The word Middle East brings to mind endless deserts with small stretches of greenery in between, vast oil and natural gas reserves. But besides oil riches and ever changing skyline, thank to incessant construction works, Middle East is known for one more thing – its natural wonders. Here we dish information on top natural wonders of the Middle East.
Musandam Fjords, Oman
Musandam Fjords is one of the inescapable parts of Oman tours. The fjords resemble fjords in Norway in geographical features but have several features of its own due to a different climate. Take a boat ride to have an enchanting experience of the fjords and you will get awestruck to see its unmatched scenery. You will find some good boats adorned with traditional Arab cushions. The boat takes between two and three hours to reach there and allows travellers to swim to take a dip in the water. The boats come loaded with usually serve fruits, water, soft drinks, and coffee so that travellers can gorge on then while feeling hungry.
Socotra Island, Yemen
An important country in the Middle East, Yemen too is not devoid of natural attractions. This weird and a bit different island is home to a great world wonder. The island has served as a trading hub and has been quoted in ancient texts that include Greek Tablets and Travels of Marco Polo. Socotra Island which is basically an archipelago consisting only four islands in the Indian Ocean has a unique plant life which is not found elsewhere in the world. The place is home to some wonderful beaches.
Jeita Grotto, Lebanon
Jeita Grotto, two interconnected karstic limestone caves are situated north of the Lebanese capital Beirut. According to some archaeological findings, the caves were inhabited during the prehistoric times. The caves remain undiscovered until 1836. Since then the caves have charmed travellers with varying needs an inclination.
Al-Hasa Oasis, Saudi Arabia
Al-Hasa Oasis is considered largest oasis not only in Saudi Arabia and all of Asia. Situated more than 40 miles from the coast of the Arabian Gulf the oasis is spread over 30,000 acres and fed by over 60 Artesian springs. It is used for watering around 3 million date palms and providing water to the nearby population.
The Kaluts, Iran
Eroded towers of the Kaluts seem to be sprouting out of the deserts. Situated in the province of Kerman, and running for a distance of over 120 miles north to south are the hottest place and the lowest area in Iran where mercury reaches 149F (65C). Most of the travellers planning at trip to Iran include this place in their itinerary.
The Rub ‘al Khali, Arabian Peninsula
The Rub ‘al Khali is considered the world’s largest sand desert that stretches which is spread on about 250,00 square miles, covering parts of Oman, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the UAE. The red/orange dunes are as high as 800 feet in places. Due to hot weather and little water and searing heat the area has enough wildlife. Apart from that the Rub ‘al Khali is one of the most oil-rich places in the world.
The Dead Sea, Jordan and Israel
Perhaps, the most famous of the natural wonders of the Middle East is the Dead Sea. The healing powers of mineral waters have been known around the world for centuries and nowadays there are numerous spas and resorts on its shores. Being named because nothing can live in its waters, the Dead Sea is located between Jordan, Israel and the West Bank. Lying 1,388 feet below sea level, it is the lowest land elevation on earth. With 33.7% salinity, you can easily float unsupported in it.
Bu Tinah Island, Abu Dhabi
Bu Tinah Island which is a small collection of coral reefs and shoals is well known for its great ecological importance. The place is not open to all given its delicate ecosystem. Situated within the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve Bu Tinah Island is home to endangered wildlife. The island is well known for the dugongs and Hawksbill turtle.
Wadi Rum, Jordan
Wadi Rum in Jordan has a long and impressive history. The place is inhabited by many inhabitations since prehistoric times. A valley is known for a rock formation named the Seven Pillars of Wisdom. The place has now a large population of Zalabia Bedouins, who earn their living through eco-tourism businesses.
Mount Damavand, Iran
With an elevation of 18,406 feet above sea level, Mount Damavand is the highest peak in Iran and the Middle East. The place has been popularly mentioned in Persian mythology as well as folklores. The hill also houses the highest volcano in Asia. Apart from these these things Mount Damavand is home to brown bears and leopards other animal species.