Despite its immense natural beauty and fascinating history, traveling in the Middle East isn’t as popular as other traditional backpacking destinations like Australia or South America.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have become tourist hotspots over the last two decades, but these gargantuan metropolises are just the tip of the iceberg.
The dawn of civilization occurred in the fertile lands of the Levant several thousands of years ago, so history runs deep across the Middle East.
However, it’s not just history that attracts tourists.
Middle Eastern food is a world-renowned cuisine, with an array of pastries, traditional kebabs, and sweet delicacies to sink your teeth into.
Countries like Qatar also showcase a fascinating blend of glossy modernity underpinned by ancient architecture. There is no shortage of options for what to do while traveling in the Middle East.
Keep reading for a few of our favorite ways to enjoy this magnificent part of the world.
Historical Sites Not to Miss
The birthplace of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, there is an abundance of spellbinding historical sites across the Middle East.
Old Jerusalem is an obvious one, with the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher being the foundations for all Abrahamic religions.
Elsewhere, the magnificent city of Petra, carved into Jordan’s pink sandstone cliffs, is somewhere that really needs to be seen to be believed.
Shibam is similar, a 16th-century desert city in Yemen that earned the nickname “Manhattan of the desert” due to its imposing towers and citadels.
And we mustn’t forget about the pyramids and sphinx in Egypt, arguably the most impressive ancient sites in the world.
Explore Hyper Modern Cities
There is no shortage of historical places to visit in the Middle East, but travelers may experience the other side of the coin in places like Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
These oil-rich city-states have ballooned in size over the last couple of decades, with hyper-modern skyscrapers rubbing shoulders with artificial islands and all manner of restaurants, shopping centers, and more.
It’s not everybody’s cup of tea, although if you’re traveling in the Middle East, it would be a shame not to at least see the grandeur of Abu Dhabi or Dubai for a few days.
Make sure you do your research on things to do first, as the number of choices can be overwhelming.
Revel in Tantalizing Middle Eastern Delicacies
Aside from all the sightseeing, one of the main drawers to traveling in the Middle East is the tantalizing array of culinary delights on offer.
Globally adored foods like hummus, falafel, and halloumi originate here, and for the most authentic experience, you’ve simply got to go straight to the source.
Middle Eastern cuisine is big on flavor and freshness, blending colorful salads with flavorsome dips and mouthwatering meat.
For the best experience head to essential foodie destinations like Marrakech, Beirut, or Ras al Khaimah.
Wind Down in Luxury Hotels
With so much to do across the Middle East, lounging around in your hotel may seem like a waste. But, that’s where you’re wrong!
Relaxing is an essential part of traveling, and the quality of hotels across the area is top-notch.
You can keep entertained in hotels, too. Many will have gymnasiums, swimming pools, and sometimes even dedicated cinema complexes.
There is also a wealth of entertainment online, with things like online slots providing a welcome way to relax.
We advise doing your research to find the best online casinos possible, as these platforms tend to have much more generous bonuses and top-rated game catalogs.
It’s the best way to gamble in Qatar or other Middle Eastern countries, as traditional casino gambling laws can be rather strict. If you prefer other online forms of entertainment, Wordle or similar brain training games are also a good bet.
Hit The Shops
Affluent Middle Eastern cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai are perfect places to have a shopping spree, with numerous designer brands and high-end clothing stores stocking often-exclusive garments.
Moreover, the shopping malls are outrageously extravagant, showcasing jaw-dropping architectural design and a plethora of shops.
To put it into perspective, The Dubai Mall is over 500,000 square meters in size, making it one of the largest shopping malls in the world.
If shopping is your passion, you simply cannot miss out!