Top Yemen hotels
Sponsored Links
In a country like Yemen it's not obvious that all children are vaccinated properly. Therefore the gornment runs campaign about the necessity of certain vaccinations lie polio. Posters like this were found all over the country.
Yemen is extremely conservative and you will rarely see a woman showing her whole face even in Sana'a. Most of the women wear the full gear similar to the rest of the Gulf (Saudi style) so you should be aware that women should not wear shorts or t shirts and respect the culture. To avoid any unwanted attention there are numerous things women can do to adjust to the local culture. First, wear a wedding ring, it will inform people that you are not available. If you are travelling with a boyfriend tell people that you are married. Always tell people you are travelling in a group because if they find out you are alone they may give you some hassle. Avoid direct eye contact with local men and sunglasses are brilliant. Keep to yourself in huge groups to avoid being touched. Dont sit in the front of the taxi unless the woman is the driver and on public transport, sit next to women if possible....
Quat is a plant whose leaves have a mildly intoxicating effect when chewed. The Yemenis are very fond of quat as you can easily see: Anybody looking like a chipmunk is chewing quat, stuffing his mouth with large quantities of leaves. Quat is both a blessing and a curse for the Yemen: On the one hand, it is a steady source of income for local farmers; the immigration from the land into the cities is less than in other third world - countries; therefore, no slums. On the other hand, quat eats up the scarce water and land resources that could be used for agriculture, and the productivity drops to zero in the quat-chewing-hours.
The Yemenis are rather conservative in their view of women - you won`t see many unveiled Yemeni women on the city streets. As a western female traveler, you will therefore automatically stand out. People will probably stare at you because you are an unusual sight, but harrassment, flirting etc. are highly unlikely. It is not necessary to imitate the local women`s traditional dress and put on a veil (as some tourists do), but I recommend "decent" clothing, meaning long, wide trousers, long-sleeved shirts covering the arms. It`s their country and their custom, so show a little respect.
1) I don't believe a majority of Yemenis is overly shocked or concerned at the way some visitors dress. They wouldn't allow their female relatives to dress like that, obviously, but there is a general acceptance of the fact that people fom other cultures have different customs. That's not to say I'd encourage women (or men) to wear just anything they feel like (or for example to drink alcohol in the streets) - just to say one shouldn't get too uptight about it.2) Yemenis are actually thrilled when foreigners try on their national dress, whether men or women. They don't feel ridiculed, I have noticed. A lady friend visiting the Old City of Sana'a was greeted with enthusiasm, even though somehow immediately noticed that she wasn't Yemeni despite being completely covered, niqaab and all.3) Then again, I don't agree that as a foreign woman wearing the veil (niqaab) is a sign of respect. A...
Most travellers take the necessary steps to make sure they have a great trip but one of my pet peeves is the dress code situation. There is nothing I hate more than being in a conservative country and seeing people be very disrespectful with regards to the dress code. I understand that many people dont agree with the dress code situation in the Middle East but that doesnt mean you should be walking around like you are about to go to a beach. You should either research before you arrive or take hints from the locals. You will def lose respect among the locals and attract unwanted attention. If you have a major problem with the dress code then stay at home please. Yemen is very very conservative country. Please respect the culture and cover up.
Most countries in the Middle East allow foreigners to visit mosques with the exceptions of Saudi Arabia (good luck trying to enter as a tourist anyway) Kuwait and Yemen. Most local Yemenis will let you know anyway if there is not sign but knowing that you are not allowed will save you the hassle of being growled at in the future.
Most places in the ME have a unique dress code and more often than not the locals dont mind someone trying to adapt but some foreigners buy some local clothes to fit in with their surroundings. Yemen is different in that most locals are offended by people trying to dress like them because being a poor country they feel as though foreign travellers are making fun of them. Good to know so that you dont make a bad first impression.
Qat or officially Catha edulis seemed to me as the national plant of Yemen. Large areas mainly in the highlands are used to cultivate only qat (see aditional photo). Qat has amphetamine action and serves a stimulant. It is a long tradition in Yemen, though the plant was initially imported some hundred years ago from Ethiopia. It is an important social activity as men can spend up to 6 hours in the afternoon chewing it, lying or walking in the streets having their cheek swollen with qat. Qat is chewed for hours in order to release its potent stimulant. Nevertheless it is a great problem for: -health: long term side effects due also to the insecticides which many don’t even bother to wash out-economic: a regular consumer needs 5$ per day for good quality qat, (150$ per month!!)-and social: it’s addiction!!It is really big business as the majority of men population chew it. That’s why qat...
Ladies- the veil is not to be feared or shunned. Beneath the veil is a way of life few western women ever experiance- though I've found most of them have an opinion about it... I would recommend wearing the head gear to any female setting foot in the country. It's not so bad, really. It is a show of respect to your hosts if nothing else.
Arabia Felix Sanaa
6 Reviews and 22 Opinions absolutely PERFECT! We had all we need - hot water, cable TV, views and very interesting stay....
Shibam Hotel Shibam
2 Reviews and 0 Opinions I didn't stay there, but went there in early afternoon hoping for a cup of tea. But they don't have...
Al Hawta Palace Hotel Say'un
1 Review and 10 Opinions Al Hawta Palace Hotel is situated on the outskirts of Say'un and is set in lovely landscaped...
Reviews and photos of Yemen attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Yemen sightseeing.
More Regions in Yemen
Q: Hi, i want to travel to hodeidah and then to Mukalla.Can I get flight from hod to Mukalla and Mukalla to saana?
A: The only domestic carriers are Yemenia and Felix. There are no direct connections from Hodeidah to Mukhalla. You'd have to go via San'a. Of note, San'a airport has closed...
Read 3 Replies
Sponsored Links
