Jewels Of The East: Iconic Cities To Explore In The Middle East

The Middle East has long suffered the fangs of stereotypical depiction. In other words, the first thing people think when they hear the term ‘Middle East’ is the endless sea of sand. We are here to tell you that the Middle East is not a bed of sand, spice markets, and singing Bedouins. 

Therefore, if you want to explore the Middle East from a refreshing perspective, you must follow along. In this article, we will explore the majestic sand dunes of the Middle East.  

Charms Of The East 

The East has its charm. The shifting dunes and the barren landscape have countless stories that can only be explored if you travel. While we will try to paint accurate pictures of all the places we list here, but visiting those places for real will hit differently. So, book your private jet charters from Saudi Arabia and explore! 

Amadiya 

The very first name on our list is Amadiya. Amadiya is located just north of Iraqi Kurdistan and just 10 kilometers away from the Turkish border. It is a beautiful village at the top of a mountain and is nearly 5,000 years old. The village is like a living and breathing archive of all that went on for the last 5,000 years and is supposedly the home of the Three Wise Men, who went on a pilgrimage to see baby Jesus.  

Shibam 

Shibham has been listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites back in 1982 due to its rich history and aesthetic value. Shibham is a small town with a humble population of 7000 people. The houses of this town are generally made using mud bricks and are often called the Manhattan of the Desert.’  

Esfahan 

Esfahan is one of Iran’s most extravagant cities. The city’s mosque is composed of giant domes that will simply take your breath away. If you love architecture, you will certainly love the city’s geometric aesthetic. Esfahan is home to many prestigious scholars and intellectuals who have influenced history. The city is quite modern and houses some of Iran’s educated elite.   

Damascus 

Damascus is the epitome of ancient. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and has played a major role in the Abrahamic religions. The city was supposedly built in the Second Millenium BC and served as the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate from 661 to 750 AD. The Umayyad Caliphate was the most successful and prosperous caliphate in history,, whose reign spanned from Iran to Spain.  

Baalbek 

Baalbek is a perfect amalgamation of Middle Eastern charm and Roman architecture. The city was part of the Roman Empire, and this can definitely be seen in its architecture. Today, most of the city might be in ruins due to the eventual wearing down of time, but the essence of the empire can still be felt. If you want something unique on your list, do not forget to include Balbek in your itinerary.  

Ghadames 

Ghadames is one of the most underrated Middle Eastern tourist locations. This ancient city is apparently one of the oldest caravan cities in the region. Ghadames is located just 600 km away from Tripoli, so you will not have any problem reaching it. However, it will take one whole day to travel to this city by car. Ghadames is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Dhofar 

The coastline of Dhofar stretches from south Oman to the Yemeni border. Dhodar’s coastline is a refreshing departure from the other Omani beachfronts. The turquoise-blue water, along with sharp cliffs, really add a unique charm to this location. However, this is an underrated location, so you might find the place a little devoid of fellow tourists. Still, it is one of the best places to visit.  

The Wrap 

The Middle East will offer you a unique take on traveling that no other continent can match. It is that perfect mixture of history, architecture, and landscape that every traveler craves. However, remember that the Middle East is not for the faint-hearted.  

The extreme landscape, along with bubbling political tension, makes this place perfect for a seasoned traveler. Therefore, consider this point before you commit to exploring the charms of the dunes. 

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