Hadramawt

Hadramawt, also spelled Hadhramaut, is a historical region and governorate in eastern Yemen, facing the Gulf of Aden. The area encompasses coastal plains along the Arabian Sea as well as inland highlands and the Wadi Hadhramaut, a fertile valley system with terraced date groves. The regional capital is Mukalla, with major inland towns such as Seiyun and Tarim. The Socotra Archipelago lies off the coast and is administratively associated with the Hadhramaut region. The landscape supports agriculture, fishing, and trade networks.

Historically, Hadramawt was the core of ancient South Arabian civilizations and later the homeland of the Hadramaut kingdom mentioned in inscriptions. In antiquity its coastal towns engaged in Indian Ocean trade, exporting incense, gum resins, and dates to regional markets. Medieval oases like Shibam, Tarim, and Seiyun flourished under various Islamic and Yemeni polities. Shibam is renowned for its mud-brick skyline and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hadhrami people also developed extensive diaspora networks across the Indian Ocean world.

Today Hadramawt is one of Yemen’s governorates and a center of Hadhrami culture, language (Hadhrami Arabic), and Sunni Islam. Its economy is driven by irrigated agriculture in the wadis—especially dates and other fruits—fishing along the coast, and remittances from expatriate communities. Tourism centers around historic towns and architecture, including Shibam. Administrative authority is exercised by the Yemen government, with local councils and security arrangements varying by area. The region also includes the Socotra Archipelago, known for its unique biota.