Location and Climate:

  The Governorate of Al-Beidha is situated in the southeast of the Republic of Yemen about 168 km from the Capital City of Sana'a.  It sits at an elevation of 1,950 meters above sea level amidst the Governorates of Abyan to the south, Mareb to the north, Shabwa to the east and Dhamar and Ibb to the west.  The climate is moderate during the Summer, and cold in the Winter in the highlands, whereas a hot climate prevails in the desert areas during the Summer and moderate during the Winter.

The Population:

 The terrain of the Governorate of Al-Dhali'a consists of mountains, plateaus and wadis (valleys), which include highly fertile areas.  The population of Al-Beidha Governorate was  473,144, according to the 1994 Census.

The Topography:

  The terrain of the Governorate of Al-Beidha is divided between desert, highlands, plateus, and extensive with many fertile areas and long wadis (valleys).  The important wadis are Wadi Marakhah, which is East of the City of Al-Beidha, its waters flow out into the desert, then there is Wadi Beihan, which starts in the Governorate of Al-Beidha heading northeast, until it reaches Beihan Al-Qussab before heading eastward until it reaches the Al-Ahqaf Area.  Anotehr wadi in Al-Beidha Governorate is Wadi Humarah which goes westerly, with its waters flowing to Abyan Governorate.

Important Cities and Areas of interest to the Tourists

Al-Beidha City:                    

The administrative center of the Governorate of Al-Beidha, near the Town of Mukeiras.

 Its homes are characterized by a predominantly stone architecture in the lower floors and clay mud in the upper floors.

Mukeiras:

A small mountain town, with a moderate climate, since it is situated 2,000 meters above sea level.  It

provides a magnificent green landscape view.

Rada'a:                                                     

 Situated about 55 km east of the City of Dhamar, this city has a rich history.  It was inhabited by the Himyarite King Shamm Bahr'ash.  The capital of the Dhahiri State was in Rada'a during the 15th Century.  A major landmark is the Al-'Amiriyah School and Citadel.

Al Ameria Mosque in Rada'a is one of the most beautiful mosques in Yemen

Marakhah:

The home of the Awsani Dynasty and capital city of their kingdom.

Other Locations of Interest:

  Qania, the Mi'isal Fortress and Wadi Thah, in addition to the historical landmarks of Al-Miqranah.

Fortifications: 

 The Fort of Husn Dhuljanah Al-Akbar, which was the home of the Himyarite leader Shammr.

Handicraft Industry:                                   

 There are many hanidcraft trades found spread throughout the Governorate of Al-Beidha, such as the making of agricultural tools, daggers (jambiyahs, dagger belts textile and wool weaving, many of which can be found in the many permanent and periodic weekly markets held throughout the governorate.

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