Land Problems and Disputes in Yemen

This research aims to identify the most important land problems in Yemen, as well as provide recommendations for policy-makers that will contribute to solving these problems in the future.

Only a small percentage (an estimated 10 to 20 per cent) of Yemen’s land is registered. Eighty to ninety per cent of land transactions occur through basira or informal documentation. In order to solve land problems, the government must prepare a land policy and establish a national real estate registry, taking into account current and future changes and challenges.

Over the years, secure land tenure and property rights have taken on greater historical and cultural significance for Yemenis. Despite this importance, it is estimated that nearly 85 per cent of court disputes in the Republic of Yemen today are land-related and up to 90 per cent of land ownership remains informal.