Local History

Recent History of Aden

Until 1935 when Aden became a Crown Colony the Indian legal system was predominant in Aden. After 1935 and up to 1967 Colonial Ordinances were passed by the Governor of Aden which were based on laws in other British Colonies such as Gibraltar, Hong Kong and Kenya, etc. with attention to special requirements of Aden. In the Aden protectorates of South Yemen Customary Law was prevalent throughout until 1967 (with some influence of the Aden Colonial Laws).

After 1967 when Aden Colony and the South Arabian Protectorates gained independence South Yemen was to a greater extent influenced by the Socialist legal system and to a lesser extent by the Egyptian laws and new socialist oriented laws.

Aden grew and changed its status to a Crown Colony in 1935 and thereafter achieved independence in 1967 along with the Aden Protectorates and became the Republic of South Yemen, as the South Yemen and the Yemen Arab Republic united in 1990 and became the Republic of Yemen.

Changing Laws and Times in Yemen

The Republic of Yemen has modern codified laws compatible with the better developing countries in the Middle East. It is the only Islamic country in the world, which codified Sharia (Islamic Law).

Yemen has two busy Oil Terminals, one at Al-Shahir for export of CanOxy oil and the other at Ras Al-Ara for export of Hunt oil. Hodeidah and Mukalla too are developing ports. Commodities and oil are frequently being transferred through these ports.

Aden specifically is one of the safest strategic maritime ports of the world. Its modern container terminal started its operation in April 1999 in Aden by the Port of Singapore Authority. Aden has a free zone area and is a free port. Aden Refinery jetty at the Port of Aden has steady traffic as shipping vessels, after a lapse of nearly 40 years, are increasingly beginning to again use the port of Aden.

During the last four decades the two totalitarian regimes - the socialist South Yemen and the autocratic North Yemen - passed through a number of coups and wars which gave rise to economic difficulties particularly over the last decade for the united Yemen.

However, Yemen is now moving forward through the process of democratization and is adjusting itself with the free market concepts, determined to proceed ahead with vigour. Yemen is forecast to be the center point for Trade and Industry in the new Millenium.

Throughout the many years of changing history of Yemen, Aden and the surrounding geographical areas, the Law Offices of Sheikh Tariq Abdullah have responded and adapted to these changes by incorporating new services and extending our knowledge. Our unique perspective coupled with our longevity enables us to offer valuable expertise to our Clients with a comprehensive approach. By understanding all of the various aspects of each of their situations we are able to ensure our clients are provided with the most viable and cost-effective solutions.