Unusual attractions you need to visit in the Middle East

The Middle East is a beautiful place. Filled with landscapes like beaches, mountains, deserts, that will take your breath away. But hidden in the corners are a few unusual places that’ll probably leave you utterly baffled but at the same time in awe of the unique beauty that surrounds you.

 

Unusual attractions in the Middle East

 

Tree of Life, Bahrain

In the middle of the desert in Bahrain, lies a luscious green tree that has seemingly survived in the harsh desert for over hundreds of years. It has baffled scientists and visitors alike. After all, it’s not every day you see a tree with no visible source of water survive in an unwelcoming desert. The origin of the Tree of Life has its own myths. Some believe that Enki, an ancient Babylonian god of water protects the tree. Others believe the site is the historical location of the Garden of Eden. While the truth is still unknown, what we know for sure is that the tree still stands tall and green as ever.

 

Majlis al Jinn, Oman

Majlis al Jinn is one of the largest cave chambers in the world. It was recently discovered in 1985. The only way to get into the cave is through three free-fall drop from the roof. The remote cave has become a popular spot for adrenaline junkies. It is believed that the cave was home to jinns. According to local legends, the cave entrances were made by a jinn who was angered by a woman. The jinn threw three lightning bolts which created the three entrances to the cave. A visit to this isolated cave will transport you to a different time.

 

End of the World Cinema, Egypt

In the middle of the desert in Sinai, there is a peculiar place that doesn’t make sense. A closer look and you’ll notice that it’s a movie theatre with hundreds of seats and a giant screen. Why anyone would build a theatre in the middle of the desert is absurd. But soon after it was built, the locals around the area objected to the theatre and it was soon abandoned. What was left was an outdoor theatre left to the mercy of the desert. Unfortunately, after the abandoned theatre gained online notoriety, it was completely trashed by thieves. You can still visit it to see the few remnants of this odd structure.

 

Buried Village of Al Madam, UAE

Just outside the town of Al Madam, lays an eerie abandoned village engulfed by the desert. It was once inhabited by the local Al Kutbi tribe but abandoned not long after. No one knows why the tribe abandoned the village. According to local legend, it was said that a jinn drove the people out of the village. Soon after its abandonment, the desert started to reclaim the village. Now, most of the houses have been submerged by dunes. In a few years, you might walk around the desert without noticing that an entire village is right under your feet.

Must Read: The Best-Kept Secrets Of The Middle East

Al Wahbah Crater, Saudi Arabia

In the middle of “nowhere”, a giant volcanic crater stands out from the otherwise barren landscape surrounding it. This is the Al Wahbah Crater. It’s located on the western edge of the Harrat Kishb basalt plateau. This giant crater is made more unusual by the layer of salt that covers it. The outer rim of the crater is also full of palm trees and desert shrubs which heavily contrasts with the barren and arid surrounding. In recent time, the are has become a popular hiking spot and you can hike down to the crater and camp there as well.

 

While you explore the hidden gems of Saudi Arabia, don’t miss out on the capital city’s biggest gala, Riyadh Season 2022. Know all about Riyadh Season’s events and purchase your tickets on our platform.