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MIDDLE EAST

The Middle East comprises 18 countries across three continents: Asia, Europe, and Africa. These countries are, in alphabetical order: Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. (Yeah, I was surprised about Cyprus too!)

FUN FACTS

The world’s three largest religions—Judaism, Islam, and Christianity—all originated in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia is the largest country by size in the Middle East, and Bahrain is the smallest.
The Middle East has almost 100 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The most common language spoken in the Middle East is Arabic, and the most common religion is Islam.
Text in a gold colored band on top of the pic: A Non-Muslim's Guide to A light grey semi-transparent box with white script: Understanding Islam Overlaid over a photo of a man in a white robe reading a book while walking in front of a blue and white mosque
Text in a gold colored band on top of the pic: A Non-Muslim's Guide to. A light grey semi-transparent box with white script: Basic Arabic Phrases & Numbers. Overlaid over a photo of Arabic script in black ink on yellow-ish pages of an open book

You will have a deeper experience exploring the Middle East if you take the time to learn the basics about Islam and learn a few Arabic phrases and numbers. Check out these quick guides to get you up to speed.

Foreground: a transparent grey box with Bahrain (coming soon) in white text Background photo: a paved road leads towards a tall skyline, with grass and trees on either side of the road, and a blue sky above

Bahrain

A proud pearling past!
There’s more to Bahrain than meets the eye. It seems at first like just a big fancy finance city, but it has a fascinating past a the center of the world’s pearling industry. It also has crazy burial mounds and the tree of life!
Let’s visit Bahrain! (coming soon) →
Foreground: a transparent grey box with Jordan (coming soon) in white text Background photo: a sand colored building carved out of the cliff stands tall against a blue sky

Jordan

Petra! And so much more!
You go to Jordan to see Petra—a truly worthy world wonder—and you discover a country with so much more to offer. From Roman ruins and intricate mosaics, to the super salty salt waters of the Dead Sea.
Let’s visit Jordan! (coming soon) →
Foreground: a transparent grey box with Lebanon (coming soon) in white text Background photo: an ancient Roman temple with many columns and a gently sloping roofline stands against a blue sky with puffy clouds

Lebanon

Amazing food, resilient people!
Lebanon is in an awkward spot in the Middle East and has gone through some tough times in recent years. It’s still going through tough times. Through it all, the people are still welcoming visitors, and serving up the most delicious meals!
Let’s visit Lebanon (coming soon)→
Foreground: a transparent grey box with Oman (coming soon) in white text Background photo: a sunset scene looking down on a city, with white buildings starting to glow with streetlights, nestled in the hills

Oman

Deserts, canyons, camels, and the sea!
Oman is the sleeper hit of the Middle East. It has retained a strong sense of cultural identity and welcomes visitors with open arms (and, always, dates and coffee). Visit crumbling mud villages, lush green wadis, and pristine deserts.
Let’s visit Oman (coming soon) →
Foreground: a transparent grey box with Socotra (coming soon) in white text Background photo: a dragon blood tree stands tall against a blue sky. The tree has a slender trunk with branches splaying upward, topped with pointy green leaves

Socotra

Camping under the stars!
If you are up for a week-long adventure, head to Socotra! There is little tourist infrastructure, but teams of incredible drivers and guides will make sure you see the best of this incredible island. Dragon blood trees and so much more!
Let’s visit Socotra! (coming soon) →
Foreground: a transparent grey box with Dubai (coming soon) in white text Background photo: night picture with dark sky and tall skyscrapers lit up

United Arab Emirates

City of the future!
Home of the tallest building in the world, this desert metropolis continues to amaze. Everything is new and shiny and pushes the limits of imagination. Visit Dubai and you will see what infinite money can buy.
Let’s visit the UAE! (coming soon) →