In Yemen oftentimes there is a gap between how the law is written and how the law is enforced. The other interesting feature of Yemeni law is the diversity of its sources.

The sources of law in Yemen are a mix of:

• Sharia law, which is enforced using one of four types of Islamic schools of thought and the Zaidi school, which is unique to Yemen and has been a part and parcel of Yemeni society and law for over 1,000 years
• Napoleonic System, which reflects the influence of Egyptian legal system since 1962. Yemen codifies its Islamic law in the Napoleonic shape.
• British common law, which seeped its way into Yemeni law as a result of the British occupation of a portion of Yemen for 137 years that was ended in 1967.
• The remaining influence of Communist legislations due to the Communist legacy in South Yemen that ended in 1990.
• Tribal rules that have been enforced for thousands of years.

Practicing law in Yemen or giving a legal opinion on Yemeni law requires advanced knowledge of these multiple sources.

Alsanabani & Aldhahab is the foremost authority on Yemeni law as we have retained associates who have practiced in all areas of Yemeni law and possess diverse backgrounds to help meet the needs of all our clients.