Middle East Tour Packages

1. What Areas Comprise The Middle East?
2. Geographical Facts About The Middle East
3. Cultural Facts About The Middle East
4. Most Visited Countries In The Middle East
5. Most Popular Cities In The Middle East
6. Affordable Destinations On Our Middle East Tour Packages
7. Most Visited Tourist Attractions In The Middle East
8. Most Notable Festivals In The Middle East
9. Common Etiquette To Remember When Visiting Middle Eastern Countries
10. Shopping
11. Food

Technically, the Middle East defines a region at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa. Traditionally, it included lands from the Persian Gulf to Southeast Asia. Over the years, this definition has continually changed to include the states or territories of Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco.

During the first decade of the 21st century, the US government introduced the term Greater Middle East to include Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Another popular term associated with the Middle East is MENA, which stands for Middle East and North Africa and includes Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, and Yemen.

For the purpose of this content, we use the general definition of the Middle East to include 17 countries, viz.,

Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Palestine, Iraq, Iran, and Turkey.

• The Dead Sea, located between Israel and Jordan, is the lowest point on Earth.
• The tallest building in the world is in the Middle East – the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
• The Middle East region is slightly smaller than the United States, covering almost 3,500,000 square miles.
• The Middle East is often called the Crossroads of the World, thanks to its location on three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe.
• While Islam is a major religion across the Middle East, none of the countries in the region have the largest Muslim population.
• Saudi Arabia, a part of the Middle East, is one of the world’s largest countries without a river.
• Only 4.3% of land in the Middle East (and North Africa) region is farmable.
• The Middle East is home to Amman, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
• Jordan, a country in the Middle East, has over 100,000 archaeological sites.
• Saudi Arabia is the second largest producer of oil in the world.
• The Middle East has the second flattest country in the world, Qatar.

• The Middle East is home to some of the oldest civilisations in the world: the Sumerians, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Mesopotamians, the Akkadians, the Hittites, the Phoenicians, the Achaemenids, and the Egyptians.
• Arab is the most commonly spoken language in the Middle East. However, it has several dialects and is entirely different from one region to another.
• The three Abrahamic religions of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism originated in the Middle East.
• Some other religions that originated in the Middle East include Yezidi, Zoroastrianism, Baha’i, and Druze.
• The Middle East has close to 100 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Israel, a country in the Middle East, has more museums per capita than any other country.
• Saint Nicholas, who is known to the world as Santa Claus, was born in the ancient city of Patara in Turkey.
• Göbekli Tepe in Turkey is the world’s oldest temple, believed to have been built between 9,600 and 8,200 BCE.
• The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt is the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World.

While Saudi Arabia is a very safe country, tourists have stayed away thanks to its conservative laws and alleged women’s rights issues. The region is, however, undergoing a steady change, with the Saudi Government’s Saudi Vision 2030 – a plan that aims to reduce the country’s reliance on oil revenue and improve tourism prospects. Women were allowed to drive in 2018 as a part of their broader reforms scheme. The government also approved opening alcohol stores and bars to enable tourists to enjoy their time in the country.

Tourists can immerse themselves in the country’s expansive deserts, modern cities, archaeological beauties, and dramatic landscapes. If you’re travelling from India, for example, you’re used to flavourful food and diverse spices, which you will also find in the cuisine of Saudi Arabia.

But Saudi Arabia has always hosted millions of tourists every year, namely devout Muslims who come here to visit Mecca and Medina. Every devout Muslim must perform the Haj at least once in their lifetime.

Saudi Arabians are some of the kindest, warmest, and most generous people you will ever meet. Numerous off-the-beaten-track destinations in the country, such as Jebel Fihrayn, Al Ula, and Taif, will leave you in awe.

Popularly known as the ‘Pearl of the Gulf,’ the UAE is one of the most popular countries in the Middle East for tourism. And Dubai is the most famous city in the Middle East. It’s a shopping haven, especially the Dubai Shopping Festival, where millions of tourists shop for various products, including electronics, gold, and apparel.

The UAE is home to several modern architectural marvels, including the world’s tallest building, largest frame, fastest roller coaster, and more.

It’s also a cultural hub where tourists can learn how the local Bedouins and other Arabs have survived the desert for centuries. You can go on a desert safari, join a dhow cruise, or shop at the many souks or traditional bazaars.

Visit the mosques and museums of the UAE with GT Holidays’ UAE tour packages for a deeper insight into the country’s culture.

Qatar is known for its safety and hospitality, making it ideal for solo travellers and families. The country is a culinary haven, deriving influences from the cuisines of India, North Africa, Iran, and more. Qatar’s architecture is truly something to marvel at, as is evident from the Arab Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Qatar, and the Doha Tower.

Make sure to visit Al Zubarah Archaeological Site, Qatar’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get on the Dhow Cruise at Doha Corniche with your family to enjoy some peaceful sights. From paragliding and kitesurfing to dune bashing and camel rides, our Qatar tour packages allow you to experience it all.

Not many destinations can top Egypt as far as exploring history is concerned. Ancient Egypt is one of the world’s oldest ancient civilisations. In addition to archaeologists, travellers from around the globe visit the country to explore the Great Pyramids of Giza and the tombs and statues.

When you look at Egypt’s Western Desert, you will come across oases, date palms, olive groves, and waterfalls. These eclectic landscapes are what you can witness with our Egypt tour packages. With warm temperatures and sunny skies almost every day of the year, you can sail down the Nile River to create the most unforgettable memories.

Did you know that Istanbul, a city in Turkey, has the largest covered market in the world? Known as the Grand Bazaar, it has more than 4,000 shops, which you can explore with GT Holidays’ Turkey tour packages.

Turkey was at the heart of the Ottoman Empire, one of the largest empires in history, which at its peak covered 7.6 million square miles and stretched from Macedonia and Romania to North Africa. Tourists visit the country to soak in the architectural marvels left by its erstwhile rulers and also enjoy its natural wonders. You can take a hot-air balloon ride in Cappadocia to admire the fairy chimneys, witness the magical thermal pools in Pamukkale, enjoy watersports in Antalya, visit the Sophia Hagia Mosque, or marvel at the Topkapi Palace.

From its skyscrapers and world-class shopping scenes to its luxurious ambience and captivating activities, Dubai offers splendid reasons for tourists to flock to its lands. There are numerous attractions in Dubai that you can visit with GT Holidays’ Middle East tour packages. Shop your heart out at Dubai Mall, the second-largest mall in the world by total land area, which features all sorts of luxury brands. Catch an exciting water, light, and music show at the Dubai Fountain, renowned for being the tallest performing fountain in the world. Take your kids to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, one of the world’s largest suspended aquariums, home to many aquatic animals.

History buffs, in particular, will thoroughly enjoy exploring Istanbul. The remnants of all the previous empires that once called the city home are evident through structures such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Dolmabahce Palace. Shop for spices, dried nuts, and Turkish delights at the Spice Bazaar. Get your hands on traditional Turkish souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar, including lanterns, Turkish tea, ceramics, rugs, scarves, and jewellery. Let your tastebuds delight in the glory of delicious Turkish foods, such as baklava, kebabs, and mezze platters. Make sure to visit the several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Istanbul, including the Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and the ancient city of Ephesus.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. This is probably one of the reasons why Emirati hospitality shines bright in every aspect of the city’s culture. Uncover the history and rich heritage of Abu Dhabi through places such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Al Jahili Fort, Heritage Village, and Qasr Al Watan. Since the city receives bright sunshine all year round, it’s the ideal destination for outdoor adventures such as camel riding, dune bashing, desert safaris, and sandboarding. Are you a thrill-seeker? If so, the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is where you should head for the most adventurous rides and rollercoasters.

Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, is divided into three parts for tourists to explore. Downtown Cairo is the urban and commercial centre of the city, which has squares, cafes, and museums. In Islamic Cairo, you will find mosques, bazaars, tombs, and impressive Islamic monuments. Lastly, there is Coptic Cairo, the oldest section of Cairo known for its churches and monasteries. Cairo is also called the city of a thousand minarets due to its abundance of mosques and Islamic architecture. Don’t forget to visit the iconic market of Khan el-Khalili, where you can buy lamps, lanterns, jewellery, spices, ceramic items, and carpets.

Tel Aviv is the second-largest city in Israel. The city is known to have some of the most stunning beaches in the world, such as Frishman Beach, Banana Beach, Gordon Beach, Hilton Beach, and Bograshov Beach. Having a meal in Tel Aviv is a memorable culinary experience. Remember to try iconic dishes like falafel, hummus, shakshuka, and schnitzel. At Jaffa, an ancient port city in Tel Aviv, you can visit spots such as Jaffa Port, Ilana Goor Museum, St. Peter’s Church, and the Jaffa Flea Market.

Doha is the financial centre of Qatar and also its capital city. Walking around Doha, you will see its famous sculptures, such as Gandhi’s Three Monkeys by Subodh Gupta, East-West/West-East by Richard Serra, Lamp Bear, and Pearl Island. We can arrange dune bashing tours for you in Doha using our Middle East tour packages. Art lovers can visit the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, which has Islamic art dating back to 1,400 years, including textiles, jewellery, ceramics, and coins.

Riyadh is the capital and largest city in Saudi Arabia. The city is home to museums, ancient architecture, and souks of Riyadh that add a traditional touch. It also has modern elements such as malls, high-rise buildings, and museums. While Riyadh was once a walled city, it is now one of the world’s wealthiest cities. When travelling to Riyadh, you can also visit the Edge of the World, which is about 100 km from the city.

The culinary experience in Riyadh is one you will never forget, right from its traditional Arab dishes to the fine-dining restaurants the city is home to.

Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon. After surviving numerous conflicts and natural disasters, Beirut has been named ‘the city that never dies’. The mix of the old and the new in Beirut almost imparts a picture of organised chaos, owing to the mosques and vibrant nightlife that exist alongside the buildings scarred by bullets. Despite the chaotic past of Lebanon, the people of Beirut remain cheerful, and their hospitality will surely win your hearts. In Beirut, you must try regional delicacies such as fattoush, tabbouleh, hummus, kibbeh, shawarma, and manakeesh.

Muscat is the capital of Oman and its largest city. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Oman, can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers. Walk around Mutrah Souq, which is popular for being one of the oldest markets in the Arab world. You can buy fragrances, spices, clothing, jewellery, and souvenirs here. Unearth the culture and history of Oman through museums such as Bait Al Zubair, the Natural History Museum of Oman, and the Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum. Witnessing historical places like the Al Jalali Fort and the Al Mirani Fort is like travelling back in time and being privy to the city’s past.

Amman is the capital of Jordan and the country’s cultural, political, and economic hub. Although it is now spread over 19 hills, the city was built on seven hills. Amman is divided into Downtown Amman and Greater Amman. The popular tourist attractions in Downtown Amman are the Roman Theatre, Amman Citadel, Souk Jara, Temple of Hercules, King Hussein Mosque, and Jordan Archaeological Museum. The commercial heart of Amman welcomes tourists with cafes, museums, art galleries, restaurants, and more. The city has diverse cultures, so you will also find Syrians, Armenians, Palestinians, Iraqis, and Jordanians in Amman.

Baku is a hidden gem in the Middle East but is slowly receiving the recognition it deserves. The cultural richness of Baku particularly shines through its architecture. This is evident through structures such as the Maiden Tower, Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Flame Towers, Heydar Aliyev Centre, and Azerbaijan Carpet Museum. Make sure to visit the Old City of Baku, also known as Icherisheher. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers insight into the lives of people in Baku from ancient times. Lastly, try out Azerbaijan cuisine, a delightful mix of Iranian, Turkish, and Russian cuisines.

Azerbaijan is a beautiful country with a variety of natural landscapes that could give touristy Switzerland a run for its money. No wonder, Indian producers are flocking to Azerbaijan to shoot song sequences amidst its scenic locations.

AlUla is home to the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia, the Hegra Archaeological Site. The ancient Arabian oasis offers various activities for adventure seekers, including horseback riding and treks. You can enjoy drone shows, symphonies, and stargazing at night with your loved ones. Enjoy the thrill of the AlUla Zipline, the longest and fastest zipline in Saudi Arabia. To add to your itinerary of adventurous activities, experience the Giant Swing, located 85 metres above the ground and takes riders on a 70-metre arc.

Situated in the northernmost part of the United Arab Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah is a cornucopia of dunes, mountains, and various natural attractions. Visit the Suwaidi Pearls Farm in the fishing village of Al Rams and learn about the unique experience of pearl fishing. There is a mountain peak in Ras Al Khaimah known as Jebel Jais, where tourists can partake in the world’s longest zipline adventure. Our Middle East tour packages can make all of these thrilling experiences possible. Try to visit Al Marjan Island, famous for being the first man-made island in Ras Al Khaimah.

Dahab is a quaint Egyptian town on the Sinai Peninsula’s eastern shore. Known to have 365 days of sunshine, you can enjoy many adventurous activities in Dahab, such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, hiking, and snorkelling. If you have always wanted to go diving, Blue Hole is where you should head. This gaping sinkhole has a maximum depth of 328 feet and can be easily accessed from the shore. Dahab is home to a shallow saltwater lagoon called Blue Lagoon, which blesses your vision with serene, crystal-clear blue waters and is an ideal place for divers and kite surfers.

Musandam Peninsula is situated in the northeastern point of the Arabian Peninsula. You can get aboard a dhow cruise that will take you around the region to enjoy various watersport activities, including snorkelling and dolphin watching. The primary inhabitants of the Musandam Peninsula are the Shiḥuḥ people. They are herdsmen and fishermen who are said to be the descendants of the original inhabitants of northern Oman. Dibba, which is a coastal area spanning both the UAE and Oman, is the central population centre of the Musandam Peninsula.

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. Standing at 828 metres, the structure was opened to the public in 2010. There are two observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors and one on the 148th floor, making it the highest observation deck in the world. Other tourist attractions close to Burj Khalifa include the Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, the Dubai Aquarium, and the Underwater Zoo. The structure’s construction started in 2004 and was named after Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the former president of the United Arab Emirates. It’s one of the many attractions you can visit with GT Holidays’ Middle East tour packages.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is the largest in the UAE and one of the largest in the world. It was named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late founder of the United Arab Emirates, who was also revered as Father of the Nation. Made of pure white marble, the mosque has onion-shaped crowns. The finials featured on the domes are crescent-shaped and are adorned with gold-glass mosaic. Skilled artisans from around the world were responsible for building this structure, which included 1,300 Iranian artisans. The hand-knotted prayer carpet in the main prayer hall is the largest in the world. Ali Khaliqi, an Iranian artist, designed it.

Hagia Sophia, officially known as the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, is a crucial Byzantine structure in Turkey. It was built in the 6th century CE as a Christian church under the orders of Justinian I, the former emperor of the Byzantine Empire. In the centuries that followed, the structure was transformed into a mosque, then a museum and finally back to a mosque. When it was initially built, the structure was called Megale Ekklesia or ‘Big Church’. After the 5th century, it was renamed to Hagia Sophia, meaning ‘Holy Wisdom’. In 1985, the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a part of the Historic Areas of Istanbul.

Petra is an ancient city located in Jordan, perched between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea. The city is surrounded by mountains and carved into sandstone cliffs. The colours seen on these cliffs range from purple and red to pale yellow. This is why it was referred to as a “rose-red city half as old as time” by John William Burgon, an English Anglican divine and biblical scholar. In December 1985, Petra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Petra was at the centre of the spice trade during the Nabataean rule. It became the capital of the Roman province of Arabia, Petraea, in 106 CE when the Romans defeated the Nabataeans. However, the city eventually faced a commercial decline due to changing trade routes.

Situated in southern Jordan, Wadi Rum is a protected wilderness region. It can be found on a high plateau at the western edge of the Arabian desert. The Wadi Rum Protected Area became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. Tourists can notice that this desert valley is cut into sandstone and granite mountains. The region consists of tall cliffs, natural arches, rock carvings, arches, inscriptions, and canyons. Proper efforts of conversation and special restrictions are put into place to protect the region from negative environmental impact. The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) established the Wadi Rum Protected Area (WRPA) in 1997.

The Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s most extensive natural flower garden. Sprawled over 72,000 square metres, the garden has over 150 million flowers. The pathways lined with heart-shaped arches decorated with flowers of various hues are indeed a sight to behold. The structure also houses a Butterfly Garden containing ten custom-built domes that shelter 15,000 butterflies. The garden is open from 9 am to 9 pm, Monday to Friday, and from 9 am to 11 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The place has several amenities, including dining options, from a souvenir shop and kiosk to a photo booth and bazaar.

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest among the three Pyramids of Giza. It was built by Khufu (Cheops), the second pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt. The structure’s construction was completed in the early 25th century BCE, and it’s known to be one of the largest buildings ever. The original height of the ancient Egyptian pyramid was close to 147 metres. However, the pyramid’s height eventually lowered to 137 metres due to factors such as vandalism, erosion, and the removal of the smooth white limestone casing. Yellowish limestone blocks comprise the core of the Great Pyramid of Giza, while the inner passages feature light-coloured limestone.

Souq Waqif is a popular market situated in the centre of Doha. The original structure was constructed in a traditional Qatari architectural style and can be traced back to the late 19th to early 20th centuries. A major part of the market was destroyed in 2003 due to a fire and restored in 2006. A spring festival takes place at the location every April, which includes musical performances, acrobatics, and theatricals. You will also come across pet stalls selling dogs, birds, turtles, rabbits, cats and other pets. Travellers can find various items at Souq Waqif, such as traditional clothes, souvenirs, spices, rugs, textiles, lamps, watches, and jewellery.

The Kuwait Towers are a group of towers opened to the public in March 1979. The towers were closed from March 2012 to March 2016, and the reopening was commemorated with a massive fireworks festival. The largest of the three towers stands at a height of 187 metres. The height of the second tower is 140 metres, and it is utilised as a water reservoir. The Touristic Enterprises Company (TEC) operates and manages the towers. Malene Bjorn, a Danish architect, designed them. The Viewing Sphere, located in the topmost area of the structure, is open from 8 am to 11 pm every day.

The Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a theme park on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. It is renowned for being the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park. The park is home to the Formula Rossa, which has held the Guinness World Record for being the world’s fastest roller coaster since 2010. The Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has over 40 attractions, which include going around Yas Island in a Ferrari. The Flying Aces ride is known to have the world’s highest roller coaster loop. Yet another unique ride at this location is the Bell’Italia, which takes you around a miniature Italy in a classic Ferrari 250 California from around 1958. Plan a day at the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi with our Middle East tour packages.

Ramadan is celebrated with pomp and splendour throughout the Middle East. It falls on the 9th month of the Muslim calendar. This is when all adult Muslims fast from sunset to dawn. The exceptions include pregnant women and anyone who is breastfeeding, travelling, menstruating, or chronically ill. Since the Islamic calendar year is shorter than the Gregorian calendar year, Ramadan starts about 10–12 days earlier every year. This way, Ramadan is observed every season for 33 years. Ramadan is thought of as a period to partake in self-restraint when Muslims stay away from not only food and drink but also sexual activities, tobacco, sinful or immoral behaviour, and impure thoughts.

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated to indicate the end of Ramadan. It begins with a large-scale prayer service in the morning wherein community members come together. Friends and families celebrate by hosting meals and gatherings and having conversations. Depending on the country where the festival is being celebrated, the duration of Eid al-Fitr can be anywhere from one to three days. Loved ones visit one another during this occasion, exchanging presents and wearing new clothes. Some also visit the graves of their relatives on this day. Before the Eid al-Fitr prayer, people collect Zakat al-Fitr, or charity, to be distributed among the poor and needy.

Eid al-Adha is also known as the Feast of Sacrifice. It falls on the 10th day of the final month of the Islamic calendar. Eid al-Adha can last for two to four days, depending on the country in which it is being celebrated. After the Eid prayer, the act of sacrifice or ‘Qurbani’ takes place at the nearest mosque on the morning of the festival. The animal sacrificed on Eid al-Adha can be a camel, bull, cow, goat, lamb, or sheep. There are also some specific health and age requirements for this animal sacrifice, including the animal being free of illnesses and diseases.

• Islamic New Year
• Mawlid al-Nabi
• Dubai International Film Festival
• Dubai Shopping Festival
• Historic Jeddah Festival
• Janadriyah National Festival
• Akbank Jazz Festival
• Red Sea International Film Festival

• Don’t use your left hand to offer, accept, or eat anything. In the Middle East, it is thought that the right hand is meant for ‘clean’ activities, and the left is reserved for ‘unclean’ activities.
• In the Middle East, women usually avoid prolonged eye contact with men. Also, stay away from public displays of affection with someone from the opposite sex.
• Touching someone with your shoe or displaying the sole of your foot is considered rude in the Middle East.
• Take off your shoes before entering someone’s home.
• Make sure to greet everyone individually with a warm and pleasant smile.
• If someone offers you tea or coffee, it is considered impolite to decline the offer.
• When complimenting someone’s home, use the Arabic phrase “Mashallah”, which means “God has willed it”.
• Dress modestly, especially if visiting a religious place in the Middle East.
• When someone invites you over, don’t take a seat till the host offers you a seat.
• If you praise a particular object present in the home of someone from the Middle East, they could feel compelled to give it to you. Therefore, offer your compliments carefully.
• While men shake each other’s hands upon meeting one another, women don’t usually shake a man’s hand in the Middle East unless a man initiates a handshake himself.
• If you are offered a beverage such as coffee or tea, don’t finish it in a single gulp. Instead, take your time to show that you’re enjoying the company and hospitality.
• Don’t crack jokes or make fun of the religious beliefs and practices of the people in the Middle East.
• Stay away from discussing politics in the Middle East. The people here are very emotional about certain topics, and you can never agree with any one group without offending the other.

The Middle East is the best place for shopping enthusiasts, thanks to its eclectic range of avenues, from world-class malls to traditional souks and everything in between. Countries like the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar are famous for their modern and international malls, which feature some of the best brands in the world.

Some mega malls in the Middle East include The Dubai Mall, the Mall of Arabia, the Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, the Iran Mall, and the Mall of Qatar.

The Middle East is home to some of the oldest bazaars or souks, which sell various products, including ceramics, spices, carpets, precious metals, leather goods, rugs, and herbal medicines. These souks/bazaars were the cultural hub of a region, reflecting its rich history and traditions. Some of these souks were a key trading centre along the ancient Silk Route. For instance, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is the oldest covered market in the world and was an important trading point of the Silk Road trade.

Some famous souks in the Middle East include the Dubai Gold Souk, the Meena Bazaar, the Istanbul Grand Bazaar, the Naif Souk, the Tehran Grand Bazaar, and the Tabriz Bazaar.

Souks and bazaars mean the same. While Souk is an Arabic word for market, bazaar is a Persian term for market. The only difference is that souks are usually a street market, while bazaars can sometimes be covered.

In the Middle East, you can buy dates, spices, coffee, perfume, rugs, scarves, leather products, ceramics, dry fruits, and tagines. The best thing about these souks is that an entire market could be dedicated to a single product. For instance, if you visit the Gold Souk in Dubai, you’ll find entire rows of shops selling gold and other precious metals.

If you are looking for Berber rugs, check Marrakech’s Jemaa -el-fna market. It’s also a great place to buy spices, trinkets, tagines, and simple souvenirs like lanterns, leather, tea, and ceramics.

These souks also sell abayas, thwabs, turbans, kummas, and other traditional Middle Eastern attire.

If you’re visiting Egypt, visit the Khan El Khalili bazaar in Cairo to buy traditional handicrafts, such as lamps, wooden jewellery boxes, silver jewellery, glassware, and spices and perfumes.

Souk Madinat in Dubai offers the best of both traditional and modern worlds. You can buy authentic Bedouin beaded jewellery, spices, abayas, and other traditional items while enjoying a fine dining experience and sampling international cuisine.

There’s no single definition of Middle Eastern cuisine; the region incorporates various regional, ethnic, cultural, and religious influences. Some popular cuisines within the region include Jewish cuisine, Arab cuisine, Lebanese cuisine, Turkish cuisine, and Persian cuisine.

Despite their differences, the food has some common elements. For instance, the Middle East, sitting between the Silk Route, has traditionally been flavoured with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cassia, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. While many of these spices were introduced from the East, some, like zaatar, Baharat, sumac, Aleppo pepper, etc., were Indigenous.

Fruits and vegetables such as oranges, pomegranates, pistachios, olives, spinach, saffron, figs, cabbages, garlic, onion, dates, almonds, grapes, and walnuts originated in the Middle East.

The food includes a rich tapestry of fresh ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and aromatic spices. The Persians introduced the method of cooking food in clay ovens, called tandoor, to the world. They also introduced dum cooking, or the technique of cooking in low heat for a long time. Middle Eastern food is also healthier than other regions, as food is grilled and baked rather than deep fried to help retain its natural flavours and reduce oil consumption.

Some of the staple ingredients used across the region include olive oil, eggplants, tomatoes, dried lime, dried fruits, bulgur, dates, honey, sesame seeds, and spices like Baharat, zaatar, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, sumac, and caraway seeds.