The unification of North Yemen and South Yemen in 1990 marks a significant chapter in the historical narrative of the Arabian Peninsula. For much of the 20th century, the two regions had developed along separate political and economic trajectories after gaining independence from colonial powers. North Yemen, known as the Yemen Arab Republic, was established in 1962 after a revolution, while South Yemen, the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, gained independence from British rule in 1967. The divide was not merely territorial but encompassed differences in political ideologies, governance, and economic strategies, which fostered tensions. As the cold war's influence waned, both Yemenis recognized the potential benefits of unification, especially in addressing challenges such as poverty, underdevelopment, and foreign dependence.

The push for a united Yemen gained momentum in the late 1980s, with both sides initiating discussions aimed at integration. The formal agreement was reached in 1990, culminating in a historic ceremony in Sana'a attended by both leaders. Under this new framework, Ali Abdullah Saleh became the president of the Republic of Yemen, while Ali Salem al-Beidh was appointed as the vice president. This union was seen as an opportunity to create a stronger, more cohesive nation that could leverage the resources, cultural heritage, and aspirations of both North and South Yemen.

Challenges arose after the unification, with lingering grievances about political representation, economic disparities, and regional autonomy. Discontent fueled tensions that would later lead to the Yemeni Civil War in the late 1990s and early 2000s, revealing the complexities of building a single national identity from two distinct regions with their unique histories. Nevertheless, the unification laid the groundwork for future developments in Yemeni governance and national dialogue, influencing the conversation around national unity across the wider Middle East region.