Al Mahrah Governorate, Eastern governorate in Yemen.
Al Mahrah is a governorate along Yemen's eastern coast, extending roughly 500 kilometers along the Arabian Sea. The region shares international borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia and is administered from the capital Al Ghaydah.
The territory functioned as the Mahrah Sultanate from 1432 to 1967, encompassing the present-day governorate and the island of Socotra. This extended rule shaped the region's political development until its integration into the modern Yemeni state.
The population speaks Mehri, a South Arabian language distinct from Arabic, linking them linguistically to communities in Oman's Dhofar region. This language shapes daily communication and local identity.
The Port of Nashtoun serves as the main commercial hub, particularly for fish exports, while Al Ghaydah provides administrative services. When visiting the region, keep in mind its remote location and limited infrastructure.
The Hawf Protected Area contains a cloud forest that transforms into fertile valleys during the Khareef monsoon season from June to September. This seasonal phenomenon creates a remarkable ecosystem in an otherwise dry landscape.
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