Hadhramauts

Hadhramauts refers to the inhabitants of Hadhramaut, a historic region in eastern Yemen, and, in a broader sense, to members of the Hadhrami diaspora dispersed across the Indian Ocean world. The core homeland lies in the Hadhramaut valley (Wadi Hadhramaut) along the Gulf of Aden, with a coastal belt and surrounding mountains. Major urban centers include Mukalla, Sayun (Seiyun), Tarim, and Shibam, noted for its distinctive tower houses.

Historically, Hadhramaut was home to ancient South Arabian civilizations and later became part of various Yemeni polities. In the 19th and 20th centuries, portions of Hadhramaut were incorporated into the British-backed Aden Protectorate and, later, the Federation of South Arabia; after the unification of Yemen in 1990, the region formed the Hadhramaut Governorate and related districts.

Culture and diaspora: Hadhramauts are known for a long-standing maritime and trading heritage. The Hadhrami diaspora established extensive networks across the Indian Ocean—from East Africa to the Arabian Peninsula and Southeast Asia—which influenced commerce, religion, and culture in multiple regions. The name Hadhrami is commonly used as a surname and as a marker of origin.

Economy and society: In Hadhramaut, agriculture in the valley supports date palms and other crops, while coastal communities rely on fishing. Remittances from abroad are a significant economic factor for many households. The region has experienced social and political upheaval in recent decades, impacting development and infrastructure.