Saada is the capital city of Saada Governorate in north-western Yemen at an elevation of about 1,800 metres. Its population in 2004 was estimated at 51,870. It was formerly identified with Karna, the kingdom of the ancient kingdom of Ma'in, which is now known to be identical to the ancient Qarnawu near the modern Ma'in in the Al Jawf Governorate.
Imam Yaḥyā al-Hādī ilā al-Ḥāqq I who reigned from 893-911 founded Saada as a base of Zaydi power. After the move of the capital to Sanaa, 175 km south-southeast in the 17th century, Saada declined in importance, though it remained an administrative hub in the north.
After the Battle of Saada in 2011, Houthis took control of the city.