Situated 8km south of Ibb, on a hill of basalt between two connecting valleys, this is another former capital of the Yemen from the Middle Ages. It was once the chosen capital of Queen Arwa bint Ahmad (1067 AD to 1138 AD), who ruled for almost 70 years. The Mosque of Queen Arwa is also her tomb.
An aqueduct in the upper slopes of the hill above the town dates from the time of the Queen and still brings water into the town from the mountains.