| Al Mukalla | |
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| Mukalla as seen from the Indian Ocean | |
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Al Mukalla
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Yemen |
| Governorate | Hadramaut |
| Was find as fishiner's settlement in | 1035 |
| Population (2007) | |
| • Total | 323,000 |
| Time zone | Yemen Standard Time (UTC+3) |
Al Mukalla (Arabic: المكلا Al Mukallā) is a main sea port and the capital city of the Hadramaut coastal region in Yemen in the southern part of Arabia on the Gulf of Aden close to the Arabian Sea. It is located 480 km (300 mi) east of Aden and is the most important port in the Governorate of Hadramaut, the largest governorate in South Arabia.
Al Mukalla is the fourth largest city in Yemen with a population of approximately 300,000. The city is served by the nearby Riyan Airport.
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Al Mukalla was founded in 1035 as a fishing settlement. This area was included in Oman state until middle of XI century and later this area was included in Yemen states.
It was the capital of the Qu'aiti State of Hadhramaut until 1967 when it became a part of South Yemen. The Qu'aiti State was part of the Eastern Aden Protectorate until that merger. A British Resident Advisor was stationed at Al Mukalla.
Mukalla port is located to the east of Al Mukalla town. This port is available for the vessels with length not more than 150 meters as per Pilot Book Pilot Directions (up to 2010 year). At the same time two vessel with the length 150 meters each and about 20 small fishing vessels can stay alongside in Mukalla port (fishing vessel moored alongside one to another). Cement carrier "Pacific Arrow" - is the first vessel with the length 180 meters about that entered Mukalla port and moored alongside in February, 2010 (to see photos). This port fitted with oil pipe line for tankers. Oil tanks located close to the port. Cement factory of "RAYSUT" cement company (Oman-Yemen company) located in the port and is able to receive cement in bulk from cement carriers.
If you will pass from Mukalla port to Al Mukalla you will enter Old City from the east? than you will pass close to the Quaiti Palace and after this palace you can reach New Mukalla City with canal and bridges. Plenty goats are walking in the Old Mukalla City. Plenty small fishing boats anchored close to the coast of Old Mukalla City. And plenty guard towers (outposts) surmounted the mountains around the Old Mukalla City.
There is only one supermarket in Mukalla and not every citizen calls this shop a supermarket due to its small size. This supermarket placed only on the ground floor of the building on the northern edge of New City of Mukalla (It is condition on the February, 2010). There are plenty small shops and some markets in the Mukalla city.
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Al Mukalla is situated not far from "Cane" or "Qana'", the ancient principal Hadrami trading post between India and Africa, with incense producing areas in its hinterland.[1]
The College of Medicine of the Hadhramout University is located in Al Mukalla.