Social Life in Yemen
WARNING: Terrorist threats continue in Yemen, please read this travel warning before going!
Behavior
How most Yemenis behave and the expectations for how foreigners must behave is deeply rooted in the people's Islamic faith. Adult women are best off traveling to Yemen with their husband, father, or brother. Single women travelers are looked at oddly and traveling with a man who is not related or married to you is widely considered inappropriate. Pretending you are married is not right, but most Yemenis would consider it less offensive than a single man and women traveling together. It is also improper for a man to touch a woman, even holding your spouse's hand or offering to shake the hand of a person who is of the opposite sex can be considered inappropriate to a conservative Muslim, of which there are many in Yemen.
Also, Islamic law forbids pork products and alcohol; however there is little worry about adhering to these rules since neither is available anywhere in Yemen. You should note that attempting to take either into the country is also strictly forbidden so don't try to smuggle any pork or alcohol into the country as punishments can be severe.
In addition to following the dress restrictions mentioned below and following the local dining etiquette (see our Qatar Dining & Food Page), the most important behavioral restrictions are basic courtesy. Avoid sensitive conversation topics, such as politics, finances, religion, and business unless initiated by your local counterpart.