Increasingly, people are starting to see the appeal of the Middle East as a travel destination. It is located right between the East and the West, the birthplace of the three great religions in the world. There are people who are wary about visiting, but they are unlikely familiar with what the region has to offer. There are plenty of fascinating places to explore and things to do in this region, though where exactly do you start?
We have compiled a list of some excellent things to do while you are in the Middle East. Here are several activities you might want to include in your itinerary:
Explore the Opulence of Dubai
When you get to Dubai, you will immediately notice that this is a city that constantly moves toward innovation and improvement. It is trying to become more eco-friendly, and it is the land of superlatives and breaking records! It boasts of the tallest building, the only indoor ski facility, and the largest mall in the world. Of course, it is also one of the few cities to have reclaimed land from the sea. With a plethora of dining, shopping, and nightlife choices, you will have the time of your life on holiday in luxurious Dubai. With a huge international airport, you may find yourself having a layover here – this guide can help you decide what to see and do here during a short time.
While in Dubai, one of the top things to do in Dubai is a Dubai Night Safari. Or, go shopping at the Dubai Gold Souk or the Dubai Spice Souk.
Relax in the Dead Sea
At 400 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest place on the planet. Take a dip in the serene waters and be amazed at how effortlessly you float on its surface. While you are at it, take advantage of the exfoliating mud in the area. The water has some rejuvenating qualities and we mean this in both the spiritual and aesthetic sense of the word. If you are so inclined, you can visit the spot believed to be the baptismal site of Jesus Christ himself!
Visit Petra
Petra, the “rose red city, half as old as time”, continues to fascinate even in times of political distress in the region. It used to be the center of the Nabataean kingdom until it was absorbed into the Roman empire. There is simply nothing like this city carved out of the rock face of Mount Hor. You might have seen it numerous times on the computer, but trust us when we say you will be blown away by its splendor.
Learn more about How to Travel to Petra
Watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Formula One fans will be thrilled to hear that the UAE hosts the world’s only day-night race every November. The Yas Marina track boasts of 21 turns that will test the skills and performance of each driver. You won’t ever forget the thrumming energy and the thundering engines as the sun sets in the background! Book your accommodation, race tickets, and flights in advance as plenty of people from all over the world go to Abu Dhabi for the experience. If you’re traveling with a group, you can hire household staff to keep everything clean and tidy, and they can prepare meals so you can relax without having to worry about going grocery shopping.
Learn more about traveling to Abu Dhabi on Etihad’s Business Class
Explore the Jeita Grotto
When you are in the Middle East, you should definitely check out the longest cave in the region. The Jeita Grotto system is actually made up of two individual but interconnected limestone caves and it runs for nearly 9 kilometers! The place is hauntingly beautiful and the formations will surely leave you in awe. If you would prefer not to do it on foot, you can take a short boat trip that covers some of its total length.
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