Law No. 16 of 2013 on Preserving Cities, Regions, Historic Landmarks and their Urban, Cultural Heritage.

This Law comprising 148 articles organized into ten Parts aims to (i) safeguarding cities, regions, historical monuments, and urban cultural heritage from any form of aggression, tampering, alteration, or distortion; (ii) establishing the foundational principles, rules, and procedures for preserving these entities in a way that aligns with state policies; (iii) upholding international commitments made by the Republic of Yemen, including those outlined in the International Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage; (iv) elevating Yemen's global standing in preserving cities, historical sites, and urban heritage while encouraging international support; (v) creating mechanisms for the effective implementation of preservation policies and plans, including legal and technical controls to govern construction, restoration, maintenance, and rehabilitation efforts; (vi) recognizing the significance of historical cities and urban heritage within the context of economic, social, and developmental plans, promoting their integration into contemporary national life for sustainable development; (vii) mobilizing financial resources to implement preservation plans, enhance the well-being of residents, and support economic activities and traditional crafts, thereby encouraging their participation in the formulation and execution of preservation initiatives.
The General Authority for the Preservation of Historic Cities is responsible for issuing permits, such as those for building, restoration, maintenance, demolition, or rehabilitation, as mandated by Article 5 of the law. This authority is entrusted with preserving cities, regions, historic landmarks, and their cultural heritage. Its key functions include implementing government preservation policies, developing and supervising preservation plans, maintaining records, and classifying these assets. It also conducts studies and projects within these areas. The authority maintains a National Register of Cities, Regions, and Historic Landmarks, as detailed in Article 8, with specific information requirements listed in Article 14. Article 22 outlines the privileges afforded to registered historic sites and buildings. In line with preservation principles discussed in Part V, the authority promotes the involvement of residents in the preservation process at all stages (Article 46). Additionally, it has the authority to propose the removal of structures that violate or distort the integrity of registered sites (Article 49). The law enumerates prohibited actions in Article 58. Furthermore, the law recognizes the significance of economic activities such as handicrafts, agricultural crafts, building crafts, and other traditional practices as essential elements of cultural heritage, as stipulated in Article 89. The Authority, in collaboration with relevant national and international organizations and funds, bears the responsibility for supporting the preservation and development of these activities.
Part IX regards the Penalties for who contravenes the provisions of this Law.