Saada

Saada is the largest city in Sa'dah Governorate, northern Yemen, and a historic centre of Zaydi Islam. Founded around the 9th century CE, its walled old city is built almost entirely of sun-dried mud brick, with houses rising five or six stories, and is on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List for its urban planning and craftsmanship. The old city retains historic markets, mosques, public baths, and gates within its walls. It was heavily bombed during the Saudi-led intervention in the Yemeni civil war, and the security situation makes travel extremely difficult. The climate is cool due to the high elevation.

By Plane

Sana'a International Airport (SAH) is 240 km south. Road transport is the only option.

By Train

No railway.

By Car / Road

Saada is 240 km north of Sana'a via the main highway. The journey takes 5 hours with frequent checkpoints.

The city is walkable.

• Saada Old City — the walled mud-brick old city, with multi-story mud houses, historic mosques, and surviving city gates.
• Saada's historic souks — traditional market quarters within the old city, long a hub for local artisans and trade.

The old city's souks traditionally traded spices, textiles, and handcrafted goods.

• Sana'a (240 km south, 5 hours)
• Hajjah (150 km southwest, 4 hours)