9 stunning natural wonders of the Middle East

When we think of the Middle East, the first thing that comes to mind is endless deserts, dunes and luxurious oases. However, this part of the world boasts some of the most impressive natural attractions of our planet! Let’s meet nine of them. And, if you like unusual places for tourism, perhaps you should go there and see these wonders of nature with your own eyes.

1. Musandam Fjords (Oman)
wonders of nature

Although Omani fjords Musandam have similar geographic characteristics, like the fjords in Norway, they are still completely different due to the climate. If the Norwegian fjords are covered with dense coniferous forests, the Musandam fjords are dry and infertile. But this does not make this natural miracle less spectacular.

2. Socotra Island (Yemen)

This amazing island is also one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the Middle East. Once the island was used as a trading base. He is often mentioned in old texts. By the way, Socotra is a small archipelago (only four islands) in the Indian Ocean, and it is so isolated that a third of its flora on the planet is not found anywhere else. A bottle tree and a dragon tree are a couple of the most interesting native species.

3. Jaita Grotto (Lebanon)

This grotto is located north of Beirut in the Nahr el-Kalb valley, and it consists of two interconnected limestone karst caves that were discovered in 1836. People lived in these prehistoric times. And in the lower cave could only get on the boat. By the way, now Jaeta’s grotto is a tourist attraction, although access to it is limited to avoid damage. The grotto also houses the world’s largest stalactite over 8 meters long.

4. Oasis of Al-Ahs (Saudi Arabia)

This is the largest natural oasis in Asia, located 70 km from the shores of the Persian Gulf. It occupies a large area of ​​120 square meters. km, and the “food” oasis with millions of date palms provide more than 60 underground sources. In the summer of 2018 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. Kellots (Iran)

The kelots are the remnants of the sandstones of the most bizarre forms, towering in the desert Deshte-Loot in the province of Kerman. These wonders of nature were formed over millennia by water erosion and wind. And it is also the hottest place in Iran, where the temperature reaches +65 degrees in the shade!

6. Rub al-Khali (Arabian Peninsula)

This is one of the largest sand deserts in the world, which extends to 650 thousand square meters. km, occupying the territory of Oman, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates, which is one third of the Arabian Peninsula. The picturesque red and orange dunes of the desert in some places rise to more than 240 m.

7. Bu Tina Island (Abu Dhabi, UAE)

The island of Bu-Tina, alas, is now closed to tourists in order to save its ecosystem. It is part of the Marawa Marine Biosphere Reserve, and coral reefs are growing and flourishing here, dying in other parts of the world. This island is home to rare and endangered species, including dugongs (a type of sea cow) and bissa turtles. Thus, this is another pictorial miracle that includes other wonders of nature and the animal world.

8. Wadi Rum (Jordan)

The Wadi Rum desert has been inhabited by many civilizations since prehistoric times. In fact, it is a valley in the middle of granite and sandstone rocks. The most famous rock and business card of this area is called “The Seven Pillars of Wisdom.” In addition, the Bedouins of the Zlabiye tribe now live here. They actively organize excursions for tourists.

9. Mount Damavand (Iran)

This is the highest peak (and mountain-volcano) in Iran and throughout the Middle East (height 5610 m). The mountain plays a special role in Persian mythology and folklore and is often mentioned in local legends. At the foot of Damavand are located their own wonders of nature – hot mineral springs, to which tourists constantly come to take advantage of their healing properties.