When contemplating the Middle East, it is common for individuals to associate the region with its significant oil production and the complex geopolitical landscape it navigates. I understand that you may feel disheartened, but it’s important to note that this particular region is brimming with an abundance of captivating experiences waiting to be discovered. Allow us to present to you an expertly curated selection of the most captivating Middle Eastern tourist destinations that simply must be experienced. Don’t forget to conveniently plan your travel with Gulf Air booking for a seamless journey through this captivating region.

#1 Dubai

The future city is already here. It’s always striving to be better than itself and its competitors by doing more and greater things. With aspirations to become a contemporary metropolis of global significance, it has developed into one of the most visited cities on earth, boasting some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Seeing Dubai is like seeing the future in miniature.

#2 Istanbul

It straddles two continents, Europe and Asia, and is the Middle Eastern region’s hub for cross-cultural exchange. Old Constantinople, which served as the imperial capital for about sixteen centuries, is still replete with architectural beauty. Istanbul is a city rich in history and culture, but it is also a modern city where old and new coexist. Visit a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the Bosphorus and Istanbul to round off your trip.

#3 Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, aspires to be the cultural epicenter of the whole Middle East. Because of this, it has become one of the world’s most visited cities by moving the Louvre to a new location and developing its own Guggenheim. Located on a chain of islands, it is already a popular tourist spot because of its breathtaking architecture and the fact that non-Muslims are welcome to visit the world’s largest mosque.

#4 Cairo

Cairo is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. The downtown area has fading grandeur reminiscent of Paris, while the area along the Nile is magnificent. The Giza pyramids and the Egyptian Museum’s stunning collections are reason enough to visit Cairo.

#5 Petra

The charm and majesty that pervade Jordan as a whole are best expressed in Petra. This ancient city carved out of rock is unique in the whole globe due to the enormous carved temples constructed by desert tribes. It becomes obvious why this is one of the most spectacular cities ever built when the sun sets and the city lights up.

#6 Jerusalem

Being in this interesting city is like going back in time 3000 years. It is holy to the three major monotheistic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—and is the spiritual center of the world. Even if you don’t have a religion, you can’t help but be interested in the people and building of the place as you walk through a maze of narrow streets and bazaars.

#7 Tel Aviv

It’s one of the most unexpected cities in the world, with influences from New York, Rio, and Miami. It prides itself on being international, with a permanent holiday atmosphere, while being unusual in that it is a mostly Jewish city. It never sleeps, with a lively nightlife and plenty of opportunities to party right on the beach. The pleasant climate and active youthful population are certainly pluses.

#8 Luxor

Here you will see Egyptian temples in all their dilapidated glory. The Valley of the Kings and the Karnak Temple are two fascinating sites that tell tales of pharaohs, mummies, and extinct civilizations. Karnak is particularly beautiful; it is said to be the biggest temple ever constructed and has enormous, stupefying columns.

#9 Doha

More and more news will be coming out about Doha very shortly. Doha, the capital of Qatar, is aiming to become a major global metropolis by constructing luxurious hotels, a breathtaking skyline with spectacular contemporary architecture, and world-class cultural attractions, such as the enormous Museum of Islamic Arts, which sits on a man-made island. A newfound air of optimism has spread across the city, earning it the nickname “the new Dubai.”

#10 Dead Sea

The natural phenomenon of floating without effort can be experienced at the lowest spot on Earth, which is located on the border between Israel and Jordan. The Jordanian side, where you can stay in luxurious resorts, is where you should go. Its salty waters and picturesque mountain setting have captivated travelers for millennia.