Plizio Visual Lab

Old Walled City of Shibam

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

historical-site

Weather…

The Old Walled City of Shibam in Wadi Hadramaut is often referred to as the 'Manhattan of the Desert' due to its extraordinary mud-brick skyscrapers. It represents one of the oldest and finest examples of vertical urban planning in the world. The city consists of approximately 500 high-rise buildings, some reaching up to 11 stories, constructed entirely from sun-dried mud bricks. While the settlement has existed for over 2,000 years, most of the standing structures date back to the 16th century. The vertical design was intended to protect inhabitants from Bedouin raids and to efficiently utilize the limited space within the city walls. Shibam was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982. Preserving the buildings requires constant maintenance, as the mud walls are susceptible to erosion from rain and environmental factors. Traditionally, each floor served a specific purpose, with storage on the ground levels and social rooms at the top. The city remains inhabited today, serving as a testament to the sophistication of ancient South Arabian architecture.

Location: Yemen
Nearby: Seiyun (18 km)
Population: ~7.000 (2025)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	18	21	24	27	30	32	33	33	30	25	22	19
Rain mm	0	0	3	3	0	0	1	3	0	0	2	0

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The old walled city of Shibam in Yemen is a UNESCO World Heritage site and can generally be visited. Access to the mud-brick high-rises is usually on foot, with some buildings open for interior viewing.

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Typical hours

The city is generally accessible during daytime with no fixed opening hours. It's advisable to schedule the visit for morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.

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Photography

Photography is allowed in the old city of Shibam and provides fantastic subjects of mud-brick architecture. In some private courtyards, ask for permission beforehand.

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Time needed

Allow about two to three hours for a walk through the narrow streets and visiting a few buildings. For a thorough exploration with photography, you can allocate more time.

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Combine with

Combine the Shibam visit with the nearby city of Tarim or Wadi Hadramaut. The ruins of Shabwa are also worthwhile for history enthusiasts.

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Getting there

Shibam is best reached by 4x4 from Mukalla or Sana'a, as road conditions can be challenging. Due to the current security situation, prior travel advice and a local guide are strongly recommended.

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Insider tip

Wear sturdy footwear as paths are uneven and dusty. Negotiate the entry fee for buildings in advance, as small fees are often charged for access to private homes.