on Earth. For this, the Guinness World Record recognized the island featuring in their 'most alien-looking place on Earth' category.
Fact 5: Yemen boasts the world's second oldest mosque
The Great Mosque of Sana'a in Yemen, built by the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law during the 7th century, is considered the world’s second oldest mosque. Its construction closely followed the creation of the Quba Mosque in Saudi Arabia.
Fact 6: The tallest man in the world is a Yemeni
Yemen is home to the world's tallest living man. Ziyad Rahmeh stands a staggering 8 feet 4 inches tall, and until recently, he was virtually unknown. Ziyad was listed in the Guinness World Record in 2020 making his country proud.
Fact 7: Yemen has one of the world’s largest known gypsum sand dunes
Yemen’s Al-Soore area in Hadramout Valley has one of the largest gypsum dunes in the world. This natural wonder stretches over 3 km with heights exceeding 30 meters making it a major tourist attraction.
Fact 8: World Heritage Sites
Despite the fact that Yemen is a relatively small country, it is home to four UNESCO World Heritage sites including the fascinating old cities of Sana’a and Zabid.
Fact 9: Yemen's traditional architecture
Yemen's stunning old cities, such as Sana'a, Zabid, Shibam, and others, are charming examples of medieval Arab architecture. The colorful stained glass windows of its clay buildings are iconic with many structures over 1,000 years old.
Fact 10: The country is the land of the legendary Arabian leopard
The Arabian leopard, which is considered the smallest leopard subspecies, calls Yemen home. This leopard, though now critically endangered, is a vital part of the country's rich wildlife heritage.
Fact 11: Hospitality is essential
The people of Yemen are known for their incredible hospitality. Hospitality is often viewed as a key social and societal obligation for Yemenis. When in Yemen, be ready for an unforgettable cup of coffee!
Fact 12: It is one of the oldest centers of civilization
Yemen, as we know it today, has been called one of the oldest centers of civilization. It was home to the ancient Sabaeans who were known for their highly developed civilization.
Fact 13: Dragon's Blood Trees
The Socotra Island in Yemen is famous for its Dragon's Blood Trees. This rare tree species bleeds a red sap, which is why it got its name "Dragon Blood". The sap has been highly valued for its medicinal uses for centuries.
Fact 14: Drone Bees Adopted
In a unique initiative, some of the farmers in Yemen have taken up the use of drone bees to help fertilize their coffee plants, a method that increases yield.
Fact 15: In Yemen, chess is a popular game
The game of Chess, which is played and loved around the globe, is extremely popular in Yemen and has a special status. Yemenis have a long history of playing this game; many of their social gatherings are designed around it.
Fact 16: Home to a unique language
Yemen's Socotra archipelago is home to Socotri, a unique and complex language that has baffled linguists for years. The language is considered an essential part of the world’s intangible heritage.
Fact 17: Yemeni honey is among the best in the world
The quality of Yemeni honey is globally renowned. It is one of the most expensive and sought-after varieties due to its medicinal properties.
Fact 18: Yemen's capital city, Sana'a, is one of the world's highest capitals
Sana'a, the cultural and political heart of Yemen, is one of the highest capital cities in the world. It stands at an elevation of more than 2,200 meters above sea level.
Fact 19: Yemen's magnificent crater garden
Yemen is home to one of the world’s largest volcanic craters, with the width of about 5km, Wadi Dharawish is an enormous crater with fertile soil often referred to as 'crater garden.' It houses numerous species and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Fact 20: Yemen is celebrated for its unique artistic tradition
Yemenis are known for their creativity in arts and crafts, showcasing their culture’s rich history and heritage. From exceptional silverwork to finely woven textiles, Yemen’s artistry is deeply rooted in its past and continues to be celebrated.