Resource information
Sana'a is located in an upland
basin at an altitude of 2300 meters within a mountainous and
semi-arid region of Yemen. Because of its high altitude, the
city enjoys a moderate climate year around. The main rainy
season is in summer. The nearest port is Hodeidah, roughly
250 kilometers away. Bound by mountains and steep slopes to
the east and west, the city has few options but to expand
primarily along its north and south axes within its basin.
In September 2005 the Sana'a Local Council convened a
workshop to initiate the city development strategy (CDS)
process, in coordination with The World Bank and the Arab
Urban Development Institute (AUDI). Funding and
organizational aspects of the CDS were approved in October
2006 by the Cities Alliance, and the CDS process was
launched under the leadership of H.E. the Minister of State
and Mayor of Sana'a. This publication seeks to
summarize the main outcomes of the studies, discussions, and
strategic planning accomplished during Sana'a CDS
process. Moreover, it aims to serve as a guide for the
city's local economic development that is presented in
a manner that is accessible to a broad audience.