Despite what you might have heard, the Middle East can be a wonderful place to take a vacation. Many travelers are apprehensive about visiting this region of the world. They might be put off by some of the press coverage they’ve seen in the news, or perhaps they’re simply unaware of it’s many draws. The middle east is a vast area with a diverse clustering of countries that stretch from the border of Pakistan all the way across the Arabian Peninsula to the eastern nations of Northern Africa.
Quite a few nations within this region are considered to not only be safe to visit but are full of unforgettable attractions and sights that simply can’t be experienced back home.
The middle east is known for it’s diverse cultures, traditions, and distinct topography. Within the geographic region, you’ll find countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Iraq, and Iran.
There are countless places to visit in the Middle east where you can spend time witnessing the beauty and diversity that the region is famous for. The vast majority of Middle Eastern Nations follow Islam and many of world’s most significant mosques can be found here, but you can also find unique beliefs and customs that make this region an incredible adventure to explore.
Join us as we discuss some of the most celebrated places you can visit when vacationing in the Middle East.
Viewcation presents: The Best Places to Visit in the Middle East
Jordan
This destination is generally considered to be safest place for tourists to visit when traveling around the Middle East, although you probably should avoid the area that falls within two miles of the Syria and Iraq borders.
In Jordan, you’ll find Petra, which is considered to be one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. You can reach this highly photographed and treasured site by stepping through the narrow Siq Valley. As you approach, you’ll know you’re getting close when you start seeing massive pillars gradually entering your field of view.
Besides Petra, other notable highlights of a trip to Jordan include taking a float in the salty Dead Sea, scuba diving in the warm waters of Aqaba, and exploring the lowest altitude nature reserve in the world at Mujib Biosphere Reserve.
Qatar
Ever since it was announced that Qatar was going to be hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, it’s become increasingly noticed as a remarkable tourist destination. Here you can enjoy an authentic “Arabian Nights’ sort of experience riding around on camels, exploring caves, and seeing ancient structures that will help you gain some perspective on world history.
This country is considered to be safe and it’s also surrounded by the sea. You’ll find a wealth of cultural attractions to take in as well as the opportunity to enjoy all kinds of water sports like jet skiing and kite surfing.
Qatar’s capital, Doha, is quickly becoming a world-class city that offers innumerable cosmopolitan experiences. Here you’ll find exceptional shops, restaurants, and luxury hotels. It’s also home to the Museum of Islamic Art, which is jam-packed full of priceless artifacts and treasures that tell the tale of the Islamic world’s relationship with art through a collection that spans 14 centuries of masterpieces.
Dubai
Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates, is a very wealthy and modern city that is home to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, which stands at an astonishing 2716 feet high. It’s also arguably the best shopping city on the planet.
If you hop on the metro, you can make stops at all of Dubai’s major malls. In the city’s center you can find a massive underwater zoo and aquarium where you can dive with stingrays and sharks. Every evening the Dubai Fountain puts on a colorful nightly show that features water that erupts up to 460 feet in the air. The show is choreographed with music and lights and is well worth checking out.
You can learn more about the UAE by visiting the Dubai Museum. Here modern technology and history meet together in a large underground fort that showcases the transition from village life to the modern industrial world.
Oman
This nation was recently listed as one of the top safest Middle Eastern countries to travel to by the World Economic Forum. While it may be a relatively tiny nation, it’s certainly a beautiful one. It dramatically extends out into the Sea of Oman, the Arabian Gulf, and the Arabian Sea.
Oman is famous for it’s terraced orchards, ancient Aflaj oasis irrigation system, adobe fortresses, stream valleys, traditional Arabian sailing ships, ornate mosques, meteorites, and Al Said, the world’s third biggest yacht which is owned by the country’s Sultan.
We recommend coming here if you’re into diving. If you’re a beginner, it’s one of the best countries to get your certification. You can also take the opportunity to explore what’s known as the Empty Quarter – the largest sand desert on the planet.
Cyprus
Cyprus is a European-Asian country in the Middle East. Although it hasn’t always been considered safe for tourists to come out and see, today it boasts more than two million visitors annually. The people of Cyprus are known for being very friendly and hospitable, and virtually everywhere you go, you can look forward to a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The sun shines brightly pretty much year long. When coupled with the breathtaking coastline and marvelous mountain scenery, Cyprus has plenty to offer for travelers from all walks of life. Scenic hikes can be found practically everywhere, and you can ski in the winter months while soaking in the phenomenal views of Mount Olympus, Cyprus’s highest peak.
Along the country’s northern coast, you’ll see some of the most beautiful golden beaches as well as several deeply interesting ruins of medieval castles. When you’re not taking in the sights, be sure to sample the delicious Cyprian cuisine which has been described as a blend of Turkish, Middle Eastern, African, and Greek cuisines.
Egypt
While there has been quite a bit of socio-political unrest in this Middle Eastern nation, there is still a lot of magic to experience there. The primary bases for Nile Valley tourism, Aswan and Luxor, are very peaceful, developed, and well-protected. The vast majority of popular tourist areas are far and removed from danger.
There’s nothing quite like finally seeing with your own two eyes what you’ve probably spent years seeing only in photographs. The long snaking Nile, the mysterious pyramids – there really is nothing quite like seeing Egypt in person.
We recommend avoiding North Sinai, but the rest of the nation, including Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor, and Sharm el-Sheikh is currently considered to be fairly safe to visit.
Bahrain
While it may be the smallest country by size in the Middle East, Bahrain still has plenty to offer. Travelers love how this nation provides the chance to experience a true Arab world without the strict application of Sharia law upon it’s non-Muslim minority.
Though there may not be quite as many beaches in this nation as there are in other Gulf countries, visiting Al Dar Islands presents tourists with the option to enjoy a host of water sports including sailing, swimming, jet skiing, and fishing.
Bahrain’s capital city, Manama, is wonderful to explore on foot. There you will find many inviting cafes and shops that sell items like local crafts, tea, spices, sweets, and jewelry. If you’re curious about Bahrain’s history, you can follow the heritage trail to see places like the Bahrain National Museum, Bahrain Fort, and Al Khamis Mosque.
The beautiful Al-Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve is a must-see for all of you animal lovers out there. Here you can see many species of local birds, plants, and animals, including the Arabian leopard: the Arabian Gazelle, and the oryx.
Istanbul
This city is famous for being the capital of Turkey. It’s a splendid destination that is oozing with beauty in terms of it’s architecture and art. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a relaxing leisurely trip, Turkey is one of the best countries in the Middle East to visit.
As you explore the city, you’ll begin to understand it’s rich history while touring it’s many monuments and ancient sites. Some of history’s most monumental events have unfolded here.
Istanbul is a city that is full of minarets. It’s situated betweeen two continents, Asia and Europe, and is basically an open-air museum where the past and present come together in a unique blend of diverse cultures.
You can see ottoman relics such as Mosques and opulent Sultan’s palaces that stand side-by-side with more modern monuments. The city is also known for it’s many shopping opportunities.
Riyadh
The capital city of Saudi Arabia is delightful for business travelers and tourists alike. Riyadh offers a warm welcome to travelers of all sorts. It’s a strikingly modern city with giant skyscrapers jutting out of it’s skyline. It’s hard to believe that just a few centuries ago, this region was merely a small tribal area. Today, it’s one of the top-notch cities on the continent.
The city is the perfect convergence of modernization and tradition. While there are plenty of historic points of interest to see here, Riyadh is also a place that boasts sophisticated modern buildings.
A few of the city’s best attractions include the Masmak fort, the King Abdul Aziz Historical Center, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, and Murabba Palace.
Jerusalem
Israel is one of the most remarkable places in the world to visit. Jerusalem, while lacking in the modern luxuries found in larger cities like Tel Aviv, is a place that is famous for being one of the top historical sites on the planet. It’s an ancient city that is located on a plateau of the Judaedn Mountains right next door to the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean. The city blends antiquity with modernity and is brimming with astounding religious and cultural marvels held dear to followers of Islam, Christianity and Judaism.
The city is a huge attraction for tourists from all over the globe. You can stroll around the old city to take in it’s majestic beauty, go shopping in it’s lively marketplaces, or let loose and enjoy it’s thrilling nightlife.
Some of the best attractions include the Tower of David, the Dome of the Rock, the Jewish Quarter, the mount of Olives, the church of all nations, the Western Wall, and the temple mount.
With that, we’ll go ahead and wrap this video up. Now that you’ve heard what we have to say, we’d love to hear from you. Have you ever been to the Middle East? If so, what countries and cities have you had the pleasure of visiting? If you haven’t yet ventured out to the Middle East, what are some sites and attractions that you’re most eager to see someday? Let us know in the comments, and as always, happy travels!