Shibam, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its distinct high rise architecture. The houses of Shibam are tower blocks, which rise 5 to 11 stories high, with each floor having one or two rooms.
This architectural style was used in order to protect residents from Bedouin attacks.
While Shibam has been in existence for an estimated 1,700 years, the present town dates to 1533. Many houses, though, have been rebuilt numerous times in the last few centuries.