MIDDLE EAST; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com
The Middle East is one of the world’s most dynamic tourism regions, with its amazing history, guaranteed sunshine, world – class hotels and more. Ancient architecture, holy cities, natural landmarks and modern marvels of engineering abound across the Middle East region. Countries including Egypt (although treated sometimes in North Africa), Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates(UAE), Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan.
- BETHLEHEM (PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES)
Known as the city of the Nativity, Bethlehem is the little town in the central west Bank, some five miles south of Jerusalem, where Jesus is said to have been born. Sacred Christian sites include the church of Saint Nicholas and monasteries throughout the region.
- PETRA (JORDAN)
Approach on foot through the winding Siq (passage) to emerge in front of the iconic Treasury, Petra’s most famous façade. Venture into the Site’s UNESCO – listed heart, taking, in grand tombs, theatres and temples carved into the soft sandstone by ancient Nabataens.
- MADAIN SALEH (SAUDI ARABIA)
The Nabataeans who carved the astonishing city of Petra chose Madain Saleh as their second city. The tombs are less spectacular, but their setting in sweeping sand and remarkable rock formations is unsurpassed.
- Qal’at Al – Bahrain (BAHRAIN)
One of the largest archeological sites in the country, it was once the capital of the ancient Dilmun civilization.
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Kuwait Towers KUWAIT TOWERS (KUWAIT)
These needle – shaped towers dominate the skyline of the Kuwait City. The 613 ft. – high main tower houses a revolving observation deck, while the lower globe on the largest tower stores around one million gallons of water.
- TEMPLE OF BAALBECK (LEBANON)
The oldest urban settlement on the earth, Baalbeck is home to the remains of the Temple of Jupiter alongside the Temple of Bacchus – often cited as the best – preserved Roman temple in the Middle East.
- PERSEPOLIS (IRAN)
Founded by Darius 1 in 518 BC, this impressive palace complex was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. It was constructed on an immense half – artificial, half – natural terrace, by the “King of Kings”.
- BARAQUISH (YEMEN)
Located in the Wadi Fardha, this ancient walled town is the country’s best – preserved archeological site. With walls once up to 46 ft. high and sporting more than 50 towers and two gates, this was an epicenter for the incense trade and capital of the Minaean Kingdom around 400 BC.
- QASR AL – HOSN – ABU DHABI (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)
Built in 1761, this white palace fort is Abu Dhabi’s oldest building and was the home of the government from the 18th century until 1966. The palace showcases painted friezes, carved wooden doors and elegant courtyards. Informal tours can be booked through the cultural foundation.
- MUSCAT SOUKS (OMAN)
The most famous shopping venue in Muscat is the Muttrah Souk, where you can spend endless hours haggling in the absorbing labyrinth of narrow, perfume – laden alley ways packed with colorful shops.
DUBAI – SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)
A stark contrast between old and new, the road to the largest city in the United Arab Emirates is an eight – lane highway, paved through rolling sand dunes.
- DUBAI – JUMEIRAH MOSQUE (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)
Built in 1978, the beautiful mosque looks older, with its medieval design of twin minarets and large central dome. Striking a contrast is the towering Burj Al Arab luxury hotel, designed in the shape of an Arab dhow’s sail.
- TEMPLE OF BAAL BECK (LEBANON)
Lebanon houses evidence of the oldest city settlement on Earth at Baal beck. Here you will find the remains of the Temple of Jupiter alongside the Temple of Bacchus – commonly cited as the best preserved Roman temple in the entire Middle East.
