Shibam

Shibam, often referred to as the "Manhattan of the Desert," is an ancient city in Yemen renowned for its unique mudbrick skyscrapers. This remarkable urban center emerged as a significant settlement during the late classical period, becoming the capital of the Kingdom of Hadhramaut in 300 CE. The city's present architectural layout, characterized by towering mudbrick buildings ranging from five to eleven stories, was established in 1533. Encircled by fortified walls, Shibam exhibits some of the earliest examples of vertical urban planning, a necessity for defense against Bedouin raids. Recognized for its cultural and historical value, the city was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. However, it faces ongoing threats from natural elements and conflict, with significant damage from a cyclone in 2008 and being listed as cultural heritage at risk during the Yemeni Civil War in 2015.