It is a circular fortified town with four remaining gates, which was supplied with water by extensive canals. The Great Mosque lies to the west of the town to which spread the souq. A network of narrow alleys spreads over the town and its vernacular buildings, typical of the southern Arabian Peninsula, give the town outstanding visual qualities. Around the town are cemeteries, notably the one to the north-west with a mosque, a well and shady trees. Protection and management requirements (2010)The Historic Town of Zabid is protected by the Antiquities Law of 1973.