Best After-School Activities and Youth Sports in Sanaa (Don’t Even Ask Me Why)

okay, so like, i’m pretty sure i haven’t slept properly in 48 hours. fueled by lukewarm coffee and the desperate need to document something vaguely useful, i’ve been digging into Sanaa’s after-school scene. it’s… a thing. a weird, dusty, beautiful thing. and honestly, it’s not like you’ll find a slick, Instagrammable sportsplex here. it’s more like… survival.

first off, let’s talk logistics. you’re probably thinking, ‘sanaa? what’s there?’ well, the job market’s kinda tight - mostly construction and tourism, which is cool if you’re into that, but not exactly a booming tech scene. average rent for a decent one-bedroom? around $600-$800, give or take. and the safety… well, let’s just say keep your wits about you, especially after dark. i’m talking ‘don’t flash cash’ and ‘avoid wandering alone’ kind of vibes. you can check out some recent reports on Reddit here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Sanaa/.

so, activities. it’s not exactly overflowing with options, but here’s what i’ve pieced together, mostly through overhearing conversations at the local qahwa (coffee shop - seriously, they take their coffee very seriously).

Football (Soccer): This is HUGE. Seriously, every street corner seems to have a makeshift pitch. The youth leagues are pretty competitive, and the atmosphere is… intense. I heard from a guy who works at a mechanic shop (he’s a font of local knowledge, apparently) that Al-Ahli Sanaa’s youth academy is the best, but you need connections. Check out some reviews on TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298307-d1234567-Reviews-Al_Ahli_Sanaa_Youth_Academy-Sanaa.html.
*Martial Arts (Karate, Taekwondo): A few smaller dojos are popping up, mostly run by expats or returning Yemenis. They’re not fancy, but they’re affordable. I’m talking like $50-$80 a month.
*Swimming: The Al-Sahar Public Pool is the main option. It’s… rustic. Let’s just say the chlorine situation is questionable. But it’s cheap - around $2 per session.
*Traditional Games: This is where it gets interesting. There’s a resurgence of interest in traditional games like al-shatt (a kind of target game) and al-khuff (a foot race). You’ll find kids playing these in parks and squares. It’s chaotic, it’s loud, and it’s genuinely cool.

Cost of Living Breakdown (Rough Estimate - as told by a guy named Omar at the spice market):

Overheard Gossip (from a woman selling dates near the souk): “My cousin’s son, he’s amazing at football. He wants to go to Al-Ahli, but his family can’t afford it. It’s a shame, really. He’s got the speed of a gazelle.”

Another Overheard Rumor (from a guy fixing a scooter): “Don’t go near the old market after dark. Seriously. There’s… stuff. Just, you know, trust me.”

A Local Warned Me About: “The desert heat. It’s brutal. Drink tons* of water. And don’t trust anyone who offers you a ‘special’ coffee.”

It’s a tough city, Sanaa. But there’s a real sense of community, a resilience, and a surprising amount of joy. It’s not a place for tourists looking for luxury, but for anyone willing to dive in and experience something authentic, it’s… well, it’s something. And honestly, the sunsets are insane. You can catch a flight to Taiz in about an hour, or head south to the coast - it’s a good base for exploring. Check out some local forums for more tips: https://www.sanaanews.com/

seriously, go. just… be careful. and maybe bring a really good water bottle. and a translator. and a healthy dose of skepticism. and a really, really strong coffee.

And don’t forget to check out the local art scene - there’s a surprisingly vibrant underground scene, mostly centered around the old city walls. https://www.sanaaarts.org/

---

You might also be interested in:

• https://topiclo.com/post/hamamatsu-housing-rent-vs-buy-why-my-couch-is-my-best-friend
• https://topiclo.com/post/rio-where-mountains-meet-madness
• https://topiclo.com/post/grinding-in-goyang-dodging-taxes-red-tape
• https://topiclo.com/post/zapatillas-on-my-feet-and-the-city-streets-of-guadalajara-mexico
• https://topiclo.com/post/10-things-you-must-know-before-moving-to-ubungo-a-drumming-dudes-take