Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Shibam, known as the 'Manhattan of the Desert', is famous for its mudbrick skyscrapers and unique architecture. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 2,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | limited connectivity, averaging 1-5 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 250 Yemeni Rial. Cash is predominantly used; ATMs are scarce. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Non-drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is often unreliable; voltage can vary, typically 220V. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Yemen Mobile and MTN are the primary providers, but coverage may be inconsistent. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Limited options; mostly cash transactions. International transfers are complex. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Available guesthouses and homestays; options like 'Al-Muqadimah Guesthouse' are popular. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash transactions are preferred and common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | There are a few options available through local networks or word of mouth. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Basic hotel options are available like 'Azzar Hotel' offering rates around $20/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old City area for historical proximity. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Due to limited amenities, staying at guesthouses with Wi-Fi is recommended. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Not available; remote work typically done from guesthouses. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Local cafes are available but may not be ideal for focused work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Limited; local community events can be found through guesthouses. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Informal gatherings often organized in guesthouses. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No formal ridesharing apps; taxis can be hailed on the street. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Not widely available; walking is the main mode of transportation. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Hawf Beach, approximately 2 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Yemenia is the main carrier, limited operations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Limited options due to ongoing conflicts; check with travel agencies. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main access routes are limited and may be affected by conditions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; buses connect to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No standardized public transport; local buses at variable costs. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Minibuses travel to nearby cities, often crowded. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Local clinic facilities are available; major hospitals in larger cities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Not available; limited wellness options. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | No proper gyms; basic fitness can be done outdoors. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at guesthouses. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No food delivery services available; local eateries and street vendors. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Salta', a traditional Yemeni stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Limited; most food includes meat. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Local bakeries offer sweets; limited variety. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer fresh produce and spices, negotiating prices encouraged. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited due to logistics; local shops more common. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Not available; local markets preferred. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; focus on cultural gatherings. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | No breweries; alcohol generally not available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not available; alcohol is restricted. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Variety of local foods available in markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Limited; focus is on traditional Yemeni foods. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Shibam's mudbrick skyscrapers and ancient city walls are iconic. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited; local culture can be experienced in the architecture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Shibam Fort and the old city are UNESCO World Heritage sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Mosques are predominant; local traditions apply. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural events can be sporadic; check local notices. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Old City area highlights Yemeni architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Not available; local performances may occur. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the Souk for local crafts and textiles. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Street performances sometimes occur, reflecting local culture. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited; historical murals may be seen on buildings. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Informal cooking experiences may be available in local homes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Not available; local art is largely informal. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | well-preserved mudbrick structures all around the historic district. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Shibam represents a vital part of Yemen's architectural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Wadi Hadramawt provides stunning landscapes for exploration. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Al Mahrah National Park, a few hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Limited paths; walking along city streets is common. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Climbing the nearby hills for panoramic views of Shibam. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Local rivers and agricultural areas are good for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Desert outskirts allow for open fires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited; couriers are few and not reliable. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Minimal; major repairs may require travel to larger cities. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Not available; local game options are limited. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Informal classes may be offered by local educators. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | No formal libraries; quiet areas in guesthouses. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Limited to local mosques and cultural hubs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not available; electronic games often found in local shops. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available; gambling is not culturally acceptable. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $500 per m²; a small studio can be about $20,000. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m²; small studio about $16,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m²; a 1-bedroom may cost about $36,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m²; a 1-bedroom may cost about $30,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m²; about $56,000 for a 2-bedroom. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m²; about $48,000 for a 2-bedroom. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | No formal corporate tax structure; businesses often operate under informal agreements. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Not applicable; financial regulations are minimal. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Limited taxation; the local economy is largely informal. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Limited; most income is not formally taxed. |
| 🧾 VAT | No formal VAT system. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No formal property tax system. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Not applicable; many transactions occur informally. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Informal economy; many operate without formal taxation. |