Aden is an ancient port city located in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula. It sits on the north coast of the Gulf of Aden, positioned near the eastern approach to the Red Sea. The city is situated approximately 170 km (110 mi) east of the Bab-el-Mandeb strait and has served as the de facto capital of Yemen since 2014.
The city is defined by its strategic coastal location, which functions as a gateway between the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. Due to this geography, Aden serves as a crucial maritime hub connecting three major regions: Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.