The Middle East is a transcontinental region centered on Western Asia, Turkey (both Asian and European), and Egypt (which is mostly in North Africa). Saudi Arabia is geographically the largest Middle Eastern nation while Bahrain is the smallest. The corresponding adjective is Middle Eastern and the derived noun is Middle Easterner. The term has come into wider usage as a replacement of the term Near East (as opposed to the Far East) beginning in the early 20th century.
Arabs, Turks, Persians, Kurds, and Azeris (excluding Azerbaijan) constitute the largest ethnic groups in the region by population. Arabs constitute the largest ethnic group in the region by a clear margin.Indigenous minorities of the Middle East include Jews, Baloch, Assyrians, Berbers (who primarily live in North Africa), Copts, Druze, Lurs, Mandaeans, Samaritans, Shabaks, Tats, and Zazas. European ethnic groups that form a diaspora in the region include Albanians, Bosniaks, Circassians (including Kabardians), Crimean Tatars, Greeks, Franco-Levantines, and Italo-Levantines. Among other migrant populations are Chinese, Filipinos, Indians, Indonesians, Pakistanis, Pashtuns, Romani, and sub-Saharan Africans.
Egypt
Golden beaches, blue seas, coral reefs, and ancient monuments make Egypt a great choice for a break away.
Iran
Home to beautiful architecture, warm-hearted welcomes, and plenty of awe-inspiring ancient monuments, Iran has something for everyone.
Iraq
Jam-packed with ancient sites of Mesopotamia, Sumer and Assyria, Iraq is a desert destination where you can easily immerse yourself in its awe-inspiring history and rich culture.
Jordan
Stunning natural wonders, historic architectural marvels and World Heritage Sites make Jordan a picture-perfect destination for the whole family to explore.
Kuwait
Kuwait is a country that seamlessly blends old with new. A charming mix of tradition and 21st century modernism, Kuwait is a country on the move.
Lebanon
Lebanon has it all: gorgeous beaches, ancient culture and a rich tradition of exceptional food.
Oman
Sitting on the border of the UAE to the northwest and Saudi Arabia in the west, Oman is a jewel in the middle eastern crown and an undiscovered treasure of a destination. It may not have the ‘biggest’ of anything when compared to places like Dubai, but it does have that traditional, unspoilt feel that gives you a glimpse of a rich and vibrant culture with a strong identity. Oman is also blessed with wonderful natural resources, from spectacular mountains, eerily beautiful deserts, and stunning coastline that boasts some of the best diving spots in the world.
Qatar
With luxury hotels, spas and shopping malls sitting alongside traditional souqs and heritage sites, Qatar blends its old-world ways with cutting-edge modernity.
Saudi Arabia
A thriving economy and some of Islam’s most important holy sites attract millions of visitors to Saudi Arabia each year.
Turkey
Located at the point where east meets west, Turkey is a multi-cultural country steeped in history and straddling two continents.
UAE
The UAE is made up of seven emirates, each with a unique personality of its own. This bold, vibrant country is a multicultural hub at the forefront of innovation, leisure and luxury.