Shibam (شِبَام)

Shibam is officially called Shibam Hadramawt (شِبَام حَضْرَمَوْت). The town's history dates back to the 2nd century AD. The town is known as the 'Manhatten of the Desert', because of its 500 traditional-style mudbrick high-rise buildings that all stand on an area of only about 0.5 km². The buildings are between 5 and 11 storeys high and rise abrubtly from the desert, making Shibam the highlight of the Wadi Hadhramawt region and one of the most stunning sights in Yemen.

Most buildings within the city walls date from the 16th century and many of them feature finely engraved wooden doors with distinctive wooden locks, as well as beautifully decorated wooden screens in the windows.

The architectural style was used to protect the residents from Bedouin attacks. The buildings must be routinely maintained with fresh layers of mud in order to protect them from the environment. A fortified wall surrounds the city.

Accommodation is available in Shibam, as well as several restaurants. Shibam is 510 km east of San'a. The city was inscribed into the UNESCO world heritage list in 1982.