The Middle East is in the news for all the wrong reasons lately, which means you’re probably not aware of all the amazing things to do there. In particular, winter is a great time to visit the Middle East, even if you don’t experience one of the heavy snowfalls of years past. Whether you prefer the shores of the Mediterranean or the pearly skyscrapers of the Persian Gulf, here are some reasons to consider spending the coldest months of the year in the Middle East, away from the negativity of your TV!
Coptic Christmas in Cairo, Egypt
Cairo is the ‘City of 1,000 Minarets’, as seen out the window of most hotels in Cairo. However, one thing you might not know about Cairo is that it is actually home to a population of Christians, specifically Coptic Christians, who inhabit a part of the city upon hearing its beautiful old town.
There are some key differences between Coptic Christians and ordinary Christians, one of the most prominent being the date of Christmas. Copts celebrate the holiday in early January, so if you’re in Cairo right now, head to the Coptic Quarter for a Christmas celebration you won’t forget.
Citrus Show in Jerusalem
The Jerusalem area, specifically the West Bank city of Bethlehem, is an obvious place to spend Christmas, but an activity that is a bit more surprising involves your taste buds. Specifically, if you head to the Machane Yehuda produce market in the city center, near many Jerusalem hotels, you can try Israeli citrus products like oranges, lemons and limes, as well as more exotic fruits like pomegranates, all of which they are at the peak of their harvests during the winter months. TIP: Warm up and cool off by trying local citrus in its liquid form (juice!) Instead of its solid.
Celebrate Kuwait National Day
Kuwait City is sometimes overlooked in favor of flashier Persian Gulf cities like Bahrain and Dubai, but don’t let its modesty fool you. Without a doubt, “modesty” will be the furthest thing from your mind if you book a hotel in Kuwait City on February 25, when Kuwaiti independence celebrations are held throughout the Kuwaiti capital.
Another benefit of visiting Kuwait during the winter? The possibility of seeing rain, which is a true blessing in this part of the world, although many travelers consider it to be a nuisance.
Eat fancy fondue in Beirut
The French influence is strong in Lebanon and the fondue comes from the French part of Switzerland, so it’s not entirely surprising that you can find delicious melted cheese within walking distance of your Beirut hotel. What might come as a surprise is how well the culinary classic blends with Lebanon’s rocky Mediterranean coastline, fluorescent sunsets, and surprisingly cold winter nights, where temperatures can hover a little above freezing, especially when you have consider the sea breeze.
Many cozy seaside spots near Beirut serve fondue, but for a truly picturesque experience, head to Pierre and Friends in Al-Batrun. Look directly out to sea, ensuring the perfect winter sunset view.
Stroll through Wadi Rum, without the heat
Even if you haven’t seen Lawrence of Arabia , you’ve probably seen the sands of Jordan’s Wadi Rum desert in your dreams. However, if you visit during peak summer months, you may be in for a nightmare as temperatures can reach as high as 120ºF. You’ll probably want to swap out the traditional Bedouin camp for a hotel in Wadi Rum, thanks to the freezing night temperatures this time of year, but daytime desert walks and sunset camel rides are ideal.
