Given the recent tensions between Israel and Palestine and ongoing conflicts in the region, it’s no surprise that there are travel restrictions and advisories for many Middle Eastern countries. With their incredible ancient sites, one-of-a-kind architectural marvels, natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture, the many countries that make up this area offer plenty of rich experiences for travelers that you wouldn’t want to miss.
Despite the warnings, many cities and countries are still considered safe for tourists to visit. They simply require you to exercise a bit of extra caution and stay up to date with any updates to remain proactive. Aside from safety, you’ll also want to keep in mind that some of these countries have specific laws and traditions that you should abide by. For example, even though PayPal casinos are rapidly gaining traction, you won’t be able to gamble in certain places.
Let’s look at a few Middle Eastern countries that are still welcoming tourists today.
Jordan
So long as you steer clear of Jordan’s border with Iraq and Syria, you’ll be able to revel in the beauty of the Kingdom of Time. This marketing slogan was developed to redefine the country as a tourist destination, depicting it as a place where you can slow down or speed up depending on your travel preferences. While tourism continues to grow in Jordan, the country fiercely preserves its stunning landscapes.
The country is most famous for its capital, Amman, an economic and cultural center dotted with ancient ruins such as the pillars of the Roman Temple of Hercules and a second-century stone amphitheater. However, no visit is complete without experiencing one of the ancient wonders of the world, Petra, an archaeological city carved out of pink sandstone. For those looking for isolation and tranquility, a journey into the desert at Wadi Rum invites you to sleep under the stars in a Bedouin Camp.
Turkey
What makes Turkey so special is its diversity and clash of transcontinental cultures. One minute, you could be dipping your toes in the Aegean Sea, while another moment, you could be walking up a cobbled lane in Balat. Turkey presents unending adventures, whether you want to treat all your senses to a walk through the Grand Bazaar or feel your eyes widen at the Travertines of Pamukkale. While we can’t draw up a short bucket list by any means, some must-do activities include seeing Cappadocia from a hot air balloon, soaking in a Turkish bath, trying Turkish tea, hiking Mount Nemrut to find the stone heads, and feasting on bold and hearty local cuisine.
However, it’s best to avoid large crowds in the city. If you want to stay extra safe, consider visiting smaller towns rather than major cities like Istanbul and Ankara and saving those destinations for another time.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
While the UAE boasts unbelievable natural beauty like the rest of the Middle East, it stands out for its man-made wonders. Grand cities, record-setting structures, and technological innovation—Dubai is otherworldly, with the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world at 2,717 feet tall), the second-most five-star hotels in the world, and the largest aquarium in the world in the Dubai Mall. There, you can experience all sorts of one-of-a-kind adventures, such as driving luxury race cars, dining 165 feet in the air, and feeling like royalty in one of its incredible accommodation options.
But Dubai isn’t the UAE’s capital. Abu Dhabi does give you a taste of the luxury and modernity Dubai has to offer, with its very own Louvre, the Yas Waterworld, and Ferrari World, but it also emphasizes its rich heritage. Abu Dhabi’s most renowned tourist attraction is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest in the world, featuring 82 white domes and intricate marble work. There are also the two standout Qasr fortresses, Qasr Al Watan and Qasr Al Hosn, and the Emirates Heritage Village, which give you a glimpse of Emirati life.
Bahrain
Bahrain is considered one of the lesser-traveled countries in the Middle East but could be considered its best-kept secret. It has all the modern attractions and amenities of the UAE but a more relaxed pace and down-to-earth atmosphere. If you’re looking for an escape without the hustle and bustle of big cities like Dubai, Bahrain is a solid choice. The country is a little archipelago made up of 33 artificial and 50 natural islands, making it the perfect deserted paradise for a vacation.
The country is home to 10 cities and many small towns; its capital, Manama, has a small population of around 300,000. Manama does a brilliant job of preserving its incredibly lengthy history (dating back to the Bronze Age) and updating the city with a business district of modern skyscrapers. And for tourists, there are tons of activities to keep you busy. Bahrain combines a serene, relaxing beach scene with ancient sites like the Tree of Life and Bahrain Fort, as well as many malls and busy souqs for shopping.
Egypt
Egypt needs no introduction—its stories and structures practically define our ancient world, with the Temple of Horus, the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and other sights considered once-in-a-lifetime experiences. In 2022, 11.7 million tourists visited the country in search of its seven UNESCO World Heritage sites and outdoor gems, like the Red Sea’s coral reefs and the Wadi reserves. While we highly recommend a trip to Egypt, travel advisories have ramped up due to the increased risk of terrorism in certain regions of the country. Despite the nearby conflicts, it seems that tourists continue to be drawn by Egypt’s iconic monuments.
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