Historic heritage
Petra, the Mesopotamian sites and many ancient places reflect a thousand-year history, among the richest in the world, listed by UNESCO.
The Middle East, history and deserts
Cradle of great civilizations, the Middle East blends thousand-year-old history, immense deserts and ultramodern cities. Between ancient sites, lively souks, spiritual heritage and spectacular architecture, it offers journeys rich in contrast and discovery.
- 3 countries
Why travel to the Middle East?
The Middle East attracts visitors with its thousand-year-old history, ancient sites and spectacular deserts. Modern cities, spiritual heritage, lively souks and renowned hospitality make it a fascinating destination, blending ancestral traditions and contemporary architecture.
What to discover in the Middle East?
The Middle East is one of the most history-rich regions in the world, cradle of ancient civilizations and several great religions. You can explore exceptional ancient sites, such as Petra in Jordan, the nearby pyramids, or the remains of Mesopotamia, witnesses to thousands of years of history.
The region offers a striking contrast between tradition and modernity. Cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi compete in architectural boldness, with their skyscrapers and futuristic projects, while souks, mosques and medinas keep an ancestral way of life alive. The desert landscapes, from the yellow Wadi Rum to endless dunes, invite adventure: camping under the stars, camel rides or diving in the Red Sea. The generous, fragrant cuisine and renowned hospitality add to the experience. Between spiritual heritage, magnificent deserts, cosmopolitan cities and coastlines ideal for relaxation, the Middle East offers varied itineraries, at the crossroads of continents and cultures.
Countries of the Middle East
Discover the countries that make up the Middle East region and easily plan your next travel stages.
Cities to visit in Middle East
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The Middle East in pictures
Ancient sites, deserts and modern cities: explore the Middle East in pictures before planning your trip.
The Middle East's highlights
The Middle East combines ancient heritage, magnificent deserts and modern cities.
Deserts and adventure
From Wadi Rum to endless dunes, the desert landscapes invite camping, camel rides and nights under the stars.
Modern cities
Dubai and Abu Dhabi impress with their futuristic architecture, skyscrapers and major projects, contrasting with the traditional medinas.
Spiritual heritage
Cradle of great religions, the region is home to major sacred sites and a rich cultural heritage, marked by renowned hospitality.
Oriental cuisine
Mezze, grills, spices and honey pastries form a generous, fragrant cuisine, to savour in restaurants and at traditional markets.
Red Sea diving
The Red Sea coasts, in Egypt and Jordan, offer exceptional seabeds, among the most renowned in the world for diving and snorkeling.
Practical information about the Middle East
- Number of countries
- About 17 countries depending on the definition
- Approximate area
- About 7.2 million km²
- Approximate population
- About 400 million inhabitants
- Main languages
- Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Hebrew and Kurdish
- Time zones
- Several, roughly UTC+2 to UTC+4
- Dominant climate
- Arid and desert, Mediterranean along the coasts
- Best season
- November to March, outside the intense summer heat
- Travel formalities
- Visa often required; conditions vary greatly by country
Frequently asked questions about the Middle East
Which countries make up the Middle East?
The Middle East comprises fifteen to twenty countries depending on the definition, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Turkey, Iran and Egypt.
When is the best time to travel to the Middle East?
November to March offers pleasant temperatures, as summer can be extremely hot in the region. Spring and autumn are particularly suited to visiting historic sites and deserts.
Do I need a visa to travel to the Middle East?
Formalities vary greatly from one country to another. Some issue a visa on arrival or online, others require a prior application. It is essential to check the entry conditions of the country concerned before departure.
What are the must-sees of the Middle East?
Petra in Jordan, the Wadi Rum desert, the skyscrapers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the traditional souks and the region's ancient sites are among the most iconic and popular visits.
Is the Middle East a safe destination?
The situation varies by country. Several destinations such as the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan and Qatar are established, welcoming tourist hubs. It is advisable to consult travel advice before leaving.
What budget should I plan for a trip to the Middle East?
The budget depends on the destinations. The United Arab Emirates and Qatar are expensive, especially for accommodation, while Jordan, Egypt and Iran remain more affordable for lodging and dining.
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