Have you ever visited or would you ever consider visiting a Middle Eastern country?

Da Shins Kelly

I know my aunt lived and worked in Saudi Arabia for thirty years, up until every recently, and I don't think she's completely in love with the place. I don't know enough about that part of the world (apart from all that's shown on the news, which isn't really a great way of forming an opinion), but I'm very interested in it and I'm kind of curious about actually visiting it (if, admittedly, a little scared). Has anyone here traveled in the Middle East, and what was it like? And if not, would you ever go there?

Pauleta

No and wouldnt even go to them for a stop over unless it was an emergency.

fedor.2.

Libya is meant to be nice this time of year

partyatmygaff

I've visited Egypt many times. Don't form an opinion based only on what you see on the news. It's a beautiful country.

Jezzabelle

I personally would have no interest in going. Just for an example, Dubai. I know people who have gone there on honeymoon. It is frowned upon to hold hands in public, the locals will stop and stare at you in the street with disapproving filthy looks if you do so. You cannot go out to a shopping mall unless you are covered up (in the blistering heat!) without the same reaction. You go to certain restaurants and the waiters will not acknowledge you if you are a woman - it is common for the man to order for the woman and so they will address them instead. Ok its a different culture but I just think generally they no respect for women and so it is not somewhere I would want to visit.

alexa5x5

Might be working in Dubai this time next year.

Dwellingdweller

Definitely, when I get to travel I see no reason why I shouldn't go to the middle east. If anything its one of the most fascinating (but dangerous/sexist/etc) places in the world right now

Oranage2

I've been to a few islamic countries, the popular tourist ones wont have too strick laws, the less popular ones will shout abuse at you for drinking in public or eating on a holy day - just respect their culture and there's no probelms

fat__tony

I worked in Doha, Qatar for 8 months last year with an Irish company.

Worked 6 days a week, spent the day off usually drinking, sleeping and exploring fancy shopping centres.

There's not a whole lot to do particularly when the mercury hits 50 deg C in June/July/August. Stay out of the sun basically plus the humidity at night... good lord the humidity!!.. awful.

Good experience for a single lad plus you can save a decent wedge. Don't think of it as a long term career move though.

BQQ

Jezzabelle wrote: »

I personally would have no interest in going. Just for an example, Dubai. I know people who have gone there on honeymoon. It is frowned upon to hold hands in public, the locals will stop and stare at you in the street with disapproving filthy looks if you do so. You cannot go out to a shopping mall unless you are covered up (in the blistering heat!) without the same reaction. You go to certain restaurants and the waiters will not acknowledge you if you are a woman - it is common for the man to order for the woman and so they will address them instead. Ok its a different culture but I just think generally they no respect for women and so it is not somewhere I would want to visit.

:eek: This is not accurate at all.

I've actually been there, and i've never witnessed any of this.
The locals only make up about 20% of the population, with the rest ex-pat workers, so they are well used to westerners. I've seen girls in miniskirts in Dubai and nobody has batted an eyelid.
Only local girls would be expected to cover up in the shopping malls.
Tourism is one of their biggest industries and they treat tourists (of both sexes) very well. [Too well sometimes - my only complaint was feeling a little uncomfortable with waiters pulling out my chair for me]
If you don't mind hot weather, i'd strongly recommend a visit

KnifeWRENCH

Have never been but would like to some time. Morbid curiosity more than anything else. The heat would probably kill me though.

Also I'd wait 'til the whole political unrest situation has died down; not sure Syria is the best place to book a holiday at this moment in time!

WindSock

Yes and yes. I'd visit many more in a heartbeat. People are not generally their political or religious structure, they are people first and foremost as warm and as welcoming as you would hope them to be, And there is also a wealth of archaeological and cultural history that is interesting enough to keep me interested in the regions.

saywhatyousee

KnifeWRENCH wrote: »

Have never been but would like to some time. Morbid curiosity more than anything else. The heat would probably kill me though.

Also I'd wait 'til the whole political unrest situation has died down; not sure Syria is the best place to book a holiday at this moment in time!

True that!! I always want to visit Damascus though.Mabey some day...

Aoifey!

Have never been but would like to. I'm sure despite all the horror stories you hear in the news that most places are actually very nice.

Jezzabelle

BQQ wrote: »

:eek: This is not accurate at all.

I've actually been there, and i've never witnessed any of this.
The locals only make up about 20% of the population, with the rest ex-pat workers, so they are well used to westerners. I've seen girls in miniskirts in Dubai and nobody has batted an eyelid.
Only local girls would be expected to cover up in the shopping malls.
Tourism is one of their biggest industries and they treat tourists (of both sexes) very well. [Too well sometimes - my only complaint was feeling a little uncomfortable with waiters pulling out my chair for me]
If you don't mind hot weather, i'd strongly recommend a visit

They treat their tourists very well you say?. What about this then?

http://www.aolnews.com/2010/03/15/british-tourist-jailed-for-kissing-in-dubai/

Oh and this.

http://www.examiner.ie/world/woman-arrested-in-dubai-after-reporting-rape-109324.html

And I can guarantee you that what I said above is 100% accurate. Several different friends of mine have been and reported the exact same things.

Kylo Ren

KnifeWRENCH wrote: »

Have never been but would like to some time. Morbid curiosity more than anything else. The heat Terrorists would probably kill me though.

FYP

BQQ

Jezzabelle wrote: »

They treat their tourists very well you say?. What about this then?

http://www.aolnews.com/2010/03/15/british-tourist-jailed-for-kissing-in-dubai/

Oh and this.

http://www.examiner.ie/world/woman-arrested-in-dubai-after-reporting-rape-109324.html

And I can guarantee you that what I said above is 100% accurate. Several different friends of mine have been and reported the exact same things.

These stories are not representative of the general experience of people. I could find a couple of news stories about Dublin which could make it look good or bad, but which wouldn't be an accurate portrayal of the place.

I too have several friends that have been there including a woman who has lived there for over 3 years and they all loved it.
I was there myself for a month and the people were very friendly and hospitable.

paulosham

partyatmygaff wrote: »

I've visited Egypt many times. Don't form an opinion based only on what you see on the news. It's a beautiful country.

Egypt is in North Africa not the Middle East.

Duffy the Vampire Slayer

paulosham wrote: »

Egypt is in North Africa not the Middle East.

Its culturally similar to the other Arab countries of the Middle East however.

Would love to visit Jordan and a few other places liek Syria or Yemen... Why not.

hairy sailor

Been in U.A.E,Saudi,oman & bahrain,Found uae & bahrain the best,dubai is one big piss up plenty of hotels & nightlife,as a previous poster said most of the population is immigrant workers mainly indian,chinese,phillipeans in the lower paid jobs like service & labouring,Plenty of sexy women walking around the mall's in low cut top's,as for holding hands in public,most of the local arab men seem to hold each others hands for some reason.bahrains similar but on a smaller scale nightlife you'd get bored with & the arab taxi drivers are w*ankers,wasn't long in saudi thank god & same with oman,overall glad i seen these places but wouldn't fancy living there

AnalogueKid

Iran - best place I've ever visited anywhere in the world. Upon arrival, I started talking to a dude at the airport who had just dropped off a cousin. Ended up staying with his family, loads of booze and other illegal recreationals in Tehran households . Went skiing in the Alborz, went to an Armenian wedding in Tehran, bunked on a Shi'a pilgrimage to Imam Reza's tomb in Mashad (they just assumed I was Muslim!), ate incredible homecooked food, partied with stunning Persian women (the best looking women in the world), went to the oldest vineyard in the world in Shiraz (owned by Jews), visited the ancient cities of Esfahan and Yazd, saw the Bisotun inscriptions in Kurdistan ...... The people are very open minded, tolerant, intellectually curious and virtually the entire country hates their government. But it's a Persian, Azeri and Kurdish culture - not Arab - so they want more liberalism, less fundamentalism, the opposite of what is happening in Arab countries. Women have to wear the veil, but most don't want to. The most stoic people (particularly the women) I have ever met.

Egypt - very much the Middle East, not the Magreb. Incredible sights, Cairo is a monster of a city (in a good way!). They are super religious, way more than in Iran. Even though they don't have to wear a veil, they do (except for the Christian population). Very safe though, and I found them friendly. Wouldn't go back though.

Dubai / UAE - Absolute hole. It's Dundrum shopping centre in the desert where 70% of the population are enslaved construction workers from South Asia. The locals make their women dress as letterboxes (even though the law doesn't require them to) yet love indulging in Russian and Ukranian prostitutes.

blorg

I've cycled across Turkey, Syria, Iran, UAE and Oman. Friendliest part of the world I have ever been to by a long way. Like AK says, Iran is really the standout, and completely unlike the image you get in the media; we were continually invited to stay by the locals. Rich and poor, atheist and religious, liberal or conservative- they all had exactly the same spirit of hospitality. Most amazing country I have been to.

Syria and rural Turkey were only a slight step down in the hospitality stakes with people incredibly friendly and genuinely helpful with any problems.

UAE and Oman are crazy rich and they are somewhat more standoffish there but contrary to AK they were actually very nice countries once out of Dubai into the countryside, where people were more friendly. I spent about a month camping there in the desert and mountains. Note, this was December/January, I would not go there in the summer!

Incidentally I stayed with an Indian immigrant in Dubai and met a lot of other Indians there. While they certainly didn't feel everything was perfect and there are a lot of abuses, they were a lot happier to be there than in India... having subsequently spent 3 months in India I can understand the sentiment. Filipinos I met were even happier to be there.

Obviously you are going to have to respect the local culture and there are things I don't agree with. But if you travelled on that basis I don't think you would ever get outside Europe; there is a lot more world out there.

Caoimhín

I have been to Istanbul, part of that is technically the middle east. And yes, of course i would go, maybe not just at the moment but I would love to see Damascus, Bagdad and Jerusalem. They are like open air museums.

Gordon

Jezzabelle wrote: »

And I can guarantee you that what I said above is 100% accurate. Several different friends of mine have been and reported the exact same things.

I lived in Abu Dhabi for many years and it was nothing like that. Great place.

Squirm

I would love to. I think it would be a fascinating experience, with a wealth of things to see and do. Like a previous poster said: some of the cities are like open air museums.

The most extremist 'country' I have visited personally was/is Kashmir and, while we were expected to dress according to local tradition and expectation, it was a wonderful place with wonderful people. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and wearing traditional clothing did not take from the experience at all. I am generally happy to adhere to local customs when abroad and find it to be all part of the experience of going to foreign lands. Naturally, I am not eager to condone customs that violate human rights BUT not every woman in a burkah has been forced to wear it and many woman choose to cover their heads. In India I encountered many women who asked that they may not uncover their faces, despite their husbands asking them to for photos etc etc. I was warned that Manila was a dangerous city and although this may be the case, it didn't deter me from going there or take away from my trip. I hope very much to travel the Middle East, when my daughter is a little older and, would like to visit Jordan, Syria, Iran, the Lebanon and Isreal specifically.

Incidently, I have a number of friends who emigrated to Dubai about 8/9 years ago and they have not found the locals to be disaproving of public displays of affection or of wearing revealing clothing. In fact, they have all said that they vast majority of people living there are ex-pats or Middle Eastern people who have moved there because they want a more alternative life style.

Ste.phen

saywhatyousee wrote: »

True that!! I always want to visit Damascus though.Mabey some day...

Current political strife aside, Damascus is lovely to visit and i'd recommend it. Also (though I've never visited), Palmyra in the Syrian Desert looks AMAZING. I was there a lot for work in 2009 and 2010, and there were plenty of European tour groups on guided tours, might be worth looking at.

Teyla Emmagan

I've been to Jordan, which was amazing. Went for a friend's wedding - two big coaches of Paddies driving around the country for a week beforehand. We were scuba diving in the Red Sea, floating in the Dead Sea, in the ruins ancient Roman cities, the stunning Wadi Rum, and of course, in Petra, which was utterly awe inspiring. The whole country is like a living history book. And it's utterly safe and civilised. As a woman, I felt far more threatened in Turkey (nuke it from space).

I'd love to see more of the Middle East, particularly Iran and Syria. I'd love to see Damascus and Jerusalem. Have no interest in places like Dubai, but the history of the whole region fascinates me.

Biggins

Been to a few of them, work related.

m@cc@

paulosham wrote: »

Egypt is in North Africa not the Middle East.

You need to re-think your definition of the Middle East.

ItsAWindUp

There isn't really anywhere in the world I wouldn't like to visit.

Seaneh

Yes and Yes.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Lebanon, Israel, Syria, Jordan & Egypt (yes I know its considered N.Africa).

Lebanon is a stunningly beautiful country, with the friendliest & most hospitable people you could imagine. And their food is to die for.

Its very safe, however it does have its problems of course. But easily avoidable - ie Hezbollah strongholds and Palestinian camps.

Israel, most hate it before going and only go for work or a holyland tour but leave loving the place. The people are hard work, but once you scratch the surface they're ok.

Syria & Jordan, only really visited the capitals and much the same as the Lebanese.

I didn't like Egypt one bit, in fact its one of the only countries I've visited which I've absolutely no desire to return to.

Badgermonkey

Visit Iran.

Despite the theocratic nature of the state, its people are curious, friendly and hugely hospitable, its landscape encompasses gorgeous lush forests, mountains, desert and bizarrely, some terrific skiing.

Its cultural and archaeological history is breathtaking, sites as impressive as Persepolis or the city of Esfahan are virtually tourist free and it is an incredibly inexpensive country in which to travel.

Freddie59

BQQ wrote: »

These stories are not representative of the general experience of people. I could find a couple of news stories about Dublin which could make it look good or bad, but which wouldn't be an accurate portrayal of the place.

I too have several friends that have been there including a woman who has lived there for over 3 years and they all loved it.
I was there myself for a month and the people were very friendly and hospitable.

In fairness I don't think anyone has been arrested in Dublin for kissing someone on the cheek. And fcuked in jail to boot. I would avoid these countries at all costs personally. If that's the law over there then they're welcome to it.

Da Shins Kelly

Freddie59 wrote: »

In fairness I don't think anyone has been arrested in Dublin for kissing someone on the cheek. And fcuked in jail to boot. I would avoid these countries at all costs personally. If that's the law over there then they're welcome to it.

You're entitled to your opinion, but I think it's a bit of a shame that you're not even a little bit curious about finding out what the people in these countries are really like instead of just accepting everything you hear.

Dudess

I've been to Turkey - didn't enjoy it.

I'd like to go to Israel as I'm interested in it. There's no way all countries in the Middle East are places where you'll be arrested for e.g. kissing in public though - it depends on which country.

Nodin

Egypt - I've always been tempted, even had access to free seats, but never went, due to the thought of the heat. I'd fuckin die. I can barely take the summers here.

partyatmygaff

Freddie59 wrote: »

In fairness I don't think anyone has been arrested in Dublin for kissing someone on the cheek. And fcuked in jail to boot. I would avoid these countries at all costs personally. If that's the law over there then they're welcome to it.

That's pretty much unheard of in all countries barring perhaps the likes of Saudi Arabia or Iran. People in North Africa and to an extent the Gulf regions even greet each other with a kiss on the cheek.

iPlop

I have a friend that travels the world installing, maintaining and servicing gas turbines in powerplants/stations.He's been to Iraq, Egypt, Iran, Saudi and Israel to name a few.He's told of some terrifying moments whilst he was in Iraq, foreign workers were being kidnapped and murdered at the time.

He said the other places are not like they're made out on the news, especially Iran,Theres huge shopping malls and it's very western looking and generally safe.

Wolfe Tone

I would but the heat would melt me.

Jezzabelle

Da Shins Kelly wrote: »

You're entitled to your opinion, but I think it's a bit of a shame that you're not even a little bit curious about finding out what the people in these countries are really like instead of just accepting everything you hear.

I personally, have no interest whatsoever in visiting a country that has little or no respect for the rights of women and see them as second class citizens. Whether that "only" applies to local women or not, I do not care.

The likes of Dubai seems to give off the image of being a cosmopolitan and liberal country just because they have / had tonnes of money due to their hefty oil reserve. Scratch beneath the surface and you will find a different story - their backward and primitive laws are one frightening example. I know they attract a huge amount of foreign workers who live and work in the country perfectly happily for years. However, if they step outside the boundaries, they may see a very different side to things.

Auldloon

Saudi a few times. What a horrible race of people:(

Gaz

Syria, Iran, Jordan, Egypt and loved it with Iran being the standout, unbeliveably friendly people , incredible food, amazing history and sights and possibly one of the cheapest places ive ever been.

Black Swan

Dubai of UAE.

Hank Scorpio

heard Dubai was a horrible place to work in from someone

df1985

Never been to any, (dont think kusadasi in turkey counts) but would love to visit a few.

Id like to see Dubai just for all the craziness but once would be enough id imagine. shopping centres and skyscarpers arent exactly culture.

Would like to go to Iran, I know a man who went to the Ireland v Iran world cup playoff years ago and came home raving about the people in particular. The replies here seem to back that up.

While some things about saudi arabia disgust me theres something fascinating about the place too.

Greyfox

nuxxx wrote: »

heard Dubai was a horrible place to work in from someone

My brother and his girlfriend work in Dubai and they love it, they think it's the greatest city in the world. they say americans and europeans are treating very well due to their economy depending on foreigners.

Sephiroth_dude

No I would never consider visiting any of those countries.

Fuhrer

The UAE is like the Vegas of the middle east.

El Horseboxo

Been to a few back when traveling years ago. Egypt, Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Israel, Syria, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and UAE. Was in Morocco also which seemed similar in culture. Favorite places would have been Palestine, Iran and Lebanon. Bahrain was pretty cool too.