Walking Tours of Historical Streets Tourism

Shibam, known as the 'Manhattan of the desert', is a remarkable example of early urban planning and mudbrick architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the Hadhramaut Valley of Yemen. This town is renowned for its distinct vertical construction style, where the buildings, some rising to over 30m in height, are constructed out of mud bricks. The historical streets of Shibam date back to the 3rd century AD and were strategically built atop a rocky spur to protect it from floods. The city's layout is characterized by narrow streets and tall tower houses, a design that has stood the test of time. The urban planning concept has enabled Shibam to utilize limited space efficiently. The walking tours of these ancient streets provide a unique insight into medieval Islamic city planning. Visitors get to explore the city’s alleyways, markets, and the impressive fortification walls that surround Shibam. Conservation efforts are ongoing to preserve the original mudbrick buildings that give this historic city its character and charm.