Middle East

The Middle East is a region in Western Asia, between the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean.

The term "Middle East" was created by the British in the 19th century, and there is no coherent definition; it is a political term as much as geographical, but also Eurocentric, implying that it separates "the West" (Europe) from the Far East.

While the region is known for its arid climate, not all of the land consists of desert. The mountains in Türkiye, Iran and Lebanon even have ski resorts. The region is also the cradle of the world's first urban civilizations (especially in Ancient Mesopotamia), and the birthplace of the Abrahamite religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Countries and territories

Given the vague and politically-scented definition of the term, some countries and territories are sometimes considered as part of the Middle East and sometimes as part of neighboring areas. Türkiye is also considered as part of Europe, while Egypt is also part of North Africa.

Azerbaijan and Armenia are considered part of Europe, even if they have strong historical, geographical, economic, and cultural connections with this region. Iran and Afghanistan are often considered part of the Middle East, but can also be considered to be part of Central Asia or South Asia. Cyprus can also be considered a part of the Middle East but it is generally classified as part of Europe, for political reasons.

Bahrain This island state and the smallest of the Gulf emirates, is known in the region as the playground for visitors from its more conservative neighbors.

Egypt Home to some of the world's greatest ancient civilizations, Egypt is famous for its outstanding archaeological sites, among them the pyramids, Cairo/Giza

Iran A country full of historic places, a variety of attractions, and ecosystems that range from deserts in the central and southern parts to beautiful humid forests in the north near the Caspian Sea. Iran is also very ethnically and culturally diverse, and used to be the heart of the Persian Empire.

Iraq This cradle of civilization is too dangerous for leisure travel, though more intrepid travellers may find Iraqi Kurdistan a congenial place for a visit.

Jordan This country, with its vast deserts, also includes fertile land along the East Bank of the Jordan River and its tributaries, such as the Yarmouk, and contains rich archaeological remains, especially in Jerash and Petra, which is one of the new seven wonders of the world; and the extremely salty Dead Sea (Jordan)

Kuwait Probably best known internationally for its brief occupation by Iraq and role in the 1990-1991 Gulf War, Kuwait is an oil-rich emirate that is a destination for laborers and businessmen, generally not for tourists.

Lebanon This small country is diverse in culture, religion, politics and terrain. Beirut in particular has been known for the most part as a very liberal city. However, Lebanon's sometimes contentious politics often cause instability in the nation.

Oman A sultanate that's off the beaten path for most travellers, it is the only country that has a majority of Ibadi Muslims, and it is very rich in beautiful scenery.

Palestinian Territories The West Bank is home to historic cities such as Bethlehem, Hebron and Jericho. The Gaza Strip, though also of some historical importance, has restricted access, and is unstable and off-limits for most travelers.

Qatar This Arabian peninsula is the world's richest country in term of per capita GDP (PPP). It is probably best known for being the world headquarters of the Al Jazeera media corporation, which is owned by its government, and secondarily, for the striking modern skyline of its capital, Doha.

Saudi Arabia This oil-rich desert kingdom, subject to some of the harshest interpretations on Islamic Law in the world, is home to the holiest cities for Muslims: Mecca and Medina.

Syria This historic country was part of the Fertile Crescent in ancient times and shows the imprint of all historical periods since, but is in the throes of a bloody civil war that has not only killed a large number of people and displaced even more, but has also involved wholesale looting and destruction of archaeological relics by the so-called Islamic State organization, one of several fighting in Syria.

Turkey A very varied country that literally bridges Europe and Asia, it includes the cosmopolitan metropolis of Istanbul, many historical sites, and gorgeous mountains, lakes and coastlines. Until World War I and the Turks had a huge empire, called the Islamic Ottoman Empire after its ruling dynasty, and dominated most of the Middle East and large parts of Europe and North Africa for centuries. Soon after the collapse of the empire, Türkiye started a process of modernization and secularization, and got closer to the West.

United Arab Emirates A major hub of oil shipping and foreign labor that includes the famous skylines of Dubai and Abu Dhabi and quieter, more traditional emirates like Sharjah.

Yemen This beautiful country, famous for its traditional adobe highrises, fertile highlands and delicious food, is in the throes of a brutal civil war and a very destructive international bombing campaign.

Cities

• Amman — experiencing a massive change from a quiet sleepy village to a bustling metropolis.
• Beirut — a true cosmopolitan city and the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon.
• Baghdad — once a favoured destination on the 'hippie trail' and packed full of sights, now one of the most dangerous cities on Earth.
• Damascus — credited with being the oldest, continuously inhabited city in the world and the old-walled city in particular feels very ancient.
• Dubai — most modern and progressive emirate in the United Arab Emirates, boasting many skyscrapers, including the Burj Khalifa and the world's tallest building.
• Istanbul — the only major city to span two continents and a fascinating melting pot of East and West.
• Occupied Jerusalem — containing the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old City, this city is sacred for Christians and Muslims.
• Mecca — forbidden for non-Muslims to enter, this is the holiest city in Islam and well known for the Hajj.

• Tehran — a bustling metropolis of 14 million people, it's a cosmopolitan city, with great museums, parks, restaurants and warm, friendly people.

More Destinations

• Çatalhöyük - a Stone Age (7500 B.C. to 5700 B.C) settlement of great importance to archaeologists studying the transition from nomadic tribes to settlement and "civilization."
• Dead Sea — the water is far too salty for marine life - hence the name - but even the most skeletal humans will easily float.
• Empty Quarter — the name Empty Quarter explains pretty well what it is: a vast, inhospitable, empty desert.
• Madain Saleh — a Nabataean city in what's now Saudi Arabia, hewed out of rock in the same style as Jordan's far more famous Petra.
• Persepolis — the ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire during the Achaemenid dynasty, close to modern Shiraz.
• Petra — one of the 'New Seven Wonders', Petra was the breathtaking capital of the Nabataean kingdom from around the 6th century BCE.
• Samarra — archaeological and Shi'a holy sites, including the tombs of several Shi'a Imams in Iraq.
• Sea of Galilee — known for its Gospel associations with the life and ministry of Isa ibn Maryam, thus a pilgrimage destination for Christians.
• Shibam — known as 'Manhattan of the Desert', a unique, sixteenth-century, mud-built, high rise apartment buildings complex in Yemen.

Middle East Halal Explorer

As one of the wellsprings of human civilisation in the ancient and medieval worlds and the birthplace of several world religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Zoroastrianism and the Baha'i faith) and an area of much modern economic and political importance and the Middle East remains a popular destination for Muslim travellers.

Ethnically and the region is extremely mixed with people of mainly European and African descent. Today and there is also a very sizeable share of economic migrants coming from Southern and Southeastern Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa in search of jobs. Arabs, Persians, and Turks are the largest groups, but there are several different ethnic groups, such as Kurds, Armenians, Jews, Azeris and others, each one with their own languages, customs and cultures.

Every country in the Middle East has a Muslim majority (with the notable exception of which has a Yahudi majority), with Iran, Iraq and Bahrain mainly Shia, Oman mainly Ibadi, Saudi Arabia dominated by Salafism and other areas mainly Sunni. The legal systems in most of these countries are influenced by sharia (Islamic law), but very few are entirely based on it.

There are significant communities of native Christians, in particular in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and Iraq.

Cultural geography

North Africa is similar to the Middle East in many ways — language, religion, culture and some ethnic groups. Some writers include Egypt, or even Sudan and Libya, in their use of the term "Middle East". The term MENA refers to the Middle East/North Africa cultural group, which generally extends from Iran or Türkiye to as far west as Morocco or Mauritania. It may also include the Red Sea states.

On the other side, Central Asia also has much in common with the Middle East. Ethnic groups and languages are different, but the religion, much of the food, clothing, and architecture are similar. Iran could be counted as part of either region; at one point most of Central Asia was part of the Persian Empire.

The border between southeastern Europe and the Middle East is also unclear. Many writers include Türkiye in their usage of "Middle East" and we include it above, but parts of Türkiye are very much European. Large parts of Türkiye and all of Lebanon and Palestine are also clearly Mediterranean regions. On the other hand, several countries usually considered European — Greece, Cyprus and to some extent the Balkans — also have Middle Eastern aspects to their culture.

Travel to Middle East

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Middle East

The largest hubs for flights in the region are Dubai International Airport, Hamad International Airport (Doha) and Abu Dhabi, with their home carriers, Emirates, Qatar-Airways, and Etihad Airways respectively serving every inhabited continent, and having the largest and fastest growing medium to long haul route networks in the world. Istanbul also has good connections from virtually any point in the Middle East, and is served by numerous Flights from Europe, North America and East Asia, with Turkish Airlines having a slowly but steadily growing network that is increasing becoming a viable alternative to the Gulf trio. Ben Gurion Airport is served by Flights from most GCC countries, although due to the political situation it is not feasible to fly from there to anywhere in the Middle East besides Egypt, Jordan and Türkiye.

However and there are direct connecting Flights from large European hubs to most major cities in the region.

By boat

Ferries are available between Greece or Cyprus to Lebanon and Türkiye. Cruises also exist for longer excursions.

By vehicle or bus

Turkey can be visited overland via Greece or Bulgaria.

Border crossings exist between most countries. However and these may be subject to temporary closure depending on political situations. For instance, most crossings into Syria are closed or dangerous. There are no border crossings between Palestine and both Lebanon and Syria. Driving a vehicle between counties is dependent on whether cars are allowed into different countries. This is variable across the region.

How to get around in Middle East

[[File:BRT in Tehran, Iran.jpg|1280px|BRT in Tehran, Iran

Public transport is poor compared to other regions of the world including other parts of Asia. The majority of local residents would use plane or vehicle travel to get between countries. Places where Sunni and Shia areas overlap sometimes lack interlinking transportation.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Middle East

Flying is often the best way for getting around. The region is home to many major airports with frequent connections on both budget and legacy carriers. On the other hand, travel overland may not always be safe and even if it is, overland travel may involve crossings of hundreds of kilometers of hot desert.

By car

For the adventurous driver, some countries offer off-road vehicles and trails, such as in wadis (dried-up riverbeds). These trails easily isolate the driver(s), and in the case of emergency (such as a wadi flooding during a storm) it will be hard for authorities to find and help you. Pack everything you need with you for the trip, and never go alone.

In terms of driving from country to country, you'd have to check out the respective countries' border crossing openings and rules regarding visas and methods of arrival.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Middle East

Rail travel in the Middle East is limited and whilst most countries have limited passenger services between cities and there is very little between countries. Several countries in the region are, however, expanding their long-neglected rail systems with some starting passenger rail service for the first time in decades or forever. For example, rail service has been expanded in and a high speed rail project is underway in Saudi Arabia.

Istanbul would normally be the best starting point for rail journeys to a lot of areas in the Middle East, but war in Syria and Iraq and renewed fighting between the Turkish military and PKK terrorists fighting for independence for Turkish Kurdistan and based partly in Iraqi Kurdistan make rail trips to or through those countries questionable if not imfeasible. However, a service from Istanbul operates to Tehran which includes a 4-hour ferry journey across Lake Van. In general and these trains tend to operate weekly or at most biweekly, but check on current conditions in eastern Türkiye before planning your trip.

Travel on a Bus in Middle East

This is a more practical option than trains in the Middle East as they are less prone to delays and breakdowns and have far more extensive coverage of the region.

Local Language in Middle East

Arabic is the primary language of the region, and the main language in all Middle Eastern countries except Iran (where Persian predominates), Türkiye (Turkish) and Palestine (Yahudi, albeit with a significant Arabic-speaking minority). While Standard Arabic is the official language in all Arabic-speaking countries and the medium of instruction in schools and there are also many dialects of Arabic that are the main spoken language in daily life in their respective regions, some of which can be mutually unintelligible.

English is moderately common in tourist areas but comprehension varies elsewhere. English is understood widely in Jordan and the Gulf States, especially among educated citizens and in big cities. In Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, foreigners far outnumber the citizen population and as a result, English serves as the lingua franca and is more widely spoken than Arabic. In Türkiye, some German is spoken because many Turks have worked in Germany.

Urdu and English are also widely known in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and UAE as large (Pakistani) and Indian communities work in these countries. Filipino is also known to some extent, particularly in main cities (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Doha, etc.), due to a large influx of Filipino migrant workers across the region.

What to see in Middle East

If you're interested in remains of some of the world's oldest civilizations, this is the part of the world to head to. The Middle East is also the home of the Abrahamic religions, and there are both older and newer places of worship as well as places mentioned in the holy books to visit. However, in particular in the Gulf states, you can see something completely different. Some of the world's most impressive modern buildings including the world's highest structure, Burj Khalifa, can be found here, together with glitzy malls, artificial islands and some of the world's busiest airports.

On the natural side and the Middle East boasts large desert landscapes, including the Saudi desert (one of the largest in the world) as well as the Lut desert in Iran where the highest surface temperature in the world was measured. Would you rather see some scenic mountain landscapes, head to Iran or Türkiye — the former boasts summits more than 5000 m above the sea level and some of the world's highest ski resorts.

Halal Tours and Excursions in Middle East

• From Istanbul to Cairo — classic overland route but virtually imfeasible due to events in Syria.
• Hajj — the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina.
• Ferries_in_The_Red_Sea|Ferries across the Red Sea

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Middle East

• Explore ancient ruins throughout the region
• Take a ride on a dhow, a traditional wooden fishing boat in the Gulf states
• Visit numerous holy sites in Palestine and Saudi Arabia
• Go shopping in traditional souks throughout the region
• Connect with multiple cultures in one of the most diverse regions of the world

Study in Middle East

Many universities exist across the Middle East, some of which are highly regarded, including those in Saudi Arabia and Israel. Cairo's Al Azhar University, a famous institute of Islam whose construction predated that of the University of Bologna by over 100 years, is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the world.

Opportunities to learn Arabic abound, and are available in both religious and secular settings.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Middle East

The Middle East is famous for its markets or souqs. Souqs sell a dizzying array of goods, but each has its own speciality, be it spices or carpets. Notable examples exist in Occupied Jerusalem, Damascus and Dubai among many others. Quality varies vastly. Many souqs sell good quality products, but many sell a range of fake or tacky souvenirs. Over-pricing for tourists is common but this can often be counteracted by bargaining.

Haggling

Haggling or bargaining is common across the Middle East. However, its usage is rather complex. In general, haggling is common in markets, but only for certain items. For instance, haggling for souvenirs is acceptable, but not acceptable for food. Also, haggling in shops with fixed prices such as a supermarket is not done. However, in independent stores it may be feasible to negotiate a deal if buying multiple or expensive items such as jewellery. When bargaining, it is important to remember that the seller merely wants to maximise their profits. Walking away from an unacceptable deal is considered normal and can prevent pressure selling.

Halal Restaurants in Middle East

Cookery provides obvious evidence of the extent of Middle Eastern influence. Turkish doner kebab, Greek gyros and the shawarma of the Arab countries (everywhere from Oman to Morocco) are all basically the same dish.These are also seen in Central Asia and even China. A traveller going overland from Europe to India will find very similar dishes — notably flat breads and y- Halal Kebab — in every country from Greece to India. There is a strong theme of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Meat (except Beef) is very popular, as are vegetables such as eggplant, chick peas and tomatoes. Many Greek dishes are closer to Iranian cooking than to Italian. Turkish Coffee, served in small cups is popular throughout the region. Black tea is ubiquitous in Gulf states.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Middle East

Middle East - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Middle East, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Middle East. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Middle East and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Middle East. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Middle East. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMiddle East: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Middle East.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Middle East: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Middle East, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Middle East.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Middle East, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Middle East, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Middle East and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Middle East, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Middle East, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Middle East without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Middle East is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Middle East.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Middle East is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Middle East, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Middle East Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Few nations in the Middle East have a vibrant nightlife to go along with excellent hotels. As with any region, quality varies vastly from affordable hostels to the US$15,000 a night grand Atlantis suite in Dubai. Virtually all big cities will have numerous large international chain hotels.

Some of the hotels in more conservative middle Eastern countries will refuse entry to homosexual or unmarried couples, but this tends not to be a problem in popular resorts.

Medical Issues in Middle East

Healthcare varies widely across the region. Generally, large cities will have better hospitals and most doctors will speak English. Hospitals in more rural areas are less likely to be of good quality. Pharmacies are common everywhere except war zones.

Drinking water tends to be safe in richer countries, but less so in Yemen or other poorer areas. Always check before drinking.

Most of the Middle East is arid and dehydration is common, so always drink water more than you think you need to.

Driving in the Middle East is notably more dangerous than in Europe or North America. Road rules may or may not be followed. It is advisable to observe driving standards before taking the plunge with a rental car.

Travel Next

• Türkiye and Cyprus — with lots of border crossings and extensive transport alternatives, southern Türkiye is well linked to the battleground of Syria. It may also be feasible to take cruises to the island nation of Cyprus from Syria as well as Lebanon.
• Egypt — with buses from Palestine and Ferries in The Red Sea|ferries from Jordan, Egypt is an easy trip from the region.
• South Asia — the Istanbul to New Delhi overland trip, after traversing Türkiye and Iran from one end to another (and dipping into Iraq at a time in history) goes onward to Pakistan.
• Central Asia — an off the beaten path destination, which is accessible by buses from the Iranian city of Mashhad (which terminate in Turkmenistan and Afghanistan).
• Caucasus — the lush and beautiful Caucasus is a short hop north from Iran.

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