Ancient mud brick skyscrapers in Yemen reach heights of 30 metres

Yemeni builders constructed towering mud brick buildings in ancient cities like Sanaa and Shibam that reach heights of approximately 30 metres.

These structures resemble modern skyscrapers but were built using traditional materials and techniques that date back hundreds of years. Some of these buildings, such as those in the historic city of Shibam, were described by explorers in the 1930s as "the Manhattan of the Desert." Architectural historian Trevor Marchand notes that these high-rise structures served practical and security purposes.

Because agricultural land was highly valued, residents built vertically within walled cities to maximize space. The dense construction also provided protection against invaders and tribal conflicts. The materials used, specifically mud brick, provide a natural thermal mass that absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night, keeping the interiors at comfortable temperatures in the desert climate. Modern experts and residents express concern over the preservation of these heritage sites.

Architect Salma Samar Al-Damloji warns that the specialized skills required to build these mud brick towers are nearing extinction. While these buildings can last for 300 years, they are currently threatened by erosion, war, and economic instability. UNESCO surveyed approximately 8,000 of these structures in 2020 and restored 78 that were at risk of collapsing.