Dhamar

Dhamar, situated in the central highlands south of Sana’a, is an important yet often understated coffee region in Yemen. Farms lie between 1,500 and 2,100 meters, benefiting from cooler highland temperatures, modest but reliable rainfall, and fertile volcanic soils that help support steady, healthy cherry development. Compared with the more arid western regions, Dhamar experiences slightly more climatic stability, allowing for more consistent yields and cleaner flavour profiles.

Coffee production here relies on traditional terracing and dry land farming, with smallholder households practicing selective handpicking and sun-drying methods, often on rooftops. While not as internationally famous as Haraz or Bani Matar, Dhamar produces coffees with a balanced and approachable cup profile. Typical flavours include gentle sweetness, cocoa notes layered with soft floral tones, and a cleaner overall structure that distinguishes it from the intensely winey and dried-fruit-heavy profiles of drier Yemeni highlands. As specialty interest in Yemen grows, Dhamar is increasingly recognized for its potential to offer elegant, stable, and nuanced coffees.