Best Cities For Expats In The Middle East part 2 – Part one is here.
Fun Facts about Middle East Culture
The Middle East is known for its culture. But what are some fun facts about Middle Eastern Culture? Well, many facts about the Middle East are interesting and aren’t widely known. Today, we will discuss ten fun facts about Middle East culture.
Arabs Invented Coffee
The people of Yemen were believed to be the first ever to discover coffee. Legend has it that a goatherder named Kaldi noticed his goats acting strangely after eating berries from a coffee shrub and decided to try the berries for himself. And so, the first cup of coffee was drunk.
National Pastimes
While soccer, basketball, and other sports are enjoyed in the Middle East, many describe their national pastime as food-related. Eating in the Middle East is a form of art. The flavors are amazing, the food is always fresh, and it’s not uncommon to see people eating 3 or 4 dishes in one sitting.
All about the Hotels
The Middle East has some of the best hotels in the world. What makes them so great? Well, first off, western amenities (like Wi-Fi and air conditioning) are always included. But the hotels in the Middle East also offer a wide selection of 1-2 star rooms, which often include TV and hot water.
Street Food is Awesome
If you don’t like to splurge or are on a budget (even if you’re not), street food is THE best option. There is so much variety, and it was really cheap. Most street food dishes cost less than $3, and they often include meat, vegetables, and rice. Moreover, the Middle East is known for having the best street food in the world.
Sharia Law and the Maiden
In some Middle Eastern countries, like Saudi Arabia, Sharia law is enforced. This means that women cannot interact with men who are not family members (uncles, nephews, etc.). Furthermore, they must dress modestly when in public. Men, on the other hand, can do whatever they want, including locking up their daughter or sister if they are dissatisfied with her behavior.
Seven Sacred Months in the Middle East
Qur’an states that ‘fighting is allowed until the end of sacred months.’ This had led to many forms of violence during this time (such as Ramadan). People say that this law doesn’t exist anymore, but since it’s part of their religious scripture, some extremists still choose to enforce it.
The Concept of Time
Time is very important to Muslims. Muslims believe that time has a beginning and an end; therefore, they see life as a temporary experience that only leads them to the afterlife. This belief also affects how Muslims interact with others (such as family). Some Muslim families will refuse to take their daughters out in public unless accompanied by a brother or father.
The Beloved
Many Middle Eastern men are obsessed with their wives, sisters, mothers, etc. They will tell them how much they love them every day, multiple times a day. For example, your husband might say ‘I love you ten times before he goes to work and another ten times when he comes home.
The Muslim Prayer
Muslims pray five times a day, once at sunrise, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and before bed. They will wash first, and then they pray on a prayer rug that has been laid out facing Mecca (the holy city). This is an extremely important rule in their religion.
Muslim Women
At first glance, you might think that Muslim women are treated as inferior to men. In some Middle Eastern countries, they are given fewer rights and freedoms than men. However, it’s important to remember that these rules vary from country to country. In Malaysia, for example, women have the same rights as men do, and they are often seen working side by side with men.
Top 4 Tourists Attractions in the Middle East
The Middle East is a fascinating part of the world, with its mix of cultures and beautiful natural beauty. If you’re planning on taking a trip there anytime soon, we’ve got you covered. In this section, we will walk you through some great tourist attractions that you should check out while you’re in the area.
The Forbidden City – Tehran, Iran
Found in the capital city of Tehran, this place is a historical landmark and a must-see if you love history. The main attraction to the Forbidden City for most people is the architecture, which was constructed in the mid-1900s. It resembles that of other buildings from that period but also has its unique touches.
Petra – Jordan
A historical landmark that many people don’t even know about, Petra was built around 2,000 years ago and represents the pinnacle of rock-cut architecture in the world. Petra’s name translates to ‘Rock’ in Greek, which explains why you will find so many rock formations right inside the city itself. It’s a sight to see.
The Pyramids of Giza – Egypt
This historical landmark is almost a myth in terms of its sheer beauty and grandeur. The three pyramids here, which are over 4,500 years old, have been named one of the original 7 Wonders of the World. Along with these amazing pyramids is also a Sphinx, which is stunning to behold. These historical landmarks are not to be missed.
Kuwait Towers – Kuwait City, Kuwait
Kuwait Towers are three free-standing structures in Kuwait; they were built to commemorate its victory over Iraq during the Gulf War. They are the Middle East’s one-of-a-kind attraction, as you can see those famous towers from anywhere in Kuwait.
There is an 8-story shopping and restaurant mall and a rotating restaurant with scenic views at the top of each tower – your best option to eat up there is lunch.
Conclusion
The Middle East is a region of the Earth between Africa and Europe, southwest of Russia. Its native inhabitants are primarily Muslim Arabs. Parts of the Middle East include the ones listed above. Nonetheless, you can refer to this guide if you’re planning to relocate to any Middle East country.
