Tihama (Red Sea Coast)

Introducing Tihama (Red Sea Coast)

The flat and featureless Tihama is the chalk next to highland Yemen’s mountainous cheese. The contrasts are more than just geographical. With Africa being only a stone’s throw away, the flamboyant influence of that continent seems to be present everywhere. The clothing is so bright sunglasses are needed to look at it, the solid stone houses of the mountains have turned into African–style mud-and-thatch huts, the weekly markets are even more animated and the overall attitude is so liberal that unveiled local women feel free to chat and flirt with unknown men. All in all, the final package is a fascinating contrast to the rest of the country – just don’t attempt to explore it during summer, when it becomes so hot and steamy that even the deserts of the Empty Quarter start to seem a little chilly.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009