The Middle Eastern region has gone through a rich history with many successions of civilisation, drastic turning of cultures, and outstanding geographical features. His region provides unlimited sites for any kind of traveller, whether you are interested in culture and history, architecture, desert or sea. Below is a list of ten places that everyone should consider visiting in the Middle East and which will reveal the whole spectrum of the region’s potential.
1. United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Tourism rapidly evolved into one of the most significant industries because the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi, consists of historical landscapes and contemporary facilities. In addition to the beautiful futuristic designs of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, see the Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO site.
Only in this part are illustrated the traditional life of the Bedouins and the antique Falaj irrigation system. Additionally, do not leave without visiting Qasr Al Watan and the Presidential Palace, which tells a lot about the history and culture of the United Arab Emirates.
2. Wadi Rum, Jordan
Though Petra is undoubtedly the biggest attraction of Jordan, Wadi Rum is not less attractive to tourists. As the Valley of the Moon, this part of Jordan is famous for its red-coloured dunes and monumental cliffs set for scenes of Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian movies. They can tour this extensive area of desert on a camel, in a 4-wheel drive car or by foot. It is possible to visit Bedouin camps, meet friendly hosts, and spend a night in a comfortable tent in one of the most picturesque deserts in the world.
3. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Jeddah is a historical city on the Red Sea coast and is the entrance to Mecca. Al-Balad district, functioning as the site of world heritage, includes the old area of Jeddah where buildings constructed of coral stones dominate narrow streets dating to the 7th century. A nice feature of Jeddah is the corniche, a picturesque pedestrian zone next to the water; one can see the King Fahd Fountain here, the tallest fountain in the world. It has also developed into one of the leading cities in Saudi Arabia for the arts, with numerous galleries and arts centres featuring modern Saudi art. A pro tip for the Muslims that they can get Ramadan Umrah Packages with custom options to explore Jeddah or other places with Umrah from any well-reputed travel agency. Because, for Muslims, Ramadan is the more blessed month.
4. Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia is already well-known for its tourist attractions and strictly related to the world of tourism. The two prosperous underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli are extraordinary examples of ancient Christian architecture, dug to hide from oppression. The Gürem Open Air Museum, a site on the world heritage list, contains churches hewn out of the tufa rock with fine-painted decorations. Also, a pleasant walk is through the Ihlara Valley, where hiking along a river is possible, and cave churches and monasteries can be found on the cliffs.
5. Dead Sea famous site, Israel and Jordan
Jordan and Israel also have a magnificent sight – the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the Earth. Rich in salts, up to a seventh of the Dead Sea is famous not only for the possibility of floating, given the salt concentration – one of the highest in the world but also for therapeutic mud resources. The well-preserved fortress of Masada in Israel is a must-visit because it has the best view of the Dead Sea, and Jewish rebels famously used it in their final stand against the Roman Empire.
6. Aswan, Egypt
While Luxor is famous as the largest outdoor museum in the world, Aswan is comparatively quieter. The astonishing Philae Temple of Isis is the next stop; it was moved to Agilkia Island to prevent it from being submerged by the Nile’s waters. Another important place that requires attention is the Aswan High Dam, one of the most significant and impressive examples of modern technology achievement. A traditional felucca sailboat is also available for a ride in the Nile or to visit the Nubian villages near Aswan to explore the cultures and customs of the Nubians.
7. Salalah, Oman
It will be pertinent to mention here that Salalah is situated in the southern part of Oman, and hardly resembles the country’s desert areas. In the Khareef period, the beauty of the environment increases and one can see beautiful waterfalls and rivers around the mountains. The Al Baleed Archaeological Park, with the status of a World Heritage site, presents the traces of an ancient city port that was an important trading centre of frankincense. The surrounding area has two small, almost untouched beaches, Mughsail and Al Fazayeh, where tourists can spend their day on the sand and in the water.
8. Byblos, Lebanon
Byblos is one of the oldest cities, inhabited for over 7,000 years. Present-day attractions include the Roman-era seaport, mediaeval fortifications, and a perfectly preserved Roman amphitheatre.
The Byblos Castle, constructed by the Crusaders in the twelfth century, looks at the Mediterranean Sea. Besides cultural activities, the city expands its variety of cultural festivals, typical during the summer, when the Byblos International Festival united artists from all over the globe.
9. Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Known chiefly in connection with Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Al Ain has earned the title of the Garden City of the UAE. In the Al Ain Palace Museum, visitors can learn more about the life of Sheikh Zayed, the founding father of the UAE. Jebel Hafeet mountain is nearby and has some magnificent views of the desert, especially when the sun sets. The Al Ain Zoo is also an attraction; the zoo focuses on the revelation of endangered species of animals and fun lectures about them. Another exciting thing for all Muslims that If they plan to go for Umrah, they can get customised deals from any best Umrah travel agency to explore the UAE, also.
10. Doha, Qatar
Even as Doha is beginning to be associated with innovative architecture and increasingly sophisticated museums, the desert, considerably outside of it, provides a feel almost opposite to that of the city. Khor Al Adaid, or Inland Sea, is listed as a natural reserve whereby the sea is seen to meet the desert in a few areas.
Foreign travellers may go dune bashing, camel riding, and experience the Bedouin style of living by having a desert camp, and sleeping in the desert. Moreover, one more cultural centre, Katara Cultural Village located in Doha, provides artists with a stage for performances, exhibitions, and workshops.
Conclusion
The Middle East can be said to be a region that has a lot to offer to visitors. Suppose it is historical places you are interested in, whether those of the ancient world, the contemporary cities that shape our world, the natural physical marvels of the world or the different cultures that encompass it. In that case, you will be captivated by the following ten places.
All these places act as different angles through which you can gain an understanding of this part of the world during the past, the present, as well as the future. Starting with the desert of Wadi Rum and ending with the streets of Jeddah, the Middle East is the territory that charms and surprises visitors worldwide.
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