If you’re considering a trip to the Middle East, you should consider visiting some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the region. Some of these places include Musandam, Baghdad, and Isfahan.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Saudi Arabia has signed an agreement with France to build the world’s largest open air museum in Al-Ula, which it hopes will attract millions of tourists a year. The archaeological city of Samarra provides a close look at life under the Abbasid caliphate, which ruled vast areas of North Africa, the Middle East and central Asia. Unfortunately, this city was abandoned early on, so visitors are advised to plan accordingly.

UNESCO has recognized the importance of preserving the cultural and natural heritage of Arab countries. The Arab Region’s UNESCO World Heritage Centre, established in the Kingdom of Bahrain in 2012, provides technical assistance and reinforces the implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention in the region.

The Archaeological Site of Al Hijr in Saudi Arabia was the first property in the region to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Formerly known as Hegra, the site is the best preserved Nabataean site south of Petra in Jordan. Its ruins show the existence of a wide range of prehistoric cultures and include grave mounds, circular tombs, and wells. Many of the structures are decorated with human and animal figures, and many date back to around 2700 BC.

Petra in Jordan is the largest archeological site in the Middle East and is one of the most well-known archaeological sites in the world. The ancient Nabataean people lived here in prehistoric times and prospered from the 1st century BC. The city was a hub for trade between China, India, and Arabia. Today, thousands of people come to the city to see the ancient rock-walled structures and marvel at the intricate designs.

Musandam

Accommodation options are limited in the Musandam Peninsula. The best options are in the town of Khasab, located on the northern shore of the Peninsula. Guests can stay in the Six Senses Luxury Resort or the Atana Musandam Resort, which offers cosy rooms with a view of the sea or a pool. Both of these hotels are Sharia compliant and do not serve alcohol.

Musandam is a popular destination for adventure sports enthusiasts. This region is home to the jagged mountains known as the Hajar. Hajar means rock in Arabic and these mountains are filled with desert plants and wildlife. Those who enjoy 4×4 driving will be able to enjoy the scenery and the unpaved roads that lead into the mountains. At the summit, visitors will find a radar station, which keeps an eye on shipping in the Straits of Hormuz.

There are many other things to do in Musandam. Parasailing and paragliding are popular activities in the area. Tourists can take a one-hour speed boat ride to Kumzar, which is the northernmost village on the Peninsula. The region has a number of wadis, mountains, and valleys that make for an excellent vacation spot.

Isfahan

You’ll find the Shah Mosque to be the city’s highlight, and it’s also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built during the reign of Shah Abbas I, replacing the Jameh Mosque as the city’s official Friday Prayer mosque. It features the largest dome in the city and two massive minarets.

Isfahan is located on an Iranian plateau on the path between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf, and it has a mild climate that allows it to host pilgrims and merchants. With its location at the crossroads of ancient Persia, Isfahan evolved over centuries into a bustling town.

Its history stretches back a thousand years. During the reign of Shah Abbas I, the city was transformed by a new dynasty. The Safavids changed the city’s architecture to break with the Seljuq tradition. The dynasty also poured wealth into infrastructure, building roads, caravanserais, and other important buildings. They even transferred the imperial household to Isfahan.

Isfahan is one of the most beautiful cities in Iran. The city’s blue-tiled mosques, historic madrassas, caravanserais, and ancient bazaars are all in the same area. The city’s main square, Naghsh-e Jahan, is one of the world’s most beautiful city squares. In addition to Isfahan, you should also visit Musandam, an oasis that’s reminiscent of Norway. Red-rock Hajar Mountains plunge into the Arabian Gulf, and there are islands that resemble khors.

Siwa Oasis

Siwa Oasis is located in Egypt and is one of the best places to visit in the Arab world. Surrounded by sand and palm trees, this oasis is a unique place to visit. It has a small town where you can visit local shops and enjoy traditional cuisine.

The Oasis was occupied by Allied forces during World War II. Italian bombers bombed the oasis during this time and the locals took shelter in the ancient tombs. Today, you can see the remains of the ancient buildings and enjoy the warm water of the springs. You can also learn more about the ancient culture of the area by visiting the Siwa Museum.

While visiting the Siwa Oasis, be sure to check out the nearby Siwa Sand Dunes. The dunes are a great place for night camping and sand-boarding. It is also home to a historical site that was once a collective shelter for the Siwan people. However, due to heavy rains in 1926, the dunes were destroyed, but luckily for us, it rarely rains in Siwa.

Another must-see attraction in the Oasis is the Temple of the Oracle. It dates back to the sixth century BC and was built by Alexander the Great. At this site, he asked questions about his destiny and his fate. The temple was also visited by Alexander the Great, and it was revered by many rulers from the eastern Mediterranean area. However, some of them feared it and sent armies to destroy it.

Oman’s beaches

If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway with a view of some of the world’s most beautiful coastlines, Oman’s beaches are definitely worth a visit. These beaches are off-the-beaten-track, so you’ll likely find them almost completely free of tourists during off-peak seasons. Oman’s Jebel Shams mountain stands at 3009 meters, making it the highest peak in the country.

The country is home to 3165 kilometers of coastline, and each one of these stunning beaches is unique. Its white sand beaches are dotted with rocky coves and pristine islands. Dolphins, turtles, and other marine life abound here.

The best beaches in Oman are those with pristine waters. The cities’ beaches are often well-developed, with public amenities, but you can also find secluded beaches for an intimate retreat. Duqm Beach is a prime example of this, and is an ideal place for a romantic getaway with your loved one.

While you’re in the city, you can visit nearby beaches as well. Taqah, 33km east of Salalah, has an unspoiled beach that’s picture-perfect at sunset. You can also visit the abandoned ancient city of Fanja, which was once an important site in Omani history. You’ll find an unmarked trail leading to it. Rusting cannons still litter the area, which was once a fortified settlement.

Egypt’s Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is situated on a plateau, a thousand feet below the city of Aswan, and is surrounded by soft layers of marl and limestone. The underlying sedimentary rock dates from 35 to 56 million years ago, when the Mediterranean Sea was sometimes as far south as Aswan. The valley was carved out by constant rains, but it is prone to flash floods. During these floods, tons of debris wash into open tombs.

When visiting the Valley of the Kings, make sure to purchase two tickets. One ticket allows access to the main area, and the other allows you to visit three open tombs. If you want to see more tombs, you can buy extra tickets, but you must buy them in advance at the visitor center.

If you are planning a trip to Egypt, you will not want to miss the Valley of the Kings. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in Egypt, and is highly popular with tourists. It is best to visit during the morning hours or after 2pm to avoid the crowds.