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1- Petra, Jordan
There is nothing in the world quite like this city in the south of Jordan. For tourists, there’s the added appeal of the fact that it’s not difficult to access.
It’s just a 240-kilometre trip from Jordan’s capital, Amman, to Petra, which is a UNESCO heritage site. Meaning that it is “one of the most precious cultural properties” of humankind’s heritage and one of the “7 new wonders of the world.”
“The Treasury” (Al-Khazneh) is one of Petra’s most beautiful temples. And you can visit it during the day or even at night when it is lit up in all of its awe-inspiring glory.
It is thought that The Treasury served as a mausoleum and is called “The Treasury” because Bedouins believed there were treasures inside.
The structure itself is a treasure, boasting elaborate details that the architects made as they sculpted The Treasury out of the sandstone cliff.
In addition to the Treasury. Petra is also home to other temples, tombs, and archaeological remains that date back for centuries.
Smithsonian Magazine named Petra one of the 28 places to visit before you die, which is no surprise!
2- Doha, Qatar
Doha is one of the Middle East’s best-kept secrets. At the same time, a lot of people head to Abu Dhabi. There are relatively fewer people who know about Doha.
Even though this bustling city offers world-class cultural attractions and events as well as opportunities for an adventure like island camping and balloon rides. And activities in the 130,000-square-meter Oxygen Park.
Doha’s real distinction is the museums. Some of Doha’s top museums are The Museum of Illusions, The National Museum of Qatar, and the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA).
The Museum of Illusions is unique in the world and is among the most highly-ranked museums in Doha. It offers a multisensory experience by showcasing fascinating exhibits that engage multiple senses.
The MIA is also one of Doha’s most famous museums. In addition to boasting the world’s most extensive collection of Islamic art, it also features a stunning view of the Doha skyline.
The National Museum of Qatar is undoubtedly worth a visit as well. It opened in 2019, and the building, which the architect based upon the form of the desert rose crystal, is a work of art unto itself!
By exploring the collection, you can get a wonderful sense of the history of the Persian Gulf, including exhibits dedicated to Bedouin culture and the transformative effects of the oil industry on the region.
3- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai has gotten a lot of attention over the past few years as it has metamorphosed into a cosmopolitan, booming metropolis.
It features a lot of blockbuster resorts and attractions like the Burj Khalifa, which is the 830-meter structure that dominates the Dubai skyline. Still, the savvy traveller can also find ways to experience the local traditions.
In addition to the world-famous luxury shopping centers, Dubai also still has its traditional markets (“souq” in Arabic) where shoppers can bargain for clothing, handicrafts, and jewelry.
A far cry from the ultramodern malls, these traditional marketplaces are colourful, chaotic, and full of character. Take a step back and prepare to find some great deals!
Dubai has its bustling city center as well as individual neighbourhoods that offer visitors a glimpse into the region’s past.
Madinat Jumeirah. For example, it is a resort that spans 40 hectares that follow the beach near the Burj Al Arab and draws inspiration from an Arab village.
It even has a souq of its own and has multiple boutique hotels with private individual sources of inspiration.
4- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Many pilgrims pass through Jeddah as they travel between the cities of Mecca and Medina, two holy sites for Muslims all over the world.
That translates to millions of visitors passing through Jeddah every year as they make the pilgrimage. Yet Jeddah is not just a transit point and offers the visitor a wealth of choices in terms of culture, history, and architecture.
Jeddah is a major Saudi Arabia port providing access to the Red Sea and the coastline beyond. The Jeddah Corniche is worth a visit because of the various attractions that are featured along its 30-kilometre stretch.
Some of the attractions the Corniche offers are sculptures, gardens, fountains, and shopping areas. Many of these are grouped along the central part of the corniche.
And are ideal for tourists who want to get a sense of everyday life in Jeddah. To the north are located gorgeous sandy beaches. Many of which are suitable for swimming and some of the region’s most luxurious resorts.
A trip to Jeddah wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Al-Balad (“the town” in Arabic), which is Jeddah’s historic district. It was established in the seventh century and was designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2014.
It contains several different neighbourhoods, each with vibrant character and historical buildings, such as the Al Jamjoom House and the Al Nassif House. Jeddah Old City, with half-century old buildings, is also worth a visit.
5- Qeshm, Iran
Qeshm Island is located off the coast of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. It is rich in history, with settlements dating back as far as the Paleolithic period.
It is home to a UNESCO Global Geopark and offers a dazzling array of natural landscapes and wildlife for the more adventuresome visitor.
One of the attractions is the Hara Mangrove Forest, which you can visit by boat. Be sure to bring your binoculars to keep your eyes out for different kinds of birds.
Another place to visit is Tandis-ha Valley, which features natural sculptures Mother Nature has carved through erosion.
You can also visit the Namakdan salt cave, the largest in the world. Another site where nature has shown off its artistic skills is the Chahkuh Valley, a gorge featuring ivory carved from meteorological and tectonic activities.
Another geological marvel is the Valley of the Fallen Stars, which is especially striking when the sun sets. The name gets from a legend that explains the valley’s origins according to the story.
A star crashed into the ground to create the valley and the unusual shapes in the field. Others believe this is a place where spirits meet after nightfall amidst the otherworldly heights and hills that the elements have sculpted.
6- Beirut, Lebanon
Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon, truly has it all. It has stunning beaches, mouth-watering cuisine, and heritage sites.
It has bustling markets, sophisticated museums, and vibrant nightlife. Because of this, it can be hard to narrow down all the choices when visiting a city as diverse and exciting as Beirut.
Top on the list of most people’s Beirut itineraries is the beaches, which includes family-friendly beaches like Tyre Beach, with shallow water that is ideal for young swimmers.
Be sure to catch the sunset over the Mediterranean for an unforgettable, picturesque view.
While in Beirut, the must-see attractions include the Sursock Museum, the Martyr’s Square, the National Museum of Beirut and the Mohammed Al Amin Mosque.
You can take a step back into Beirut’s past while also enjoying its modern conveniences and dynamic urban atmosphere.
