Despite its diversity, the Middle East is one of the world’s most misunderstood regions. This fascinating and complex land is the cradle of civilisations and is incredibly rich in tradition, culture, and history.
Though the Middle East is often regarded as a region with huge deserts, it is home to stunning beaches, verdant valleys, and lofty mountains covered with snow, making it a destination that should be on every traveller’s itinerary.
There are several things that make this place truly exceptional, which you cannot find when travelling for years. Tourists in the Middle East have a lot to visit, see, and do here. The brief round-up of several enchanted locations in the Middle East will help you visit them.
It is time to book your travel tickets with Oman Airlines if you are genuinely interested in having the opportunity to connect and interact with the civilizations that have created history. You can find the cheapest airfare to any Middle East destination with this airline, which operates regular flights to most of the major cities.
- Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Islands
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You can reach the Farasan Islands easily from Jazan by travelling about 40 kilometres. Of the several islands in the archipelago, only a few are inhabited year-round. The island is thought to be the biggest and most populous because of its many permanent residents.
Moreover, the island is well-known for its unbelievable biodiversity and provides excellent chances for observing species, including the white-eyed gull, sooty falcon, and crab plover. It also has gorgeous coral reefs for fantastic scuba diving. Some of the places to explore in this area are the Najdi Mosque, Al Qassar’s sandstone village, and Beit Al Refai.
- The Marshes of Iraq
Situated in extremely hot and dry desert circumstances, the Marshlands of Iraq is one of the world’s largest inland delta systems and absolutely exceptional.
These marshes in southern Iraq are the result of the flooding of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers every year and they are over 10,000 years old. Covering an area of over 12,000 square miles, these marshes are home to a diverse range of wildlife species.
The Marsh Arabs, who originally inhabited the Mesopotamian Marshes, were known to construct their reed dwellings and floating islands in the marshes. Several internationally threatened birds, like the greater spotted eagle, marbled duck, and Basra reed warbler, use the wetlands as crucial staging and wintering grounds.
- Cedars of God, Lebanon
The forest of the Cedars of God, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, still has some cedars, being symbols of Lebanon.
Strolling beneath these old trees is a unique experience that transports you to the time of the Babylonians, Assyrians, and Phoenicians. Tourists truly make a pilgrimage to the forest, which is a two-hour drive from Beirut, to see and enjoy the towering foliage.
- Fjords of Musandam, Oman
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The modest settlement of Kumzar is tucked away in a calm harbour between the sea and the mountains in the northern Omani fjords. Indeed, Kumzar’s utter seclusion, wherein you can reach the place only by a speedboat or a dhow voyage from the closest city, Khasab, has spawned a distinct dialect and culture.
Musandam Fjords is called “the Norway of the Middle East” because of its stunning rocky inlets or khors, quaint villages, deep blue waters, and winding highways on the mountains.
- Petra, Jordan
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Jordan has charmed travellers for generations with its stunning Dead Sea and dramatic desert scenery. Nevertheless, if you are interested in ancient history, Petra, a magnificent sandstone city, is a must-see. Hidden away from the rest of the world in the isolated Shara highlands, Petra, which was constructed in the third century BCE, is still a mystery.
It was not recognised as one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World” until 1812 when the West finally made the discovery. Here the cliff wall is exquisitely carved with ornate temples, palaces, stables, theatres, tombs, and storerooms. The rough edges have been smoothed by wind over the years, yet the place is still incredibly magnetic. You need at least two days to explore it owing to its enormous size.
- Siwa Oasis, Egypt
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Lying 50 km away from Libya, this lush region in the western desert of Egypt, is home to large salt lakes, shaded groves of palm and olive trees, and clear springs. Though reaching Siwa Oasis isn’t easy, it is well worth the effort. Other than desert safaris and sandboarding, you can enjoy spectacular sunsets here.
- Masal, Iran
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Masal, located in the western part of Gilan in Iran, appears to be heaven. It is situated in the Talesh Mountains, 50 kilometres from Rasht City. Masal, with its towering forests, natural waterfalls, wildlife, meadows, and breathtaking scenery, can be a great choice for eco-tourism.
Naturalists are drawn to the area because of the city’s stunning surroundings and its verdant forests. However, this region’s cloud ocean is a stunning occurrence that turns the dream of walking on clouds into reality.
