'ataq, Yemen

Capital City

With a population of just 19,681, Ataq is a tiny provincial capital that offers little to attract the average expat. The city's remote desert location and brutally hot climate are hardly enticing, and the government's efforts to modernize the water and sewage systems indicate persistent infrastructure woes. While the Shabwa Museum contains intriguing archaeological relics, the city itself is described as "not at all like an inland Yemeni town," suggesting a lack of local charm or cultural attractions. For those seeking an authentic Yemeni experience, Ataq may disappoint; the city's isolation and bureaucratic headaches make it a poor choice for most foreign residents.