Top 10 Best Cities in the Middle East
There's no single way to define what makes a city stand out in the Middle East. You might be pulled in by the skyscrapers that seem to ignore the laws of physics, or maybe it's the centuries-old alleyways that whisper stories into your ears with every step.
Some cities come alive with buzzing markets and street food that dares your taste buds to keep up. Others lure you in with architectural stunners, beachside glam, or a nightlife that keeps you guessing what time it is.
Then there's the attitude. Some cities just know they're cool. They don't need to try. The mix of tradition and innovation, grit and glamor, chaos and calm is a kind of beautiful contradiction that can't be manufactured.
This list is here to settle the debates, stir new ones, and help you shine a spotlight on the places that deserve the hype. You've got the votes. Make them count.
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Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is the largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. Established in the 18th century as a small fishing village, the city grew rapidly in the early 21st century into a cosmopolitan metropolis focused on tourism and hospitality. Dubai is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations... read more
I'm from Dubai. I just want to comment on the history part. Dubai doesn't have the history of India or Egypt - no country has that. People have lived in Dubai since the time of the Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him, when it was known as the Oman Coast. At one point, Dubai was named Al-Wasel as it was the link between Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the northern cities. Then it changed to Dubai. The United Arab Emirates is a young country, but the cities have a lot of history.
Regarding labor workers in our country, they are a mix of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Chinese. I don't see why it's a problem that 80% of our residents are from foreign countries. I don't recall anyone saying that the United States was built by Irish, Italian, or Mexican people.
I love Dubai, love our President and leader - without him, Dubai wouldn't be a world-renowned city - and I love the diversity of the population in Dubai.
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Beirut, Lebanon
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon. It is located on a peninsula along the Mediterranean Sea and serves as the country's main port. With a history dating back over 5,000 years, Beirut is one of the world's oldest cities.
Beirut is the best and most gorgeous country in the world. From its welcoming and generous people, you immediately feel at home as you enjoy stunning mountain views wherever you go. Simply breathtaking.
It is the best country to live in, and property prices are constantly rising, making it excellent to invest in the property market. The units in Lebanon are all spacious with numerous living areas, and the houses are stone with expansive features. I even found a job in this fantastic country that pays me double what I earned in Australia.
Come and see what Lebanon has to offer.
A city full of life. The nightlife is the best in the Middle East. The girls are the hottest, the people are the warmest and kindest.
I'm from Monaco and loved my trip there. Nothing like Dubai, where there is no historical ground or culture to discover. It should be number 1 by far. Love you, Beirut.
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Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is the most populous city in Turkey and serves as the country's economic, cultural, and historical center. The city straddles the Bosphorus Strait, placing it in both Europe and Asia.... read more
Istanbul is an old city and has many worldwide business companies. It also has the best climate in the Middle East and is a complex mix of nationalities. We cannot deny the nightlife in Istanbul. It is the second largest city in the world with a population of 13 million.
The city has the best and most modern transportation linking its parts to each other. Furthermore, Istanbul is a complex blend of East and West. The more you explore, the more you discover about Istanbul. As Napoleon said, "If the world were a single state, Istanbul would be the capital."
Constantinople still has many great attractions worth seeing. It is a European city, locked in a West Asian country, and many relics from the Roman and Ottoman Empire can be found.
If you want a "Middle Eastern" feel, visit the markets and haggle. Do humor the locals and refer to it under its incorrect name, Istanbul. The name will be corrected in time.
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Jerusalem, Israel
Jerusalem is a city in the Middle East, located on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and holds religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Jerusalem serves as the capital of Israel, although this... read more
Jerusalem is holy! It's cool, old, fun, sacred, holy, and important. Beirut is boring. Istanbul should be called Constantinople. And well, Dubai is actually really cool but not as cool as Jerusalem.
Dubai is awesome, Beirut is pretty, Istanbul is historical, and Cairo is iconic, but Jerusalem is a mixture of all of these. It's also the Holy City in many religions!
I love Dubai, but Israel is the holy city and pretty much the capital of the world. So many cool and biblical sites.
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Kuwait City, Kuwait
Kuwait City is the Middle East's bride. There are the best malls in the Middle East. I think The Avenues Mall is the best of the best in the Middle East. It also has the tallest sculpted tower in the world, Al Hamra.
You can enjoy the most breathtaking view of the sunset at The Kuwait Towers.
The city is appealing to see, the people are very friendly, and the food is probably the best I had in the Middle East!
One of the best cities in the world! It's more beautiful than New Jersey. Similar to New York but in a smaller city.
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Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi is the capital and second-most-populous city of the United Arab Emirates. It is also the capital of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the largest of the UAE's seven emirates. Abu Dhabi is an important political, cultural, and economic center in the country.
Clean, organized, with unique buildings that can also be world records. The people are peaceful and friendly.
Loved it here. Very simply, it's a living, responsible entity that is united.
Green city in the Middle East, with less traffic compared to other capital cities in Gulf countries.
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Amman, Jordan
Extremely safe for females to walk alone at night in most areas. The city has great restaurants and pubs, with the best weather, hands down (featuring four seasons). The people are friendly and helpful.
Amman is one of the best cities in the Middle East. People are friendly, you can be yourself and feel at home, it's clean, and it has both modern and traditional Middle Eastern lifestyles. It should be in the top three at least!
Amman has an up-and-coming hip hop scene. I'm also a big fan of their soccer team, Al Wehdat Sporting Club. It's a great place to live if you're part of the Jordanian diaspora, have the majority of your family overseas, but want to move back to Jordan.
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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
This city holds the economy of the whole Middle East. I don't think it deserves to be the best, but Riyadh deserves to be the most powerful city in the Middle East.
Nice, large, modern, clean city with lots of rich historical places in and around Riyadh.
I've been there for a month, and the people were awesome. The cost of living is less compared to other cities in the GCC.
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Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv is a vegan paradise and the friendliest place on Earth for the LGBTQ+ community. It is the shining jewel of the Middle East with very beautiful people, nice beaches, and great weather.
Those who hate Israel can move to Iran.
No, Tel Aviv should be number one because it is a very beautiful city. The buildings are like in New York. In Beirut, they don't compare!
The most modern city in the Middle East with a vibrant nightlife scene, beautiful beaches, amazing weather, and high technology.
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Tehran, Iran
Tehran is the capital city of Iran and lies at the base of the Alborz mountain range in the northern part of the country. It serves as the political, cultural, and economic heart of Iran. The city blends modern architecture with historical landmarks, offering a unique urban landscape.... read more
Tehran is the largest city in the Middle East and one of the largest in the world, with a population of 14 million. But Iran has better cities than Tehran, like Isfahan and Shiraz.
The north of Iran has very beautiful natural landscapes. Overall, I think Iran is the best country in the Middle East.
What makes Tehran so special is that nowhere in the Middle East are there such warm-hearted, hospitable, and kind people. I highly recommend it to everybody. Nice people, excellent food, beautiful city.
I have heard from many people who traveled to Tehran that they fell in love with the city. Another common remark was about the rich culture and friendly people of Tehran.
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Be'er Sheva, Israel
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Haifa, Israel
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Manama, Bahrain
Tiny but beautiful. To be honest, nothing compares with Bahrain in the Middle East. It's very chill and laid-back, with lots of history and just enough entertainment!
According to a local Bahraini, Manama is "as you like." It's got a nice lived-in feel and is open like Dubai, but much less expensive!
Incredible laid-back country. The people are so positive and respectful too!
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Doha, Qatar
Doha is one of the best places to live in. It is safe, it has lots of shopping, and the West Bay is amazing. Everything in Doha is just great.
I recommend visiting Doha before the year 2022 because that's when Qatar is going to host the FIFA World Cup. I hope you visit Doha, love the city, and maybe want to live there!
Doha is amazing in terms of safety and hospitality. Great malls, beautiful beach, Katara, and Pearl-Qatar are must-visit places. It has one of the best corniches in the entire Middle East. I've been to the others, but I think it's the best.
It has the most beautiful city lights during Qatar National Day.
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Muscat, Oman
You have to see it to believe it. Muscat is perhaps the most underrated city in the Gulf/Middle East. I haven't met a single individual who has visited Muscat and not been surprised by its natural beauty.
The capital city of the Sultanate of Oman has a great history and strikes a perfect balance between the modern and the traditional. The souqs, forts, and the royal palace in the Old City live in perfect harmony with landscaped road networks, parks, malls, and restaurants that serve food from around the world.
Surrounded by the Hajar Mountains on one side and the Sea of Oman on the other, Muscat has consistently been rated among the cleanest cities in the region, and perhaps in the world. The Omani capital is also counted among the top five friendliest cities in the world and the friendliest in the Middle East. This reflects in the hospitality of the city and its people.
Muscat is truly the 'Hidden Gem of Arabia!'
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Bethlehem, Palestine
I love it. One of the best cities. Rich in culture.
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Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Has the tallest lighthouse, the tallest flagpole, and soon the tallest building! This is the real-life version of Supermassive Galaxy from SMG2.
Beautiful city with amazing malls, beaches, and much more.
East or west, Jeddah is the best!
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Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
That's the real meaning of vacation. Sunshine in the morning and dancing all night. Delicious food and nice people everywhere. Every day is different with lots of activities throughout the day.
I highly recommend it to stressed corporate employees and for all incentive vacations. It's a lifetime trip.
Wow, I love Sharm. I love the Bedouin food. It really tastes good. The Alf Leila Wa Leila Park is also amazing, and I love the sound and light show in Ali Baba. I also love the Egyptian folk dances, acrobatic performances, and quad runners.
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Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Mecca houses the Ka'bah and was also where Muhammad (peace be upon him) lived for some time. As a Muslim, it is the most important place as the Quran was revealed there. I love Madinah equally, but I cannot deny that this is where Muhammad's (peace be upon him) prophethood started. It's even a necessity for Muslims to go on pilgrimage at least once to Mecca.
Mecca is not allowed to enter for non-Muslims. If I could visit there, I would.
Lovely city surrounded by mountains and has the sacred mosque in the middle of the city.
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Byblos, Lebanon
Byblos is the most fantastic city in Lebanon. Very good shops, museums, and more.
Byblos is the cradle of the alphabet. I invite everybody to visit!
One of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Beautiful until today.
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Cairo, Egypt
Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt. Located along the Nile River, it is a major center of culture, history, and commerce in the Arab world. Cairo is home to the Egyptian Museum and is near the famous Pyramids of Giza.
I think Cairo should be in at least the top 10. This is a beautiful city, and it has one of the world's wonders.
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Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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Damascus, Syria
Damascus is the capital of the Syrian Arab Republic. It is currently the most populous city in Syria. Aleppo's population declined sharply during the Syrian Civil War, particularly during the Battle of Aleppo.
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Baghdad, Iraq
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq and lies along the Tigris River. It is one of the largest cities in the Arab world and has historically been a center of learning, philosophy, and culture.
Today, it serves as Iraq's political, administrative, and economic center. Despite the hardships of recent... read more
One of the greatest cities in world history and a world-class, cosmopolitan Middle Eastern city of power. By the way, why aren't Erbil and Sulaimaniyah included here?
Amazing city, one of the best in terms of history. A great city to visit!
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Isfahan, Iran
Very modern city in Iran with a large history. One of the oldest cities in the world.
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Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
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Aqaba, Jordan
It's not too big and not too small.