As Yemenis prepare for the upcoming Eid al-Adha celebrations, the atmosphere in the capital city of Sanaa is far from festive. The ongoing crisis in the Red Sea has only exacerbated the economic challenges faced by the country, already struggling after years of civil war.
The famous Al-Melh market in Sanaa, once bustling with shoppers looking for Eid essentials, now stands eerily quiet. The soaring sea shipping costs have resulted in increased prices for goods, making it difficult for many Yemenis to afford basic necessities for the holiday.
Shopkeepers like Qasim Abu Arabi, a sweets vendor at Al-Melh, have seen their sales plummet as a result of the economic crisis. The usual excitement and joy surrounding Eid have been replaced by a sense of burden and financial strain for many families.
In an effort to support local families and provide some relief, an exhibition for “productive families” was organized in al-Sabeen Park. Here, families can showcase and sell their homemade goods, offering a ray of hope amidst the economic hardship.
While initiatives like the exhibition provide some temporary relief, the underlying economic issues in Yemen remain dire. The United Nations reports that millions of Yemenis live in poverty, with many civil servants going unpaid for years and hundreds of thousands losing their jobs.
As Yemenis grapple with the challenges of the Red Sea crisis and the broader economic downturn, the spirit of Eid is overshadowed by the harsh realities of daily life. Despite the difficulties, there is a collective hope for brighter days ahead and a determination to find moments of joy and celebration amidst the hardships.