Shabwah Governorate

Shabwah Governorate is an administrative region in southeastern Yemen bordered by four neighboring provinces. The territory is administered from its capital city and divided into multiple districts that manage local affairs.

An ancient city in the region served as a major kingdom's center before its destruction in classical times. Archaeological remains reveal it was once a thriving hub of trade and power in the Arabian Peninsula.

Traditional farming methods and herding practices shape daily life across the region, with families continuing age-old ways of working the land. These customs connect people to their surroundings and reflect the rhythms of rural life that have existed for centuries.

Visiting this area requires careful attention to current local conditions and security considerations before planning travel. It is wise to gather information about the region from reliable sources prior to any visit.

Excavations have revealed temple ruins and a royal palace that show the grandeur of this ancient power center. Classical writers of antiquity recorded accounts of this place, confirming its importance to trade networks of the time.

Location: Yemen

Capital city: Ataq

Elevation above the sea: 1,273 m

Shares border with: Marib Governorate, Abyan Governorate, Al Bayda' Governorate, Hadhramaut Governorate

GPS coordinates: 14.55000,46.83333

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:07