Think you know the Middle East? Think again. Many of us carry misconceptions that skew our view of this diverse and historically rich region, often leading to hesitations about travel there. But what if what you’ve heard was only part of the story? Ready to challenge what you think you know and discover the true colours of the Middle East?
1. It’s Largely Unsafe
While certain areas in the Middle East have experienced conflict, many countries like the UAE, Jordan, and Oman are very safe for tourists.
2. Everyone Speaks Arabic
Arabic is predominant, but languages like Farsi in Iran, Turkish in Turkey, Hebrew in Israel, and Kurdish in parts of Iraq and Syria are also primary. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
3. It’s Always Scorchingly Hot
Yes, summers can be extremely hot, but many Middle Eastern regions have cold winters, especially in mountainous areas where snow is common.
4. Women Must Always Wear Burqas
Dress codes vary significantly by country. In places like Lebanon and Jordan, dress is quite liberal, while more conservative attire is expected in Saudi Arabia and Iran.
5. It’s All Desert
While the Middle East does have vast desert areas, it also boasts mountains, fertile valleys, and even lush areas like the oases in Oman and the Mediterranean coastlines.
6. The Food Is All the Same
Middle Eastern cuisine is incredibly diverse. Turkish, Lebanese, Iranian, and Moroccan cuisines, for example, all offer unique flavours and dishes.
7. Alcohol Is Completely Banned
While predominantly Muslim countries limit alcohol consumption to varying degrees, countries like Lebanon, Jordan, and the UAE have thriving nightlife and serve alcohol in many restaurants and bars.
8. The Cities Are Underdeveloped
Cities like Dubai, Doha, and Tel Aviv boast world-class infrastructure, technology, and architecture, rivalling and often surpassing other foreign cities.
9. It’s Not Family-Friendly
Many Middle Eastern cultures cherish family values highly, and countries like Egypt, Oman, and Qatar offer numerous family-oriented activities and attractions.
10. Anti-Tourist Sentiment Is Widespread
While geopolitical opinions vary, tourists are warmly welcomed, with local people keen to share their culture and hospitality.
11. It Lacks Cultural Attractions
The region is home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations and offers cultural attractions, from Egypt’s pyramids to Jordan’s Petra and Iran’s Persepolis.
12. It’s Expensive to Travel There
Travel costs can vary greatly. While some areas like the UAE can be expensive, other places like Egypt and Turkey offer very affordable travel experiences.
13. Everyone Is Religiously Conservative
The Middle East is religiously diverse, including significant Christian, Jewish, and other communities and varying degrees of religious observance.
14. It’s Not Modern
Many Middle Eastern countries are on the cutting edge of technology and modern living standards, especially in sectors like renewable energy and digital technologies.
15. Only Historical Tourism Is Worthwhile
Beyond historical sites, the Middle East offers vibrant arts scenes, fashion, music festivals, and modern culinary experiences.
16. Public Transport Is Non-Existent
Cities like Dubai and Doha have modern public transport systems, including metros and buses, that are safe and efficient.
17. It’s Inaccessible for Disabled Travelers
While accessibility varies, many newer developments and tourist attractions are designed with accessibility in mind.
18. It’s Homogenous
The Middle East is incredibly diverse, with significant variations in ethnicity, culture, religion, and traditions across regions and even within countries.
19. Conflict Is Everywhere
Many areas are peaceful and have not experienced conflict directly for decades, offering safe and welcoming travel experiences.
Transform Your Opinion
Understanding these misconceptions can transform your perception of the Middle East and enrich your travel experience, revealing a region of incredible diversity, warmth, and history waiting to be explored.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Zaruba Ondrej
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.