Qahwa, or Arabic coffee, is a symbol of hospitality in Yemen. If you get an invitation to drink qahwa, do accept it, as it would be considered impolite to refuse. Gahwa is made from fresh roasted coffee beans to which is added cardamom, saffron or maybe a little rosewater.
Alcohol was sold openly in southern Yemen during the British occupation and, later, under Marxist rule. The famous Seera beer was produced by the National Brewing Company in Aden - the only legal brewery in the whole of the Arabian peninsula.
Wedding customs throughout the Islamic world are fascinating. To present this diversity in wedding habits, we are presenting this series on some Muslim communities and their customs.