Hadhramaut Governorate, Administrative region in eastern Yemen
The Hadhramaut Governorate is an administrative region in eastern Yemen that includes coastal strips, wide desert valleys, and rocky mountain chains. The region covers a large area with varied landscapes, from sandy plains to hilly inland areas.
The area was home to the ancient Kingdom of Hadramout with its capital at Shabwa, which became an important trade center around 330 BCE. The region served for centuries as a hub for the frankincense trade between southern Arabia and the Mediterranean.
Frankincense is still burned in many family homes in the same way as generations before, with the resin slowly releasing smoke over charcoal. Residents often drink their coffee flavored with cardamom and gather in relaxed sessions where hospitality plays a central role.
The capital Mukalla serves as a central starting point for the region and is connected by a road network to other parts of the governorate. Travelers should prepare for a dry climate and carry enough water, especially when traveling inland.
The desert region produces much of the world's traded frankincense each year, with the resin harvested directly from local Boswellia trees. Many of the ancient mud-brick houses in remote valleys stand several stories tall and were built without modern tools.
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