Sana'a: The Ancient Jewel of Arabia

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaban]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaean]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aathara]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa haluk?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhair. wa ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'injilia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [laa afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد رؤية القائمة، من فضلك
  [urid ru'ya alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la akul allaham]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [urid an adfae, min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itasil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [itasil bitalib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت
  [laqad dalalt]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [urid an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarij]
• How much is it?بكم هذا؟
  [bi kam hatha?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafd alsu'r?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [alsaa'ah al'ashirah walnisf]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsabah]
• Afternoonالمساء
  [almasa']
• Eveningالليل
  [allayl]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'ah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaniah]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين...؟
  [ayna...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma hu al'unaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk an tarini (ala alkhareetah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata yaati alhafilah altaliyah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى...)
  [tazkirah (ila...)]

Sana'a, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is believed to have been founded over 2,500 years ago. The city’s origins are deeply intertwined with the ancient Kingdom of Saba, known for the legendary Queen of Sheba. Sana'a served as an important trading hub in the region, facilitating the exchange of goods such as frankincense and myrrh.

The advent of Islam in the 7th century CE brought significant changes to Sana'a. The city became an early center of Islamic learning and culture. The Great Mosque of Sana'a, one of the oldest mosques in the world, was constructed during this period. It is said that the Prophet Muhammad himself ordered its construction, which underscores the city's importance in early Islamic history.

During the 13th and 14th centuries, Sana'a experienced a golden age under the Rasulid Dynasty. This period saw the construction of many of the city's iconic multi-story buildings made of rammed earth and adorned with intricate geometric patterns. The Rasulid rulers also promoted arts, science, and trade, making Sana'a a vibrant cultural and economic center.

In the 16th century, Sana'a came under Ottoman rule, marking the beginning of a turbulent period. The Ottomans faced considerable resistance from local tribes, leading to numerous battles and power struggles. Despite the conflicts, the Ottomans left an indelible mark on the city’s architecture and infrastructure, including the construction of public baths and caravanserais.

The Zaydi Imamate, a theocratic state led by Zaydi Shi'a Imams, ruled Sana'a intermittently from the 9th century and more firmly from the 17th century onward. The Imamate played a crucial role in the cultural and religious life of the city. In the 20th century, Imam Yahya Muhammad Hamid ed-Din led efforts to unify Yemen, with Sana'a becoming the political and administrative capital of the newly unified North Yemen in 1918.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Sana'a has grappled with modernization and conflict. The city’s Old City was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, recognizing its unique architectural heritage and historical significance. Despite the challenges posed by political instability and conflict, Sana'a remains a living testament to Yemen's rich history and cultural legacy.

Sana'a is accessible via Sana'a International Airport (SAH), located around 13 kilometers from the city center. International flights are limited and subject to change due to the ongoing conflict in Yemen. Travelers typically fly into larger hubs like Cairo or Dubai and then connect to Sana'a. Overland travel from neighboring countries is not recommended due to security concerns.

Taxis are the main mode of transportation within Sana'a. They are relatively inexpensive but ensure you agree on a fare before starting your journey. Public buses are available but may be crowded and less reliable. Renting a car is possible but not recommended unless you are familiar with local driving conditions and have a trusted local guide.

The official currency is the Yemeni Rial (YER). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it is advisable to carry sufficient cash. ATMs are available but may not always be reliable due to power outages. It’s best to exchange money at banks or authorized currency exchange offices.

Due to ongoing conflicts, safety is a major concern in Sana'a. Many governments advise against all travel to Yemen. If you must travel, avoid high-crime areas such as certain parts of the Old City after dark. Always stay updated on the local situation and follow advice from authorities and locals. Keep a low profile and avoid discussing sensitive topics.

In case of emergency, dial 199 for police, 191 for medical emergencies, and 193 for the fire department. Be aware that emergency services may be limited. It is crucial to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Make a note of your country's embassy or consulate contact details.

Fashion: Do dress modestly; women should wear headscarves and long clothing. Men should avoid wearing shorts. Religion: Do respect Islamic customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do be respectful and avoid overcrowded buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a nod; avoid physical contact with the opposite sex. Eating & Drinking: Do accept food and drink graciously if offered; avoid eating in public during Ramadan.

To experience Sana'a like a local, visit the bustling Bab al-Yemen market for traditional goods and local delicacies. Engage with locals who are often hospitable and willing to share stories about the city's rich history. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the historic Old City with its unique architecture and ancient mosques. Try local dishes like Saltah and Maraq for an authentic culinary experience.