The cradle of civilisation, an economic centre, a connector of continents and the home of hospitality… no superlative can emphasise just how important the Middle East is. Yet as a travel destination for some Brits, it’s often overlooked.
This looks set to change as the decade progresses, with Al Jazeera reporting this month that travel to the Middle East in 2022 is set to be the easiest it’s ever been. This is down to a variety of reasons; Saudi Arabia has launched tourist visas for the first time, relations are increasingly being normalised between nations, Oman has loosened visa restrictions for over 100 countries, and the region has endured the global pandemic as capably as anywhere.
Next year, Qatar will come under the global spotlight as it hosts the World Cup, with some optimists hoping its legacy, against a backdrop of deserved criticism, will be the opportunity to present the Arab world as a welcoming, hospitable region.
Whilst that remains to be seen, there are certainly some incredible experiences to find in the region. With that in mind, here are 5 reasons to choose the Middle East as a holiday destination in 2022.
TO TRAVERSE THE JORDAN TRAIL
675 kilometres separated into 8 different stages, and a combination of hiking and history like no other on the planet, the opening of the Jordan Trail in 2016 was a huge moment for the country and the whole of the Middle East.
The hiking path traverses the entire length of the country, taking in ancient villages, the famous Dead Sea wadis (canyons), the crusader castle at Kerak, Roman and Byzantine ruins, and the archaeological sites at Petra, which is considered one of the world’s great wonders, before finishing up at the Red Sea.
This has led to the National Geographic declaring the Middle East to be the world’s next great hiking destination, with several other fantastic walking trails opening in recent years. Some of the best in the region include Egypt’s Sinai Trail, the Lebanon Mountain Trail, and the Palestine Heritage Trail.
To walk these newly established ancient routes is to experience the rich culture and warm hospitality of the region firsthand, gaining a very different perspective on the Middle East. For those seeking a spiritual journey, the region also offers unique opportunities for Catholic tours to the Holy Land, providing a profound connection to the biblical landscapes and historical sites that have shaped religious history.
DIG DEEP INTO ISTANBUL’S HISTORY
Turkey is due a bumper year in 2022, too, with the country’s fastest ever metro line set to open in Istanbul, connecting the international airport with the downtown neighbourhood of Gayrettepe.
With Turkey’s Ministry of Tourism and Culture and Go Turkey’s new campaign touting that ‘’Istanbul is the new cool’’ earlier this year, it looks likely that the country’s biggest city is set for an influx of tourism.
The true appeal of the city, however, is the blending of that ‘new cool’ with the most incredible heritage and history. Here, you’ll find one of the biggest religious structures in the world, the Hagia Sophia, which the flight and holiday experts describe as ‘’a museum that has had several identities since its construction in 537, once a church and then a mosque, the extraordinarily beautiful monument is now must-see attraction in Istanbul’’.
The list goes on; other must-sees include the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Süleymaniye Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and so much more besides. For a rundown of some of the best places to explore the culture and heritage of Istanbul, click here.
THE NEW FASHION CAPITAL OF THE WORLD, DUBAI
From paths trodden since the dawn of time to newly built routes that stretch skywards; as Dubai’s megamalls and world record holding towers have been raised in recent years, so the City of Gold’s fashion scene has taken off in tandem.
And sure, whilst you’ll find all the biggest fashion houses here (as well as the world’s biggest shopping mall), Dubai is so much more than opulence and ostentation; there are unique boutiques, bespoke and exclusive tailors, and an ancient appreciation for the art of textile. What’s more, there are plenty of outlet villages in Dubai, where remarkably for a place of such luxury, you can even snag yourself a bargain.
The City of Gold also hosts the Dubai Shopping Festival, between late December and early January, where fashion takes over its entire 35 km². This year and the next, after 2020’s was cancelled, it’s set to be bigger and better than ever.
Read: Things to do in Dubai for fashionistas
SAMPLE BEIRUT’S BURGEONING WINE SCENE
Lebanon is one of the world’s oldest wine producing countries, with historic texts from as long ago as 725 BC referencing the gorgeous fragrance of its wine. Nowadays, the country produces nearly 9 million bottles of wine annually, with reds made from the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Rhone varietals particularly revered.
In hip, cosmopolitan Beirut, you’ll find modern wine bars and craft beer joints housed downtown, with some of the best located in the Bab Idriss and Basta neighbourhoods. We love the Vin Sur 20 (Beirut’s oldest wine bar), the Vertical 33 Wine Tasting Room and HOOCH Boutique and Drinkery, in particular.
We also can’t wait for the funky, hip as anything Electric Bing Sutt to reopen, whenever and wherever that may be. This amazing all day bar was grabbing international acclaim before it was destroyed in Beirut’s port blast last year; we’ll be keeping a keen eye on what owners Jad Ballout and Issey Lin do next.
You can also use Beirut as a base for exploring its surrounding valleys and vineyards. The Bekaa Valley, home to the country’s modern wine producing industry and to the world renowned Châteaux Musar, is just a two hour’s drive from the city. It boasts several wineries well worth a visit.
Read:7 things you should know before your trip to Dubai
ENJOY THE BEST VEG & VEGAN FOOD IN THE WORLD IN TEL AVIV
Israel has the most plant based eaters per capita in the world, with an estimated 13% and 5% of the world’s population identifying as vegetarian and vegan respectively; that’s 400’000 people in total, roughly.
The culinary capital Tel Aviv is one of the best places in the world for lovers of vegetables, with over 400 dedicated vegetarian and vegan friendly restaurants in Tel Aviv.
As a country, Israel has a reputation of being highly accommodating to vegan travellers, with Middle Eastern cuisine, and Israeli in particular, celebratory of freshness, vegetables and pulses. Hummus, falafel and lentils all find a home here, and some of the world’s best versions are found in Tel Aviv. And then there’s the bread… Oh, the bread, the best of which might be found at Abouelafia Bakery near the Carmel market area. While you’re here, a trip to Carmel market itself is a must.
Tel Aviv’s vegan offerings aren’t restricted to highly nutritious plant based diets though, as Israel is one of the first countries in the world to host vegan versions of many well known and loved brands. Pizza company Dominoes, for instance, chose Israel as the first country to try out the vegan versions of their well loved pizza classics. Well, you’ve twisted our arm!