2 Weeks in Middle East

What You Should Know Before Going On A Middle East Tour

What Countries are in the Middle East?

The Middle East sits in between the east of Europe and the west of Asia and is considered a transcontinental region instead of a continent on its own. This part of the world is vast and rich in a diversity of countries, culture, religion, ethnic groups and languages. In total, there are 17 countries that are a part of the Middle East:

• Bahrain
• Cyprus 
• Egypt
• Iran
• Iraq
• Israel
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• Oman
• Palestine
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Syria
• Turkey
• The United Arab Emirates
• Yemen 

Do’s and Don’ts for traveling in the Middle East

The truth is that the Middle East is so vast that etiquettes differ from country to country. Things you can do in Dubai can greatly differ to things you can do in Iran or Saudi Arabia. That being said, however, this is a basic do’s and don'ts to follow when visiting the Middle East on a tour.

It is a very friendly, vibrant and culturally enriching destination and you should encounter few problems on your trip so long as you are respectful of the rules.

Do’s

• Dress Conservatively
• Learn Arabic! It is probably one of the most beautiful languages to exist with a mammoth of history behind almost every word. 
• Make an effort to learn about the human-rights situation, issues and current affairs in the different countries you venture to. 
• Definitely learn some basic greetings – this is highly encouraged and it would make for a great first impression amongst locals. In Arabic, hello is salamu alaykum.
• Try the street food! Much like visiting Asia, the best tasters of the cuisine lays in the hidden stalls and hole in the wall restaurants on the streets. 
• Visit the mosques. Some of them are considered the holiest places on earth, and the most beautiful ones are spread across the countries of the Middle East. Being in the presence of one, along with the mecca of devoted locals, is  one of the most unique and spiritual experiences you can have while traveling to this part of the world.
• Always drink bottled water, never tap.

Don’ts

• Handle food with your left hand
• Kiss in public. Public displays of physical affection are usually looked down upon.
• Drink in public. Make sure if you do that it is discreet, otherwise it is against the rules and pretty taboo.
• If you’re a man, don’t initiate a handshake with a woman. It is almost always going to be interpreted wrong 
• Be cautious about taking pictures and filming in public. Some locals may be sensitive to it. Be sure to be respectful and ask locals if you can take pictures of them. 
• If you’re traveling during Ramadan, be aware of the rules of this religious festival.  
• Definitely do not talk about your opinion on religion or interfere with the political situation in the respective country. It’s good to brush up on national affairs but bringing it up in conversations with locals can easily be a sensitive subject.  

Safety Tips for Traveling in the Middle East

While it is a privilege to be a visitor in the Middle East, there are some safety tips that every traveler should know. As in every foreign country, you need to keep your valuables close. Pickpocketing is common, especially in market places or bus stops, so be cautious about what you put in your bags and how secure they are.

Another thing specific to the Middle East is to dress respectfully. Cover your shoulders and legs when walking around, especially at mosques, to be respectful of cultural values. Look around and see what other local men and women are wearing and try to be as conservative.

Along the same lines, be aware of the social norms in each country to avoid any trouble. Whether that is showing public affection, drinking in public, conversation etiquette or abiding by gendered seating rules in restaurants or transportation. Speaking of transportation, Uber is one of the safest ways to travel around most of the countries in the Middle East. If you get into local cabs, make sure you decide on a fair before riding. 

It is also advisable to travel in pairs, especially if you’re a woman. It is usually very safe to travel solo in most Middle Eastern countries, just make sure that if you ever feel lost or confused ask locals for help. In the rare cases that you feel like you’re being followed or unsafe, seek out local tourist police or head to the nearest hotel or shop with authorities that can help you out.

What to Pack for the Middle East

Knowing what to pack for the Middle East can be tricky. With specific religious and cultural customs, it is essential to know what to stuff in your bags and what to leave behind. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a general guide on what to bring along!

You can definitely expect very strong sun in this region so bring enough sunscreen, sunglasses and make sure you stay hydrated throughout every activity in the day. Heat stroke is common and easily avoidable with enough water.

For clothing, if you’re going to the UAE or Lebanon, shorts are totally okay. However, if you visit other countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia, that’s a different story. Depending on what country you’re flying to, be sure to brush up on what’s okay to wear amongst locals and what is illegal. 

Don’t forget your swimsuit because the Middle East is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches, namely in Oman, Cyprus, Turkey and Lebanon, amongst many. Take flip flops but make sure beachwear only stays in the beach. Pack collared shirts or a long dress when going out to anything fancy or simple trousers and a T-shirt when traveling around.