Saba' (Sheba) was an ancient people who built a powerful kingdom in what is now Yemen, with Ma'rib as its capital. Surat an-Naml tells the story of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba; in 27:22 the hoopoe brings Solomon "certain news from Saba'". Surat Saba' describes the people's fruitful gardens (34:15) and the "flood of al-'Arim" sent upon them for their ingratitude (34:16).
The Ma'rib Dam was one of the great engineering works of the ancient world; historical records show that it was repaired many times before finally collapsing in the 6th century. Which of these breaches corresponds to the Quranic flood of al-'Arim is debated.
The remains of the Kingdom of Saba' around Ma'rib were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023.