Did you know that Riffa Fort's 19th-century walls conceal secret escape tunnels once used by Bahraini royalty during times of danger? As the former capital of Bahrain until 1869, Riffa blends rich historical legacy with modern luxury in a way few Middle Eastern...
Did you know that Ahaz, Iran is home to the majestic Karun River, the only navigable waterway in the entire country? This ancient city in southwestern Iran offers a unique blend of Persian and Arabic cultures, with a history dating back to the Elamite civilization....
Did you know that Qazvin (often misspelled as Qazin) was once the capital of the Persian Empire for over 40 years during the Safavid dynasty? This historic city, located just 150 km (93 mi) northwest of Tehran, is home to one of Iran's most impressive caravanserais...
Did you know that Nineveh, the ancient Assyrian capital, was once the largest city in the world with walls so vast they stretched over 12 kilometers and were wide enough for three chariots to ride side-by-side? This remarkable archaeological treasure in modern-day...
Did you know that Tiberias sits 200 meters (656 feet) below sea level, making it the second-lowest city in the world after Jericho? This ancient city on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee blends rich history with modern attractions, offering visitors a unique...
Rising dramatically 588 m (1,929 ft) from the flat Jezreel Valley floor like a perfectly rounded dome, Mount Tabor is one of Israel's most distinctive natural landmarks. What many visitors don't realize is that despite its isolated appearance, this mountain isn't...
Perched at an elevation of 800 meters (2,625 feet) above sea level, Safed is one of Judaism's four holy cities and the highest city in Israel. What many travelers don't realize is that this mystical mountain town has been a center of Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism) since...
Did you know that Jerusalem has been destroyed and rebuilt at least 16 times throughout its 5,000-year history? This resilient city, where ancient stones whisper stories of empires and faiths, welcomes over 3.5 million visitors annually who come to experience its...
Did you know that Nimrod Fortress is the largest medieval castle in Israel, stretching an impressive 420 m (1,378 ft) across a mountain ridge? Perched dramatically on the slopes of Mount Hermon at an elevation of 800 m (2,600 ft), this magnificent 13th-century...
Once the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate in the 8th century, Ar-Raqqah's ancient ruins still whisper tales of empires that ruled here over 1,200 years ago. This resilient Syrian city along the Euphrates River is gradually reopening to intrepid travelers, offering a...
Did you know that Latakia is home to Syria's oldest port, dating back over 2,000 years to the Phoenician era? This Mediterranean coastal gem offers a striking contrast to Syria's desert landscape, with beautiful beaches, mountain views, and a rich tapestry of history...
Did you know Marib was once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Saba, home to the legendary Queen of Sheba? Today, its archaeological treasures lie scattered across a desert landscape unchanged for millennia, offering visitors a rare glimpse into one of humanity's...
Did you know that Sharjah is the only emirate in the UAE with coastlines on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman? This unique geographical advantage is just one of many reasons why Sharjah deserves your attention. Often overshadowed by its flashier neighbor...
Did you know Sana'a is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with origins dating back over 2,500 years? This ancient Yemeni capital sits perched at an elevation of 2,300 m (7,500 ft) in Yemen's western highlands, creating a mesmerizing...
Did you know that nearly 37% of Socotra's plant species are found nowhere else on Earth? This remote Yemeni island in the Arabian Sea is often called "the most alien-looking place on Earth" — and for good reason. With its otherworldly Dragon Blood trees, pristine...
Did you know Al Hudaydah's 24-kilometer (15-mile) Corniche is one of the longest seaside promenades in the Arabian Peninsula? This vibrant port city on Yemen's Red Sea coast offers a fascinating blend of maritime heritage, historic architecture, and authentic cultural...
Rising dramatically from the floor of Wadi Hadhramaut, Shibam's towering mud-brick skyscrapers have earned it the nickname "Manhattan of the Desert." This 1,700-year-old walled city contains over 500 tower houses, some reaching 11 stories high, making it the world's...
Did you know that Taiz was once Yemen's cultural capital and home to the country's first university? Perched dramatically at elevations reaching 1,400 m (4,600 ft), this historic city is nestled between jagged mountains and offers some of Yemen's most spectacular...
Did you know that Al Mukalla, Yemen's third-largest city, was once ruled by the Qu'aiti Sultanate and served as a vital trading post between India and Africa for nearly a millennium? This coastal gem on the Arabian Sea remains one of Yemen's most picturesque and...
Did you know Aden's Crater District sits inside an extinct volcano spanning 9 km (5.6 miles) wide? This ancient port city on Yemen's southern coast has been a strategic trading hub for over 2,000 years, with a fascinating blend of Arabian, African, and colonial...
Did you know that Umm al-Quwain is home to one of the largest flamboyances of flamingos in the UAE? This hidden gem, the least populated of the seven emirates, offers a refreshing escape from the glitz and glamor of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. With pristine beaches, rich...
Did you know Ras Al Khaimah is home to the world's longest zipline, stretching an incredible 2.83 kilometers across the Hajar Mountains? This northernmost emirate of the UAE offers a refreshing alternative to the glitzy skyscrapers of Dubai, with its stunning...
Nestled between the rugged Hajar Mountains and the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Oman, Khor Fakkan stands as the UAE's only natural deep-sea port and one of the country's best-kept secrets. This picturesque exclave of Sharjah boasts a fascinating history dating...
Did you know that Al Ain, nicknamed the "Garden City of the UAE," is home to the country's only UNESCO World Heritage-listed oasis? With over 147,000 date palm trees and a 3,000-year-old irrigation system still in use today, this ancient desert oasis offers a...