Nestled in the Hadramaut region of Yemen, the ancient city of Shibam, known for its towering mudbrick-made skyscrapers, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the "Manhattan of the desert", Shibam is a striking example of early urban planning and vertical construction. However, travelling to Shibam requires careful planning due to the political and social instability in Yemen.
Flying to Seiyun Airport (GXF): The nearest airport to Shibam is Seiyun Airport. There are limited international connections to Seiyun; hence, travelers typically connect through a nearby country such as Oman, Saudi Arabia, or Qatar.
Hiring a Car or Joining a Convoy: From Seiyun, visitors need to arrange for a car hire to reach Shibam. Due to safety concerns, many travelers opt to travel as part of a convoy or with a local guide, although such arrangements should be made with security advisories in mind.
Visa Requirements: A visa is generally required to enter Yemen. It is imperative to check the most current visa regulations and travel advisories from your home country regarding travel to Yemen.
Travel Advisories: Given the significant risk due to ongoing conflict and unrest, many countries advise against all travel to Yemen. Seek up-to-date information from government sources and consider the risks very seriously.
Health and Insurance: Adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation is a must. Vaccinations may be required, and medical facilities are limited outside major cities.
Local Customs and Laws: Respect local customs, traditions, laws, and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.
Please note, the complex and volatile situation in Yemen means that travel is precarious and should only be undertaken after exhaustive consideration and with appropriate contingency plans in place.
