A city made of mud, known as the 'Manhattan of the Desert', was created.

Shibam is a city like no other, with its towering skyscrapers reaching high into the Yemeni desert. But what sets this city apart from the rest is its unique material - mud brick. Dubbed the "Manhattan of the Desert", Shibam is just one of Yemen's many cities that boast skyscrapers made entirely of mud brick. In fact, the cities of Zabid, Sana'a, and Shibam have all been recognized as Unesco World Heritage sites for their impressive architecture.

One of the most fascinating things about these mud brick skyscrapers is their ability to withstand the harsh desert elements. The mud bricks are constantly maintained, ensuring that the buildings remain strong and sturdy. This tradition dates back to the 8th or 9th century, but it's hard to determine exactly when these buildings were first constructed due to the frequent upkeep they require.

The walls of these incredible skyscrapers are an impressive six feet thick at the bottom, gradually getting thinner as you go up. Each floor typically consists of one or two rooms, and the buildings can range from two to eleven storeys high. This is quite remarkable considering the materials used in their construction. And while the lower levels may not have windows, they were traditionally used as animal shelters or as working spaces for shops.

But as you look up towards the top of the buildings, you'll notice beautifully decorated window fronts. These windows often feature stunning stained-glass or privacy screens known as mashrabiya. And that white detailing you see on the exterior? That's white lime, used to create a striking contrast against the darker mud bricks.

Despite being centuries old, these mud brick skyscrapers are still very much in use. People live, work, and even have fun on the rooftop terraces and cafes. And for those who may not be fans of the traditional architecture, a new development is underway in Saudi Arabia. Known as Neom, this "megacity" will be a modern marvel, featuring a solar-powered glass city in the middle of the desert.

The Line, as it is also called, aims to create a futuristic city that prioritizes pedestrians and green spaces while minimizing environmental impact. The plans include towering skyscrapers, an artificial mountain and ski resort, an octagonal floating port, and even a dedicated swimming lane for commuters. And with a sophisticated AI and robot network in place, the uber-rich residents of Neom will have all their needs taken care of. It's a bold and ambitious project, with a cost of £800 billion, but it's sure to be a sight to behold once completed.

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