Yemen is a country located at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It has a rich culture and long history, making it a fascinating place full of mystique. Yemen’s arid desert landscapes, ancient architecture, and role in spice trading have inspired many riddles over the years. Let’s explore 40 Yemeni riddles and reveal their clever answers.
Geography
Yemen has varied topography, with mountains, valleys, and deserts. Its geography has shaped many brainteasers.
Riddles about Yemen’s Cities
Many of Yemen’s cities have names that sound similar or have ambiguous meanings, confusing travelers. These cities star in several riddles.
Riddle 1
I am a port city in Yemen with two names that differ by a single letter. Sailors may dock at my shores, whether they call me Mocha or Mokha. What am I?
Answer:
Al Mokha
Riddle 2
Yemen has a city where stone towers rise, a stopping point for camel caravans. I share my name with Yemen’s capital, though I am farther south. What city am I?
Answer:
Sana’a
Riddle 3
I am one of the oldest cities in Yemen, surrounded by mountains. My name means “agreeable place” though storms may pass through. I once sat along the incense route. What city am I?
Answer:
Ma’rib
Riddles about Yemeni Deserts
Much of Yemen is covered by vast deserts, including the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest sand desert. These barren lands have inspired many puzzles.
Riddle 4
I am a desert in eastern Yemen, nearly touching the border of Oman. Bedouins call me the “Sands of Yemen.” Ambergris, a waxy rock, may be found in my dunes. What desert am I?
Answer:
Ar Rub’ al Khali
Riddle 5
I am a desert plateau in eastern Yemen, home to Bedouins herding camels. My name means “That Which Does Not Flow.” The ruins of a palace built by the Queen of Sheba may dot my arid landscape. What am I?
Answer:
Ramlat al-Sab’atayn
Riddle 6
I am a desert covering northeast Yemen near the Saudi Arabian border. Though largely uninhabited, rare tropical forests grow among my dunes. Locals call me the “Desert of Gardens.” What am I?
Answer:
An Nafud
Riddles about Yemen’s Mountains
The mountainous interior of Yemen has birthed many riddles, playing with peaks that reach as high as 12,000 feet.
Riddle 7
I am a granite mountain in central Yemen located east of Sana’a. Locals believe I can grant wishes, climbing my slopes on holy days. Lonely juniper trees dot my stony heights. What peak am I?
Answer:
Jabal an Nabi Shu’ayb
Riddle 8
We are towering quartz mountains that mark the highest place in Arabia. Snow gathers on our peaks while Wadi Hadhramaut snakes below. Locals call us the “Father of Pestle” mountains. What are we?
Answer:
Jabal an Nabi Shu’ayb
Riddle 9
I am a limestone and gypsum desert plateau stretching from Yemen into central Saudi Arabia. Petroglyphs scatter my barren cliffs while lions, honey badgers, and caracals prowl my wadis. What am I?
Answer:
As Sawda Desert
Riddles about Yemeni Bodies of Water
From the Red Sea to internal rivers, waterways shape Yemen’s landscape and culture. See if you can navigate these aquatic riddles.
Riddle 10
I am a strategic strait in Yemen about 20 miles wide. Powerful ocean currents churn through my waters, once dominated by Somali pirates. I link the Gulf of Aden with the Red Sea. What am I?
Answer:
Bab-el-Mandeb
Riddle 11
I am one of Yemen’s few perennial rivers, running 340 miles across a valley between two mountain chains. My waters nurture date palm groves and fields of grain along my banks. Locals call me the “River of Gold.” What am I?
Answer:
Wadi Hadhramaut
Riddle 12
We are the largest group of islands in the Red Sea, sitting about 62 miles offshore from Yemen. Coral reefs flourish in our turquoise waters while seabirds nest on our golden beaches. Who are we?
Answer:
Farasan Islands
Riddles about Yemeni Agriculture
Despite its desert climate, Yemen has supported agriculture for over 3,000 years. Farming has grown many Yemeni riddles over time.
Riddle 13
For thousands of years, I have been a dietary staple in Yemen, featured in main dishes and desserts. Locals turn me into juice, jam, wine, and coffee substitutes. I am a sweet drupe that ripens to red, growing in clusters. What am I?
Answer:
Dates
Riddle 14
Yemenis use my beans as a coffee substitute and chew my green leaves for a legal stimulant buzz. My flowers are white and fragrant. Abd al-Qādir al-Jaziri wrote a book of Yemeni recipes for me in the 13th century. What plant am I?
Answer:
Qat
Riddle 15
For centuries, I grew only on the misty mountains of western Yemen, highly prized by Ottoman Sultans. Today connoisseurs still value my beans, renowned as one of the world’s best tasting coffees. What am I?
Answer:
Yemeni coffee beans
Riddles about Yemeni Architecture
From ancient tower houses to ornate mosques, Yemen’s structures hold stories within their walls. Test your knowledge with these architectural brainteasers.
Riddle 16
My old city center in Yemen contains over 6,000 mud brick homes, some rising as high as 11 stories. UNESCO named me a World Heritage Site for my “tower houses,” built close together for defense. What city am I?
Answer:
Shibam
Riddle 17
Locals call me the “Manhattan of the Desert” because of my impressive towers. I am one of the oldest and best examples of urban planning based on vertical construction. What Yemeni city am I?
Answer:
Shibam
Riddle 18
I am one of Sana’a’s oldest mosques, built during the 11th century. My intricately decorated prayer hall features columns covered with gypsum panels carved into geometrical muqarnas patterns. What beautiful mosque am I?
Answer:
Al-Jami’a al-Kabir
Riddles about Queen Bilqis
The Queen of Sheba, named Bilqis in Islamic tradition, holds an important place in Yemen’s history and folklore. See if you can solve these royal riddles.
Riddle 19
Legends say I ruled Sheba, now part of modern Yemen, meeting with Kings David and Solomon. Yemenis nickname me Bilqis, believing I was a sun-worshipping ruler who later converted to monotheism. My story appears in the Bible, Quran, and Ethiopian history. Who am I?
Answer:
The Queen of Sheba
Riddle 20
Folk tales describe how I tested King Solomon’s wisdom by arriving in Jerusalem with loads of gifts, money, gems and a large retinue. To hide my hairy legs, I ordered a glass floor built over water so it looked like I floated. Who am I?
Answer:
Queen Bilqis of Sheba
Riddle 21
My kingdom centered in what is now Yemen, where legend says I commanded demons by sorcery and commanded the winds. After visiting King Solomon, Islamic scholars say I returned to rule my wealthy trading empire for 50 more years. Who was I?
Answer:
Bilqis, Queen of Sheba
Riddles about Yemeni handicrafts
Yemen hosts vibrant handicraft traditions, from textiles to silver jewelry. Test your handicraft knowledge with these crafty riddles.
Riddle 22
Yemeni women traditionally wear my colorful textile, featuring vibrant stripes, checks, and geometric embroidery stitched into my fabric. Brides wear me during weddings. What brightly patterned textile garment am I?
Answer:
Fouta towel
Riddle 23
Skilled jewelers intricately decorate me with beads, coins, colored stones, and silver charms meant to convey status, identity, and protection from evil spirits. I am a heavy silver necklace Yemeni women receive during marriage. What am I?
Answer:
Texas collar
Riddle 24
Artisans near Sana’a hand-make me from camel bone, carving my handle with intricate Islamic geometric patterns. Wealthy Yemeni men carry me as an accessory used to apply kohl eyeliner and scent their head scarves. What ornamental item am I?
Answer:
Janbiya dagger
Riddles about Yemeni Cuisine
From browned ghee to spiced stews, Yemeni food offers complex flavors. Test your palate with these culinary brainteasers.
Riddle 25
I am a fermented dairy product popular in Yemen, usually made from cow or goat milk left to curdle in a smoked gourd vessel. My tangy taste pairs well with honey, dates and flatbread. In England, I share my name with an Earl. What sour milk product am I?
Answer:
Ackee
Riddle 26
Yemenis eat me most often for breakfast, scooping up my sauces and dips with bread. I feature a base of tomatoes, garlic, chili peppers and spices topped with eggs, meat, beans or cheese. What traditional Yemeni dish am I?
Answer:
Fattah
Riddle 27
I am a classic Yemeni soup featuring chicken or lamb simmered with onions, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes and peppers. Cilantro, turmeric, coriander, cardamom and saffron give me my deep orange tint. What traditional Yemen soup am I?
Answer:
Saltah
Riddles about Yemeni Dances and Music
From high-energy sword dances to soulful poetry-based song, Yemen’s performing arts hold deep roots. See if you can unravel these melodious riddles.
Riddle 28
Performed in southern Yemen, I am a militant “hair” dance involving up to 100 poetry-spouting men with jambiyas (daggers). Dancers wear turbans with ostrich feathers and swing their hair wildly to drums and pipes. What war dance am I?
Answer:
Bara’a
Riddle 29
I am a Yemeni sword dance from the Mahweet region, performed at weddings and holidays. My name means “gathering.” Dancers carry rifles decorated with beads, leopard skin and amulets, symbolizing military power and male pride. What celebratory sword dance am I?
Answer:
Al-Kowab
Riddle 30
I am a musical form popular in Yemen and the Horn of Africa, centered on poetry and song. My name translates to “the poem is good,” or “the poem is original.” Singers improvise clever lyrics showing quick wit and musical skill. What type of sung poetry am I?
Answer:
Zamel
Riddles about Yemeni Wedding Traditions
In Yemen, weddings last up to two weeks with elaborate celebrations. These matrimonial riddles test your wedding know-how.
Riddle 31
Lasting up to seven days before an official wedding contract, my henna-based celebrations reinforce Yemeni marital bonds. Female guests gather to sing folk songs honoring the bride, with musicians playing tin drums and pipes. What ritual am I?
Answer:
Habra’a
Riddle 32
I am a thick cowl traditionally worn by Yemeni Jewish brides, decorated with coins, sequins and beads weighing up to 25 pounds. My golden color and heavy weight signals prosperity. What ornately decorated Yemeni bridal cloak am I?
Answer:
Gar lichem
Riddle 33
During Yemeni Jewish weddings, it’s tradition for guests to perform my funky tribal dance while waving decorative canes or Kalashnikov rifles. Translated as “lifting up,” I symbolize lifting the couple into their new life. What celebratory dance am I?
Answer:
Dahaya
Riddles about Yemeni Culture and Customs
From folk tales to social norms, Yemen’s customs offer insights into its multifaceted culture. Tackle these cultural stumpers.
Riddle 34
If a stranger approaches a Yemeni village seeking refuge, townspeople confirm the visitor’s identity before allowing access. I represent the belief that any newcomer deserves welcome until proven otherwise. What traditional code of conduct am I?
Answer:
Al-Hilal
Riddle 35
In rural Yemen, weekday afternoons are set aside for relaxing and socializing over an afternoon snack. This cherished social ritual brings the whole village together. What is the name of this afternoon break?
Answer:
Khat chew
Riddle 36
Hand-woven straw mats traditionally cover floors in Yemeni homes. Nicknamed “moons”, these round mats easily roll up for storage. Before entering, it’s polite to wipe one’s feet on the mat by the door. What are these straw floor coverings called?
Answer:
Jerid
Riddles about Yemeni Flora and Fauna
From arid highlands to tropical islands, Yemen hosts incredible biodiversity. Take a walk on the wildlife side with these natural riddles.
Riddle 37
I am Yemen’s national flower, a scented white bloom indigenous to the Socotra archipelago. My blossoms produce a red sap used for dye. Botanists named me after a Russian general’s son. What fragrant flower am I?
Answer:
Desert Rose
Riddle 38
We are an endemic species of Bottle trees living only on Yemen’s Socotra islands. With swollen trunks adapted to store water, we can live over 100 years. Yemeni myths portray our ancient trees as gateways to the next world. What unique tree species are we?
Answer:
Dragon blood trees
Riddle 39
Legends claim King Solomon imprisoned us in his signet ring for 1,000 years as punishment for harming his beloved Queen Bilqis. Today, we are endangered golden jackals still found in Yemen’s mountains. What mischief-making creatures are we?
Answer:
Jinn
Conclusion
From queenly legends to sprawling deserts, Yemen overflows with cultural richness despite its small size. These 40 riddles provide a playful glimpse into Yemen’s landscapes, architecture, customs and more. How many could you solve? Yemen’s diverse heritage offers even more mysteries yet to uncover.
