Al-Wahda San'a', Hassan Abyan, Al-Saqr and Al Rasheed Ta'izz were relegated to the second tier after finishing in the bottom four places of the 2010–11 Yemeni League season.
They were replaced by Al-Wahda Aden, Al-Shula, Al-Tali'aa Taizz and Najm Sba.
Three teams would each represent the capital San'a and the city of Aden bringing some big rivalries to the domestic game.
Because the top two teams finish with the same number of points, a championship playoff was played to determine the champions of Yemen for 2011–2012 season.
[1] As league champions, Al-Shaab Ibb qualified for the 2013 AFC Cup Group stage.