Yemen regional gold and currency disparities

Yemen continues to experience significant regional disparities in gold prices and currency exchange rates, driven by the country’s monetary division between Houthi-controlled and government-controlled areas.

In late August 2026, gold prices for 21-karat gold showed a massive gap between regions. In Sanaa, prices fluctuated between approximately 67,000 and 71,231 Yemeni riyals per gram. In contrast, prices in Aden were substantially higher, recorded between 196,000 and 216,778 Yemeni riyals per gram. This gap extended to gold sovereigns, which were priced at roughly 540,000 riyals in Sanaa compared to over 1.58 million riyals in Aden.

The foreign exchange market mirrors this divide. In government-controlled Aden, the US dollar traded between 1,555 and 1,562 Yemeni riyals, while the Saudi riyal remained around 410 riyals. In Houthi-controlled Sanaa, exchange rates were much lower and more stable, with the US dollar trading between 531 and 540 riyals and the Saudi riyal at approximately 140 riyals.

By September 10, 2026, while rates showed relative stability, the regional disparities persisted. In Aden, the US dollar was priced between roughly 1,555 and 1,573 Yemeni riyals, and the Saudi riyal traded at approximately 410 for purchase and 413 for sale. Gold prices in Aden saw 21-karat gold purchased at about 187,000 riyals per gram, with gold coins exceeding 1.505 million riyals. In Sanaa, the US dollar remained between 535 and 540 riyals, and the Saudi riyal stayed at approximately 140 riyals. Gold in Sanaa was notably lower, with 21-karat gold at 64,000 riyals per gram and coins at 516,000 riyals.