About the event

The story behind unity Yemen's Unity Day falls on 22 May, marking the 1990 unification of the Yemen Arab Republic in the north and the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen in the south.

The tower houses and decorated facades are a national cultural symbol

Why this day

Yemen's Unity Day falls on 22 May, marking the 1990 unification of the Yemen Arab Republic in the north and the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen in the south. The date represents the formal birth of the modern Republic of Yemen.

The holiday has carried different meanings through Yemen's turbulent modern history. It is linked to unity and statehood, but public celebrations have often been affected by political division and conflict.

Where conditions allow, the day is marked with flags, speeches, school activities and family gatherings. For visitors and Yemenis abroad, food, music and old-city architecture often carry the cultural meaning of the day more strongly than large public events.

Timeline
  • 1990North and South Yemen unified
  • 1962Republic declared in North Yemen
  • 1967South Yemen became independent
Key figures
same date every year22 May
South Yemen became independent1967
Stay for the event

Check-in 21 May, check-out 23 May 2027 — 2 nights around 22 May 2027. Change the dates to stay longer.

AREA

Find stays in Sana'a
Getting there
  • Celebratednationwide
  • CapitalSanaa
  • Time zoneAST (UTC+3)
Host country
  • Currency: Yemeni rial
  • Language: Arabic
  • Driving: on the right
  • Capital: Sanaa
  • Phone: +967
  • Emergency: 199
  • Electricity: 240 V, 50 Hz, plugs A/D/G
What to eat
Mandi

Rice with slow-cooked meat, often served on large platters

Saltah

A hot stew with fenugreek foam, considered a national dish

Fahsa

Shredded meat stew served sizzling with bread

Aseeda

Soft dough eaten with savoury or sweet sauces

Bint al-sahn

Layered honey bread served for guests

Malawah

Large flaky flatbread used for sharing

What to drink
Qishr

Spiced coffee-husk drink with ginger

Shahee haleeb

Sweet milk tea served in homes and cafes

Laban

Cooling yoghurt drink with rice or grilled meat

Culture & traditions
Old Sana'a

The tower houses and decorated facades are a national cultural symbol

Jambiya

The curved dagger is a traditional marker of dress and identity

Hadhrami architecture

Mud-brick towns and trading history shape eastern Yemen's heritage

Poetry and song

Oral poetry and regional music remain central to public life

Coming years

Yemen National Day 2028

  • Monday 22 May 2028Next event date

Yemen National Day 2029

  • Tuesday 22 May 2029Event date

Yemen National Day 2030

  • Wednesday 22 May 2030Event date