Mukalla is in the Yemeni Highlands and is eastern Yemen's biggest city, the gateway to the historical Hadhramaut region. A bustling port, it is well developed by Yemeni standards, with good roads and a reasonably smart waterfront. In 2023, it was home to about 595,000 people.
Understand
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The name "Mukalla" (المكلا) is derived from the Arabic verb "kala" (كلا), meaning "to preserve" or "to nurture." This reflects the city's historical role as a safe harbor and bustling port, providing shelter and nurturing trade in the region. Historically, the city had multiple names: Al-Kheesa, Bandar Yaqoub, Bandar Omar, Bandar Al-Naqeeb, and Bandar Ghalib
Al Mukalla is close to Qana, the ancient Hadrami trading post between India and Africa, with incense producing areas in its hinterland. The city was founded in 1035 as a fishing settlement.
While Al Mukalla has fared slightly better during the ongoing Yemeni Civil War, it was held by Al-Qaida between 2015-2016. The city is now considered the safest compared to the rest of mainland Yemen's cities.
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]National carrier Yemenia operates a few domestic flights to Mukalla.
Get around
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See
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The old historic city core, located on a small peninsula, has many small alleyways worth exploring.
- 1 Fort Al-Ghwayzi (حِصْن ٱلْغوَيْزِي). Built on the foot of a rock and designed to protect the city from Bedouin attacks, this historic fortress dates back to 1716 when the sultans of the Emirate of Al-Kassad ruled the Hadhramaut area.
- 2 Qu'aiti palace museum (قصر السلطان القعيطي). A former royal palace, now turned into a regional museum.
- 3 Sik'kat Yaqoub (سكة يعقوب), Hayy Ash-Shaheed Khalid (by car or public transport). Market area near the Yaqoub cemetery
- 4 Khor al-Mukalla.
- 5 Omar Mosque (Sultan Omar al-Quaiti Mosque جامع السلطان عمر القعيطي), Mukalla St.
- 6 Al-Rawdah Mosque (جامع الروضة), Hayy Ash-Shaheed Khalid.
- 7 The Martyrs' Monument (نصب الشهيد التذكاري), Fuwah.
Do
[edit]Nearby are Hadhramaut Mountains, such as Husn Ghuraf.
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]Drink
[edit]Sleep
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- 1 Ramada Al Mukalla. One of the best hotels in the area. It is not in the city centre but is a few kilometres away. It has a private beach, swimming pool and intermittent internet. All rooms have a sea view. It used to be a Holiday Inn, but has changed to the Ramada brand. Be careful on the beach as it is rocky with sharp objects/sea urchins at low tide.
- Hadhramaut Hotel, ☏ +967 5 302060, +967 5 303441. Has swimming pool. On the eastern side of the city.
- Al Salama Hotel. Cheaper hotel in the old city
- 2 Nesto Hotel (Nesto نستو).
Go next
[edit]- Socotra – an island that is a UNESCO world natural heritage site