Al Ḩudaydah, Yemen
Region: Al Hudaydah Governorate
Geographic Coordinates: 14.802200, 42.951100
Temperature Range: 25.0°C to 35.0°C (77°F to 95°F)
Climate: Hot and dry with occasional rainfall in winter.
Population: 548433
Language: Arabic
Al Ḩudaydah is a port city located on the Red Sea coast of Yemen. It is the fourth-largest city in the country and has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Its strategic location has made it an important center of trade and commerce for centuries. The city’s name comes from the Arabic word hud, Which means Indian, As it was once a major hub for trade with India. The port of Al Ḩudaydah remains one of the busiest ports in Yemen today, Serving as a gateway for imports and exports to and from other countries in the region.
There are many historical landmarks worth visiting in Al Ḩudaydah, Including several mosques such as Al-Mina Mosque, Which dates back to the 12th century. The old town also features traditional buildings with intricate architecture that reflects Yemeni culture. The fish market is one of Al Ḩudaydah’s most famous attractions where locals sell fresh catches from the Red Sea. Visitors can observe fishermen bringing in their hauls while enjoying delicious seafood dishes at nearby restaurants. Unfortunately, Al Ḩudaydah has been caught up in Yemen’s ongoing civil war causing significant damage to infrastructure and disrupting daily life for residents.
However, Efforts are being made to rebuild and restore normalcy to this once-vibrant city. Despite these challenges, There are still reasons to visit Al Ḩudaydah today. Its beautiful beaches offer opportunities for relaxation and recreation while providing stunning views of the Red Sea coastline. And despite its current struggles, Local residents remain welcoming towards visitors who come to appreciate their unique culture. Overall, Al Ḩudaydah is a fascinating destination that offers insight into Yemen’s rich history and vibrant present-day culture despite ongoing challenges posed by conflict.
Important Landmarks
- Al-Hodeidah Port: It is one of the busiest ports in Yemen and a major hub for trade and commerce.
- Al-Jaradiyah Beach: This beach destination is popular among tourists due to its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches.
- The Great Mosque of Al Hudaydah: It is a historic mosque that was built during the Ottoman Empire.
- The Red Sea Mills: An ancient mill complex that dates back to the 7th century.
- The Old City of Al Hudaydah: This UNESCO World Heritage Site features traditional architecture and cultural landmarks such as mosques and markets.
- Fish Market: A bustling market where locals sell fresh seafood caught from the Red Sea.
- Ta’izz Mountains National Park: A scenic park with hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Tihama Region: Known for its unique flora and fauna, this region is home to rare species such as Arabian leopards and gazelles.
- Bajil Forts: Historic forts built during the Ottoman Empire that offer panoramic views of the cityscape below.
- Zabid City Walls: Ancient walls that once protected Zabid city from invaders; they are now a popular tourist attraction due to their historical significance and impressive architecture.
Primary Industries
- Fishing
- Agriculture
- Wheat
- Barley
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Coffee
- Textile manufacturing
- Oil refining
- Tourism
- Historical sites
- Old City of Zabid (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Beaches
- Construction
- Road improvement projects
Noteable History
- Battle of Al Hudaydah (2018) was a military conflict between the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels, with support from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
- Siege of Al Hudaydah (2015-2016) was a siege by Houthi forces on the city during the Yemeni Civil War.
- Tariq al-Fadhli is a former governor of Al Hudaydah who was involved in anti-Houthi activities during the Yemeni Civil War.
- Abdullah al-Radhi is a journalist who was assassinated in Al Hudaydah in 2017 for his critical reporting on Houthi rebels.
- Ibrahim al-Hamdi is a former president of South Yemen who was assassinated in 1977 but buried in a mausoleum near Al Hudaydah.
- The Port of Al Hudaydah is one of the largest ports in Yemen, which has been heavily impacted by conflict and blockade during the current civil war.
- The Great Mosque of Al Hudaydah is an important religious site located within the city that dates back to at least the 10th century CE.
- The Red Sea Mills incident (2019) refers to an incident where food aid stored at a mill complex outside of Al Hudaydah spoiled due to fighting between government forces and Houthi rebels, leading to widespread hunger among civilians.
Museums and Things To See
- Al-Mina Mosque
- Al-Hodeidah Cultural Center
- The Fish Market
- The Old City of Al-Hodeidah
- The Red Sea Mills
- Mayfa’ah Ruins
- Bait al-Faqih Fort
- Hali Castle
- Khokha Castle
Please note that due to the current political instability and conflict in Yemen, it is recommended to check travel advisories before planning a trip to this region and take necessary precautions for safety purposes at all times while traveling there as a tourist or visitor.
Sports Teams
- Unfortunately, I do not have access to information about the current sports teams and their histories in Al Ḩudaydah, Yemen.
- However, it is known that soccer is a popular sport in Yemen.
- There are several clubs and teams throughout the country.
- Eid al-Fitr – a Muslim festival celebrated at the end of Ramadan.
- Eid al-Adha – another Muslim festival commemorating the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim.
- Mawlid al-Nabi – a celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
- National Day – commemorating Yemen’s independence from Britain in 1967.
- Al-Saifiya Festival – a traditional fishing festival held annually on the Red Sea coast.
- Al-Zahra’a Festival – celebrating the life and teachings of Imam Hussein, one of Shia Islam’s most important figures.
- Mandi – a traditional Yemeni dish consisting of meat (usually chicken or lamb) cooked with rice and spices in a clay oven.
- Bint al-Sahn – a sweet bread made with honey and ghee.
- Fattah – a dish made with layers of bread, meat, and yogurt.
- Al-Madfoon – another traditional Yemeni dish consisting of meat (usually lamb) cooked in an underground oven.
- Al-Qahwa al-Yemeniya – traditional Yemeni coffee served with dates.
- Al-Waha Restaurant
- Sana’a Restaurant
- Masrour Restaurant
- Haneen Restaurant
- Ghazi Restaurant
- Unfortunately, I do not have access to up-to-date information about the current situation in Al Ḩudaydah, Yemen.
- It is important to note that due to ongoing conflict and political instability in the region, many public parks and recreational activities may be unavailable or unsafe for visitors.
- It is recommended that individuals consult with local authorities and travel advisories before planning any trips to Yemen.
Cultural Events
Please note that due to ongoing conflicts in Yemen, some festivals may not be celebrated or may be affected by safety concerns.
Cuisine
Some popular restaurants in Al Ḩudaydah include: