5 Safe Places to Discover in the Middle East

Contrary to popular belief, and outrageous media stories, the Middle East is not just about war, crisis and controversy. The region is home to some of the most natural and cultural wonders, and a rich heritage of ancient societies. It is rather unfortunate that the recent past and the negative publicity has made it seem like the all of Middle East is off-limits for travellers, but that is a myth. Sure, there are some problem areas, but they are certainly outnumbered by the many beautiful and perfectly safe places that should not be missed.

Here are 5 safe places that you could travel to in the Middle East:

Dubai, UAE

 

In what seems like the blink of an eye in the history of modern civilization, Dubai has evolved from a land of small-time traders and nomads to a sprawling cosmopolitan city. With roaring businesses, towering skyscrapers, glittering lights and a never-ending buzz of activity, Dubai has become one of the leading cities in the world. On top of that, the liberal values and the stringent law and order situation make Dubai an extremely safe holiday destination.
 

You Cannot Miss:

Shopping: With almost every street corner boasting of malls, small and large, you have to be blind to miss Dubai’s raging shopping scene. Whether it’s in the cobbled streets of old Bur Dubai, or the scintillating extravagance of Dubai Mall, the number of choices available for the shopper is unbelievable.

Salalah, Oman

 

Right in the middle of the desert that the Middle East is known for, lies an oasis—a haven of tropical weather, lush greenery and frequent rain. Salalah is a breath of fresh air in the arid desert atmosphere, an escape to the cooler climate and verdant pastures. Traditionally known as Arabia’s perfume capital, Salalah is now a popular and serene destination for tourists from all over the Middle East.

You Cannot Miss:

Frankincense: A resin, from the Boswellia trees that are found in this area. This is naturally extracted to make incense and perfume. Visit Khor Rohri, where you can actually extract the wonderful scented resin, considered to be White Gold of Oman. Over centuries, this Frankincense trade contributed to Salalah’s immense wealth, and is now a feature unique to the city. This UNESCO World Heritage site cannot be missed!

Ma’an, Jordan

 

Jordan boasts of a rich heritage and monuments of historic significance.  Jordan’s economy relies heavily on revenues from tourism and travel, thus the government takes immense efforts to maintain safety and ensure a pleasant environment for visitors and tourists. he city of Ma’an lies in the South of the capital city Amman, and is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Petra, which attracts millions of tourists every year, contributing primarily to the inflow of tourists to Jordan.

You Cannot Miss

The Petra: An ancient Greek city, carved into red stone, this historical treasure is definitely something that should be seen at least once in a traveler’s lifetime. Visit Petra for the intricate architecture, innovative network of water and transport and a look into the highly developed civilization from an ancient time.

Istanbul, Turkey

 

The only city in the world which lies on two continents, Istanbul is an amalgamation of the modern and the traditional, with history seeping through the city’s streets in abundance. Named as the European capital of culture, Istanbul is a typical Mediterranean city in some parts, and a completely Arab city in others.  It has the open air cafés and the bistros of Europe as well as traditional Arabic souks (market) and Arab architecture. This interesting marriage of cultures attracts millions of visitors yearly. Visit the capital of the mighty Ottoman Empire for a taste of history.

You Cannot Miss

The Blue Mosque: Although it’s very difficult to single out a particular iconic destination in the city, one must mention the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque of Turkey. The large dome and six surrounding minarets which enclose the beautiful interiors of the mosque, have over time become synonymous with the city’s identity. Don’t miss this most iconic structure in Istanbul’s skyline!

Manama, Bahrain

 

In the midst of large Middle Eastern countries, lies the island of Bahrain, known for its quiet lifestyle, safety and modern outlook. For decades, it has seen an influx of tourists from more conservative countries to enjoy Bahrain’s liberal and welcoming stance. This tiny island country retains the charm of a traditional Arab culture, juxtaposed with an increasingly progressive and modern environment. From ancient forts to a spectacular Bahrain International F1 Circuit, from water sports to watching thousands of migratory flamingos make their seasonal stopover, Bahrain has plenty of charm to woo its visitors.

You Cannot Miss

Qal’at al-Bahrain: Popularly known at Bahrain Fort, this archeological wonder attracts thousands of tourists every year. Dating back to 2300 BC, this is a gem for history lovers and culture enthusiasts. With a legacy of 5,000 years of civilization, this fort has witnessed the stories and lives of many great and ordinary people, and it is a real delight to walk down these lanes steeped in history. 

The Middle East is a treasure trove of ancient monuments, culture and history. Apart from a few areas to avoid, this region is highly recommended for memorable, if offbeat, holidays. So don’t be afraid to jump right in and explore the untouched beauty of this region.