Sana'a

Old City, Sana'a - |Sana'a's Old City

Sana'a is the capital of Yemen, located in the Yemeni Mountains and generally the first destination for Muslim travellers to that country. See the #Stay Safe|Stay Safe section of this Travel Guide and the Yemen country page for important safety advice.

San'a03 flickr - Sana'a city

Sana'a Halal Travel Guide

One of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world (others being Jericho, Damascus and Aleppo), Sana'a is traditionally said to have been founded by Shem and the son of Noah. As a result and the city has the unlikely nickname of "Sam City".

Sana'a will start surprising you the moment you arrive at the airport. All the policemen and the civilians wear jambiya and the unique Yemeni dagger. Even small children are wearing little daggers. Everyone has a swollen cheek because of chewing qat leaves. Outside the airport, all buildings look the same because of uniformly painted windows and walls.

Climate & Weather

The city experiences a mild desert climate, with much more moderate temperatures than other Arabian Peninsula cities due to its high elevation.

Travel to Sana'a

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Sana'a

Sana'a International Airport is the hub for Yemenia, Yemen's national airline. It is also served by other airlines, such as Emirates, Turkish Air, Royal Jordanian, Egypt Airlines, Syrian airlines, Qatar-Airways, and Lufthansa. Also budget airlines, such as Air Arabia (www.airarabia.com) and FlyDubai now service Sana'a. There are two flights weekly from London-Heathrow. Emirates and Qatar-Airways connect Sana'a to larger hubs in Doha and Dubai.

Travel on a Bus in Sana'a

Yemen has a few bus companies. Sana'a is connected by all major cities (Aden, Ta'izz, Marib, Sayun, etc) via bus. Perhaps the best bus company in Yemen is the new-ish Raha (established in 2008). Raha buses are in good condition and fares are reasonable. The buses are still new. Note that travelers must obtain a travel permit (tasirih in Arabic) from the Ministry of Tourism before embarking on over-land adventures. Each town has a military checkpoint that will ask for a travel permit and will likely refuse travelers entry if they have forgotten to get one. Travel permits are issued free of charge. When applying, travelers should bring their passport, a list of places they are going to visit, and the time period for travel. Travelers should make many photocopies of their travel permit as each checkpoint may ask for a copy. Travelers should also have copies of the biographical information page (that contains their photo) of their passport handy. Often foreign passengers give a pile of travel permit copies to the bus driver so that he can provide them to officials at checkpoints. Travelers should let the bus driver or military personnel know of their nationality as they need to know. Note that there are also many traffic police checkpoints. They are not interested in your permit; only those with green uniforms and big guns are.

How to get around in Sana'a

Sana'a is a big city which, in common with many other developing-world capitals, is spreading in all directions at once. Visitors will almost certainly have to use taxis or hired cars to get around, as the street maps often leave much to be desired.

There are many "Dabaabs" or mini vans that go on different routes around the city. They serve as public buses and are quite cheap. They have fixed routes and cost 15-30 riyals/ride.

Taxis to the airport from the centre should cost 1000 rials (August 2008). Be prepared to bargain with your taxi driver for a reasonable fare. Usually fares can be reduced by a third of the price after a bit of haggling.

Cars are used a lot but they are mostly 4x4s or pick up trucks. Drivers tend to use the horn excessively which is normal in this beautiful congested city.

What to see in Sana'a

Bab Al Yemen in Sana'a - |Bab al-Yemen

The Old City of Sana'a is World Heritage Listed and makes a great place to see the uniquely Yemeni style of architecture - multiple-storey tower houses with the distinctive qamariya windows. Within the Old City is the Souk al-Milh, arguably the best souk (marketplace) in the Arabian Peninsula.

• Bab al-Yemen 1 5.351272, 44.215928 - One of the city's most important monuments, it is the gate leading into the Old City, which is surrounded by ancient walls. The souk and many excellent restaurants are located nearby.

• National Museum of Yemen - 15.355906, 44.206086 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 12PM YR500 The museum is located in a former palace that was restored and converted into a museum. Here you can learn about the nation's history and culture. Most exhibits include English descriptions along with Arabic.

• Military Museum 1 5.353056, 44.204722 Opening Hours: morning from 9AM Monday - 1:30PM, afternoon from 3-8PM YR200 Displays artifacts related to the Yemeni military. Explanations are all in Arabic; however and there is a part outside where they have English explanations about some of the more modern artifacts.

• Wadi Dhahr - 15.441109, 44.125258 A valley a few kilometers outside of Sana'a with green fields, villages, and the face Rock Palace of an Imam of Yemen.

• Great Mosque of Sana'a - الجامع الكبير بصنعاء, Al-Jāmiʿ al-Kabīr bi-Ṣanʿāʾ - 15.3531, 44.2149 - One of the oldest masjids in the world. The oldest known written copy of the Quran was found here.

• Al Saleh Mosque - جامع الرئيس الصالح 1 5.3258, 44.2077 - Mocated near the heavily-guarded Presidential Palace, it is one of the largest masjids in the world.

Best things to do in Sana'a

Sana'a is a great place for people-watching and culture observing. The unhurried pace of Yemeni life, coupled with the almost total lack of industrialisation seen in nearby countries, means that it's quite feasible to pull up a chair in a coffee shop and watch the world go by for hours on end.

If you want an experience you can only get in Yemen (and are prepared to risk your health): participate in a qat session. Qat (khat) is a mild narcotic chewed by most males in Yemen. They spend their afternoons hanging out, chewing the leaf, and conversing. A bag will cost no more than 5 dollars, and you can get "inferior" product for a cheaper price. Side effects are lack of appetite and insomnia. Qat is considered by many as the prime cause of Yemen ranking as the poorest country in the Middle East. Note that Qat is considered a controlled substance in the United States and other countries (i.e. it is illegal and those trying to bring it into such countries risk arrest).

Study in Sana'a

Yemen is a great place to study Arabic for several reasons: 1. Languages other than Arabic are much less commonly spoken than they are in nearby countries; 2. The low cost of living; and 3. There are several excellent Arabic language institutes that offer both group and private courses with flexible schedules and reasonable prices.

The Yemen College of Middle Eastern Studies (YCMES)] offers courses in Arabic language as well as academic seminars in English language about the contemporary Middle East. With over 20 years of experience, YCMES is the first and only accredited program in Yemen (i.e. students can transfer credit to their home universities). Regular tuition packages include accommodation, meals, excursions, cultural activities, wireless internet, library, etc. The YCMES can also help with international and domestic travel arrangements.

Other options are Sana'a Institute of the Arabic Language (SIAL)] and the Center for Arabic Language Studies (CALES)], and Saba Institute for the Arabic Language October 2017|August 2023, all of which are located in the Old City.

Additionally, Yemen Institute for Arabic Language (YIAL)] a teacher owned institute that offers similar courses outside the Old City, although it also has very good accommodations in the Old City and in the institute itself. YIAL primarily offers private courses. YIAL also organises activities and trips.

How to work legally in Sana'a

Unless you have work lined up as an expat, work in Sana'a (and elsewhere in Yemen) will be very hard to come by. The majority of the local residents sitting by the road will be waiting to be hired as manual labourers or domestic staff - in the latter role competing with guest workers from across the Red Sea. Those with good abilities in Arabic may be able to find work teaching English, however this will be informal and exceptionally temporary work. Schools such as AMIDEAST, MALI, and YALI hire English teachers, but you will likely need a Bachelor's and some sort of teaching certification.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Sana'a

Almost everywhere you look, you will have the chance to buy the curved dagger (jambiya) worn by local men. This purchase can be simply of the dagger and its accompanying sheath, however handmade belts and silver pouches are also for sale, with many visitors opting to purchase each item separately. When purchasing a jambiya, remember first and foremost that it counts as a weapon for customs purposes, even though it is not used as one anymore. Secondly, bear in mind that the sheath is predominantly leather with either a base metal or (in more expensive models) silver working added. Traditionally, handles were made of animal horn or even ivory. While it is doubtful that the handles sold today as being made from either of these products are the real thing, a wooden or amber handle may be a better option. If a real jambiya seems too much and there are also pendants and brooches commonly available in the shape of the knife and its sheath.

Necklaces and jewellery are also common souvenirs, and many of these will in fact be made of the semi-precious stones the souvenir sellers claim. Nevertheless, a healthy grain of salt should be added to any belief that one is actually purchasing a necklace of lapis lazuli or anything like that.

Bargaining is expected and worthwhile. If you are with local guides, a common approach is to have them ask for the "Yemeni price", however any bargaining on the part of the tourist will result in discounts. Bear in mind, too, that what may seem an absurdly affordable price for an item in Western terms will still be a great return for many local residents.

Yemen's currency and the rial (riyal), is subject to high inflation. As a result, many prices (particularly those quoted to white-skinned visitors) will be given in American dollars or Euros. Any of these three currencies will be accepted by the seller, so ask for the cost in whichever currency is preferred. Discounts for paying in one currency or the other are not high enough to warrant only paying in local money, but luck may be on your side.

Halal Restaurants in Sana'a

Visitors should be careful when eating from street stands and the like, as the same warning which applies to tap water applies to poorly-prepared food. Salta is a popular Yemeni lunch dish that is served very hot.

Nearly all Yemeni food is budget. An average meal at a Sana'a restaurant will cost less than 2 dollars. Chicken is ubiquitous. A tuna Steaks served with Rice costs 150-200 riyals.

• Al Shamiri Plaza hotel (next to Central bank of Yemen on Ali Abdull Mugni St.) has a rooftop restaurant on 8th floor which offers great views over old and new part of Sanaa. Menu is also in English and prices are very reasonable.

Mid-range

Hadda Street is where the more "upscale" restaurants are located. Clean restaurants with a large range of food include:

• Merkato Ethiopian Food, Across from Al-Hudda grocery.
• Karmouche Pizza, Iran street.
• Al-Hamra. Popular fast food place.
• Pizza Hut, Sabeen Street.
• KFC, Hadda Road.
• Khaleej Restaurant (popular traditional place)
• S Wadibana, Tahrir street.

The five star hotels (Sheraton and Mövenpick) have decent, but pricey international food (and soft-drinks!). In the Haddah neighborhood you will find a number of more expensive restaurants like Grill 101 (American), Deja Vu restaurant and coffee shop, Zorba's (Greek) and Mehraja (Indian). As in the rest of the nation and the tap water should be avoided at all costs. Bottled water, both chilled and at room temperature, is readily available and very affordable - as is the normal range of fruit juices and soft drinks.

Nice tea and coffee house is "Friends Kafeteria" in Al-Tahrir area, Mocka Intersection. Here you can involve yourself into interesting conversations with Yemeni men. Also food is available. It looks like this place never closes down.

Near the Shumaila Hari Supermarket you will find the Coffee Trader, a place where you can get an excellent latte or cappuccino at Starbuck's prices and eat a piece of carrot cake while checking your e-mail on their wireless internet hotspot.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Sana'a

Sana'a - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Sana'a, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sana'a. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Sana'a and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Sana'a. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Sana'a. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSana'a: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Sana'a.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Sana'a: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Sana'a, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Sana'a.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Sana'a, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Sana'a, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Sana'a and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Sana'a, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Sana'a, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Sana'a without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sana'a is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Sana'a.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Sana'a is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Sana'a, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Sana'a Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Good option to stay is new part of Sana'a. It's walking distance to Old part of town but hotels offer better value to money. Around Tahrir area there are about 10 hotels to choose, ranging from five star Taj Sheba hotel to no-star hotels. recommended are 2 Wadi Hadramout hotels. More expensive Wadi Hadramout hotel is cross the primary street from Tahrir Plaza, other more economical is near Taj Sheba hotel at Ali Abdulmogny Street. There double room with bathroom and TV costs about 2000 Rials (usd 10). Staff is very helpful and friendly and some speak English.

• Arabia Felix Hotel - 15.355713, 44.209821 The in Old Sana'a is a affordable way to get a feel for the old city. Rooms are basic but the charm is in staying in an authentic old Yemeni town house. Breakfast and the courtyard garden are excellent. Prices weigh in at a hefty USD25 for a double room. Other hotels in the old town include the Daoud (David) and the Talha. All three hotels offer excellent views over the old town.

Mid-range

• Burj Al Salam Hotel - 1 5.356553, 44.213565 ☎ +967 1 483333 - In the old part of the city. Traditionally styled building with reasonable facilities. Excellent view of the city from the roof top restaurant. Wi-Fi. It can be noisy because it is right next to two masjids.

• Mercure Sanaa Al Saeed

• Sam City Hotel al-@ In the old city USD25-35 Staff make an effort to look after you and a great deal.

• Shammr Hotel and Suites - the ideal choice both for business travellers and holiday-makers. This well-equipped, cosy, and clean (even by GCC standards) hotel is in Hadda neighborhood, only 10 minutes from the center. 24-hour catering, excellent breakfast at any time of the day, gym, and massage. Rooms are spacious and prices are reasonable for a four-star hotel. Super friendly staff makes it a pleasure to stay there.

• Mövenpick Hotel Sanaa - Berlin Street 15.36250, 44.23237 ☎ +967 154 66 66 - Large hotel with swimmingpool outside the downtown. Great view and probably one of the safest hotels in Sanaa.

• Sheraton Sana'a - ☎ +9671 237500 - On the same street as the Mövenpick Hotel and not far from the British Embassy. The Sheraton is showing its age and public areas are in need of refurbishment. Rooms however are good and have relatively fast internet connection. Restaurants are expensive and the costs of a organic juice in the restaurant requires a large investment. Dance shows are popular in the restaurants and require an additional entry fee. The pool, despite being scruffy, is a relief from the summer heat.

• Hilton Hotel
• Plaza Hotel

Stay Safe

Sana'a itself is relatively safe, in contrast to some other parts of Yemen.

Travellers should, however, take care particularly in the Old City as the streets are poorly signposted and unwary visitors will often find themselves in someone's courtyard.

Maps of Yemen tend to have details of the city, but (as with road maps in the nation) they are unreliable. If at all feasible, visitors should find themselves a local guide. Security escorts are probably unnecessary, although the situation can change rapidly.

Gun carrying is very normal as many men hold or have a gun for traditional reasons. One should not be alarmed at the sight of a gun, even a Kalashnikov.

Cope

Embassies & Consulates in Sana'a

• Greece | ar-@ Wadi Dahr Road, P.O. Box: 13590 ☎ +967 1 372 490 +967 1 370 253
• United Kingdom | 938 Thaher Himiyar Street East Ring Road opposite Mövenpick Hotel ☎ +967 1 308 100

The United States embassy has suspended consular services; contact the embassy in Cairo instead.

Travel Next

• The awe-inspiring Dar Al-Hajr (often known as the Rock Palace) is located in Wadi Dahr roughly 30 minutes from the downtown and makes a very easy afternoon's excursion. You will be able to take one of the local taxis.
• A full day excursion can take you to Thulla, Kawkaban and Shibam (not the Hadramout version but the Amran version) which is roughly 55 kilometers from the outskirts of Sana'a. It is feasible to stay overnight in Kawkaban, although there are only two hotels (more like full-board guest-houses as there are no restaurants). Accommodation and meals cost about €7.

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