Marib is a small town in Yemen. It’s written to be the place the elected govt of yemen is holed up, under attack by Houthis rebels. I wanted to see such a place and msfs2020 did not disappoint. Amazing terrain and a place without much in the way of roads. However the scars of transit are easily seen. Perhaps paths used by Camels and walkers?
Leaving the Capitol of Yemen, Sanaa, you can find a road heading toward Marib. Sanaa is over 7000’, so you are dealing with high altitude. Once the road winds thru the passes and you reach lower and flat terrain, the roads give way to trails.
An airport is listed to exist at Marib, and its location seems pretty clear as the only long straight “scar on the landscape”. After a sweet landing on the scar, I googled that airport. Turns out it was planned to be built but political issues and funding problems stopped construction.
What a cool flight.
Next day I continued the journey flying Marib to Jazen in Saudi Arabia. Once you cross into SA, you see the results of established govt sitting above oil. Lots of towns and roads, along with parks and such.
I’ve read Yemen is also above huge Oil deposits, but lacks the ability to profit from it. Amazing contrast between these two nations.