A historical photograph published by the Imperial War Museums (IWM) shows the Yemeni port of Al-Mualla in the 1950s, showing the huge shipyards and a ship moored on one of them in preparation for maintenance. The image embodies a vital scene from the port’s ancient history, and highlights its prominent role as an important industrial center In the region.

Ariq Port:

Al-Mualla Port is one of the oldest ports in the Arabian Peninsula, dating back to the third century BC. The port enjoyed a strategic location on the Red Sea coast, making it an important trading center on the Maritime Silk Road.

Industrial center:

In the 19th century, the port of Al-Mualla witnessed great prosperity with the founding of the Aden Coal Company in 1839. The company helped transform the port into a major industrial center, where docks and workshops were established to meet the needs of commercial and coal ships.

The photo is a witness to history:

The picture shows the huge shipyards that were present in the port of Al-Mualla in the 1950s. The picture also shows a ship moored on one of the docks, where port workers appear carrying out maintenance and repair work. The picture provides a wonderful overview of the industrial activity that was prevalent in the port During that era.

Challenges and hopes:

Al-Mualla Port has faced many challenges over the past decades, especially with the outbreak of wars and conflicts in the region, but with the return of stability to Yemen, much hope is pinned on rehabilitating the port and reviving its role as an important industrial center in the region.

Historical symbol:

The image is a symbol of the ancient history of the port of Maalla, and embodies the industrial and commercial importance that the port enjoyed in the past. The image also constitutes a source of inspiration for the future, as it reminds us of the potential of the port of Maalla and the opportunities to revive it as a leading commercial and industrial center in the region.