Area Code 53 – Hadhrmout

Geographic Significance of Yemen Country Code +967, Prefix 53

The +967 country code is assigned to the Republic of Yemen under the ITU-T E.164 international numbering plan. Within this framework, the prefix 53 serves as a National Destination Code (NDC) for geographic routing, specifically designating the Hadhramaut Governorate. This vast region, located in the eastern part of the country, includes major urban centers such as Mukalla (the administrative capital), Sayun, Tarim, and Al-Mukalla. The prefix is used for fixed-line PSTN services, connecting residences, businesses, and government institutions within the governorate.

Dialing Formats and Call Routing

For international callers, the complete number format is +967 53 XXX XXX, where the leading '0' used in domestic dialing is omitted. Domestically, callers within Yemen dial 053 XXX XXX, while local calls within the same area code may require only the seven-digit subscriber number, depending on the specific exchange and operator. It is crucial to note that Yemen's numbering plan is not fully harmonized; some regions may have varying subscriber number lengths. Therefore, always verify the exact number with the recipient or a reliable directory.

Overlays and Numbering Changes

As of the latest ITU-T recommendations, no overlay codes have been implemented for Hadhramaut. The 53 prefix remains the sole geographic identifier for this governorate. However, due to the ongoing telecommunications infrastructure development, the Public Telecommunication Corporation (PTC) and licensed operators may introduce additional NDCs in the future to accommodate growing demand. Callers should stay updated through official announcements.

Practical Guidance for Callers

When calling a Hadhramaut number from abroad, always use the international access prefix of your country (e.g., 00, 011) followed by Yemen's country code 967, then the area code 53 without the leading zero, and the subscriber number. For example, to call a number in Mukalla, you would dial +967 53 123 456 (replace with the actual 7-digit number). If you are within Yemen and calling from a different governorate, use the trunk prefix '0' before the area code: 053 123 456. For local calls within Hadhramaut, you might be able to dial just the subscriber number, but this depends on the operator's local dialing rules.

Important Considerations

Due to the current situation in Yemen, network availability and call quality may vary. Some mobile operators may use geographic prefixes for fixed-wireless services, but the 53 prefix is primarily associated with fixed lines. For emergency services, always dial the national emergency numbers (e.g., 191 for police, 191 for ambulance, depending on the region). For any billing inquiries, note that international calls to Yemen are typically charged at higher rates; consult your service provider for specific tariffs.