The 13 Best Countries to Visit in the Middle East and North Africa

210

The Middle East just rewrote the rulebook on luxury travel. Saudi Arabia opened its doors to tourists for the first time in decades, Qatar turned itself into a cultural powerhouse after the World Cup, and the UAE keeps building impossible things that somehow work perfectly.

But here’s what most people miss: beyond the headline-grabbing mega-projects, this region offers experiences you literally cannot find anywhere else on Earth. We’re talking about floating in the Dead Sea while reading a book, exploring 2,000-year-old cities carved into cliffs, and staying in desert camps where Bedouins have perfected hospitality for centuries.

The infrastructure is world-class now. The food scene in the Middle East rivals anything in Europe. And despite what you might think, most of these countries are incredibly safe for travelers. Some require a bit more planning than your typical European vacation, but the payoff is extraordinary. Here’s my ultimate guide on the best places to visit in the Middle East and North Africa in 2025.

1. United Arab Emirates

The UAE has mastered the art of making the impossible look effortless. Dubai’s skyline literally changes every few months…new skyscrapers appear overnight while others transform into vertical forests. But it’s not just about the spectacle. The country offers ridiculous convenience: you can ski indoors in the morning, shop in the world’s largest mall by afternoon, and watch the sunset from the world’s tallest building. Dubai alone needs its own trip, with so much to see and do at night!

Abu Dhabi brings the culture. The Louvre Abu Dhabi houses art spanning 5,000 years under a stunning dome that creates rain of light. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque accommodates 40,000 worshippers and features the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet.

Beyond the cities, the Empty Quarter desert offers some of the most luxurious glamping on Earth. Al Maha Desert Resort places you in Bedouin-style suites where oryx and gazelles roam freely outside your private pool. The food scene spans everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to street food courts where you can eat authentic shawarma for $3. It’s easy to see why the United Arab Emirates tops the list of the best places to visit in the Middle East.

2. Jordan

Jordan is basically an outdoor adventure park disguised as an ancient civilization. Sure, everyone knows about Petra…and yes, walking through that narrow canyon to see the Treasury emerge from rose-colored rock is absolutely worth the hype. But Jordan’s real magic happens when you venture beyond the postcards.

The Dead Sea lets you float while reading a newspaper thanks to salt levels so high you literally cannot sink. Wadi Rum desert, where Lawrence of Arabia once roamed, now offers overnight camps where you sleep under more stars than you knew existed. The hiking in Dana Biosphere Reserve rivals anything in the Alps, except you’re walking through landscapes that haven’t changed since biblical times.

Amman’s food scene is criminally underrated. The city’s markets overflow with spices, fresh bread, and the best hummus you’ll ever taste. Locals will invite you for tea after five minutes of conversation, and somehow the hospitality never feels forced or touristy.

3. Oman

Oman is seriously underrated. While everyone flocks to Dubai’s skyscrapers, I’ve found myself completely mesmerized by this country that feels like stepping into an Arabian Nights tale…but real.

The diversity here is insane. I’ve gone from swimming in turquoise wadis (natural pools) surrounded by date palms to sandboarding massive dunes in Wahiba Sands, all in the same day. Musandam Peninsula? It’s basically the “Norway of Arabia” with dramatic fjords perfect for dolphin watching.

Muscat strikes this perfect balance. Ornate mosques and traditional souks coexist with modern cafes serving incredible Omani coffee. And don’t even get me started on the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque…it’s one of a kind! In Nizwa, I watched craftsmen forge silver jewelry using techniques passed down for generations. Sur still builds dhows by hand, which honestly blew my mind.

But here’s what really hooked me: Omanis are genuinely some of the warmest people I’ve met. No tourist traps, no pushy vendors…just authentic interactions. The whole country feels safe and welcoming, especially for solo travelers.

Plus, Salalah during monsoon season? It’s like discovering a secret tropical paradise in the middle of the desert. Trust me, Oman deserves a spot on every Middle East itinerary.

4. Israel

Israel packs more history, culture, and natural beauty into a space the size of New Jersey than seems physically possible. This is where ancient meets cutting-edge in the most fascinating ways.

Jerusalem alone could occupy weeks…walking the Via Dolorosa, touching the Western Wall, exploring the vibrant Arab Quarter. But venture beyond and you’ll discover Tel Aviv’s incredible food scene (the hummus wars between cities are real), world-class beaches, and nightlife that rivals Berlin.

The diversity is staggering. Float effortlessly in the Dead Sea, hike through the dramatic Negev Desert, or explore the underwater coral gardens of Eilat. The Galilee region offers lush landscapes, ancient synagogues, and some of the country’s best wineries.

What strikes me most is how layers of civilization are literally built on top of each other. You’ll find Roman ruins beneath Byzantine churches beneath Crusader fortresses. The archaeological sites at Caesarea and Masada are absolutely mind-blowing.

The people are incredibly direct and passionate…expect intense political discussions over exceptional coffee. But just be aware – due to all the geopolitical tension happening in the region, it probably isn’t the best time to fly to Israel right now. But definitely add it to your bucket list…as Israel is one of the prettiest countries in the world.

5. Qatar

Qatar completely surprised me. I’ll admit, I initially thought it would be all flashy towers and no substance…but let me tell you: it’s got a lot going on. My wife’s family picked an incredible place to spend her high school years. Fly Qatar Business Class to Doha and you’ll quickly see what makes this country so compelling to visit.

Doha has this fascinating split personality. The Museum of Islamic Art is genuinely world-class, sitting on the Corniche with views that make you forget you’re in the desert. Then there’s Souq Waqif, where the smell of spices and shisha creates this intoxicating atmosphere that feels authentically Middle Eastern, not manufactured for tourists.

The food scene is insane…from street-side shawarma to Michelin-starred restaurants. I discovered some of the best Pakistani and Indian cuisine outside of South Asia. And the coffee culture? Locals take their qahwa seriously.

What really won me over was how walkable and safe everything feels. The metro system is pristine, the public spaces are beautifully designed, and there’s this energy of a country that’s genuinely excited about its future.

The desert safaris and inland sea trips offer incredible escapes from city life. Plus, having the World Cup infrastructure means everything runs smoothly for visitors. It’s definitely not cheap, but Qatar offers this unique blend of traditional Gulf culture with serious international sophistication that’s hard to find elsewhere.

6. Lebanon

Lebanon is absolutely magnetic. It’s the Middle East’s most underrated gem and one of the most resilient places I’ve ever visited. Despite everything this country has endured, the spirit here is infectious.

Beirut feels like nowhere else on earth. You’ll find bullet-scarred buildings next to trendy rooftop bars serving world-class cocktails. The nightlife is legendary, but it’s the food that’ll ruin you for everywhere else. Forget everything you think you know about Middle Eastern cuisine until you’ve had proper Lebanese mezze.

The diversity is stunning. Drive two hours from Beirut and you’re skiing in the Cedars, then head to Baalbek for some of the most impressive Roman ruins outside Italy. The Bekaa Valley produces wines that compete with anything from Europe. And don’t even get me started on Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Phoenician city.

Lebanese hospitality is next level. People invite strangers to family dinners, and every conversation becomes a passionate discussion about life, politics, and food. Yes, there are challenges, but that’s exactly what makes Lebanon so compelling and authentic.

7. Turkey

Turkey is where Europe crashes into Asia in the most spectacular way possible. I’ve traveled extensively, but few places have left me as consistently amazed as this country that refuses to be categorized.

Istanbul alone is worth the trip. Watching the sunrise over the Bosphorus from a rooftop café, getting lost in the Grand Bazaar’s maze, or experiencing the mystical call to prayer echoing across the city. The food scene in Istanbul is insane beyond belief. Turkish breakfast is a religious experience, and don’t get me started on the kebabs (nothing like what you think you know).

But venture beyond Istanbul and you’ll discover Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and hot air balloon rides at dawn, Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces, and the ancient ruins of Ephesus that rival anything in Rome. Don’t miss Kaş, one of the top scuba diving spots in the country! It’s one of my favorite all-time places in the Antalya Province. There are tons of hidden gems in Turkey that most Westerners have never heard of…and that’s just part of the magic!

The coastline is criminally underrated with turquoise waters, hidden coves, and beach towns that feel refreshingly uncommercialized. Turkish people are incredibly warm and proud of their heritage, always eager to share stories over endless glasses of çay.

Turkey delivers this perfect mix of ancient history, stunning landscapes, incredible cuisine, and genuine cultural richness that keeps pulling me back.

8. Kuwait

Kuwait is honestly the most overlooked country in the Gulf, and I think that’s exactly why I found it so refreshing. While everyone obsesses over Dubai and Qatar, Kuwait quietly does its own thing with zero pretense.

Kuwait City surprised me with its understated elegance. The Grand Mosque is stunning without being flashy, and the Kuwait Towers have become iconic for good reason. But it’s the authentic local culture that really won me over. Traditional dhow boats still dot the harbor, and the old souks feel genuinely lived-in rather than tourist attractions.

The food scene is incredible if you know where to look. Kuwaiti cuisine has this unique blend of Persian, Indian, and Bedouin influences. The machboos (spiced rice with meat) is phenomenal, and the seafood is some of the freshest I’ve had in the region.

What struck me most was how normal everything feels. No overwhelming glitz, just a prosperous society going about its daily life. The desert camps outside the city offer amazing stargazing, and the people are genuinely welcoming without the tourist industry polish. Kuwait feels like experiencing the Gulf as locals actually live it…authentic, comfortable, and refreshingly unpretentious.

9. Bahrain

Bahrain is the Gulf’s hidden treasure…tiny but absolutely packed with character. This island kingdom has a laid-back vibe that’s refreshingly different from its flashier neighbors.

Manama punches way above its weight. The old souks still bustle with life, and the Pearl Diving Museum tells fascinating stories of the country’s pre-oil heritage. But it’s the nightlife that really sets Bahrain apart. It’s home to some of the region’s best bars and clubs, plus a surprisingly vibrant arts scene.

The Formula 1 circuit is world-class, but honestly, I was more impressed by the ancient Dilmun burial mounds and Bahrain Fort, which offer glimpses into 4,000 years of history. The Tree of Life standing alone in the desert is genuinely mystical.

What I loved most was how walkable and accessible everything feels. You can island-hop, explore traditional villages, and be back in Manama for dinner. The causeway to Saudi Arabia makes it a natural regional hub.

Bahrainis are incredibly hospitable and proud of their tolerant, cosmopolitan culture. It’s the Gulf destination that doesn’t try too hard…just authentic hospitality, rich history, and that perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

10. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is the Middle East’s most intriguing frontier. I haven’t visited yet, but it’s absolutely at the top of my list. The kingdom has opened up dramatically in recent years, and from everything I’m hearing, it’s become one of the most fascinating destinations in the region.

Riyadh is transforming into a modern metropolis while AlUla promises to be absolutely mind-blowing…ancient Nabatean tombs carved into rose-colored cliffs that rival Petra. The Red Sea coast is apparently pristine, with coral reefs and diving that’s completely untouched by mass tourism.

What excites me most is how authentic the experience must be right now. You’re visiting during this incredible moment of cultural opening…traditional Saudi hospitality meeting ambitious modernization. The food scene is exploding, with everything from street-side kabsa to high-end restaurants showcasing regional cuisines most of the world has never experienced.

The Empty Quarter desert offers some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth, and Jeddah’s historic district tells stories of centuries of pilgrimage and trade. You’re essentially getting to witness a country reinventing itself in real-time. That’s the kind of travel experience that stays with you forever. I’m definitely planning my visit soon!

11. Egypt

Egypt sits at this incredible crossroads…technically North Africa, but so intertwined with Middle Eastern culture that it feels like the bridge between worlds. I visited a couple years back and was struck by how this ancient civilization continues to captivate in ways nowhere else can match.

The Pyramids and Sphinx are obviously mandatory, but what blew me away was how Cairo pulses with life around these monuments. The city is chaotic, overwhelming, and absolutely addictive. Khan el-Khalili bazaar, the call to prayer echoing across Islamic Cairo, felucca rides on the Nile…it’s sensory overload in the best way.

Luxor felt like stepping into a history book. The Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, tomb paintings that still retain their colors after millennia—the scale of ancient Egyptian achievement is humbling.

Egypt occupies this unique space where African, Arab, and Mediterranean influences blend. It’s not quite Middle East, not quite Africa. It’s something entirely its own, and that’s exactly what makes it so compelling. Fly to Egypt and you’ll be amazed by what you find!

12. Iraq

Iraq is probably the most historically significant country I haven’t visited yet…and honestly, it’s complicated. Most of the country remains challenging for tourism, but Iraqi Kurdistan in the north has become surprisingly accessible and safe for travelers.

Erbil, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, sits on a tell that’s been occupied for over 6,000 years. The citadel rising from the city center is mind-blowing—you’re literally walking where Mesopotamian civilizations thrived. Nearby, the ancient city of Babylon and the ruins of Nineveh represent the cradle of human civilization.

Kurdish Iraq offers stunning mountain landscapes, traditional villages, and incredibly welcoming people who are proud to share their culture. The food is phenomenal…a unique blend of Middle Eastern, Persian, and Central Asian influences you won’t find anywhere else.

What makes Iraq so compelling is the sheer weight of history. This is where writing was invented, where the first cities emerged, where Abraham came from. For a history lover like myself, the archaeological significance is truly staggering!

The security situation varies, and Kurdistan remains the most viable entry point. But for history buffs willing to navigate the complexities, Iraq offers experiences that are literally impossible to replicate anywhere else on earth.

13. Syria

Syria breaks my heart because everything I’ve learned from Syrian friends paints a picture of one of the most historically rich and beautiful countries in the Middle East. Yet, currently it remains completely off-limits to travelers.

The U.S. State Department currently maintains a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Syria, citing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Check current travel advisories here.

But through the stories of Syrian friends, I’ve learned about Damascus…one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, where the Umayyad Mosque has stood for over 1,300 years. They describe Aleppo’s ancient souks (tragically damaged but slowly being restored), the mystical beauty of Palmyra’s ruins, and coastal cities like Latakia with Mediterranean beaches that rival anywhere in the region.

Syrian cuisine is legendary. My Syrian friends insist it’s the best in the Middle East, with dishes like kibbeh, fattoush, and sweets that make Lebanese desserts look basic. The hospitality culture is supposedly unmatched.

Syria represents this tragic paradox: a country with incredible historical significance and natural beauty that remains inaccessible due to ongoing conflict. One can only hope that someday, this remarkable destination will welcome visitors again.