the capital of Qatar, in the eastern part of the country; pop 385,000 (est. 2007).

Abu Dhabi is the capital and the second most populous city of the United Arab Emirates (the most populous being Dubai), and also capital of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the largest of the UAE's seven emirates. Abu Dhabi lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast. The city of Abu Dhabi has an estimated population of 1.8 million in 2016.

Abu Dhabi houses federal government offices, is the seat of the United Arab Emirates Government, home to the Abu Dhabi Emiri Family and the President of the UAE, who is from this family. Abu Dhabi's rapid development and urbanisation, coupled with the relatively high average income of its population, has transformed the city into a large and advanced metropolis. Today the city is the country's centre of political and industrial activities, and a major cultural and commercial centre, due to its position as the capital. Abu Dhabi accounts for about two-thirds of the roughly $400-billion United Arab Emirates economy.

Salalah is the capital and largest city of the southern Omani governorate of Dhofar. Its population in 2009 was about 197,169.

Salalah is the second-largest city in the Sultanate of Oman, and the largest city in the Dhofar Province. Salalah is the birthplace of the current sultan, Qaboos bin Said. Salalah attracts many people from other parts of Oman and the Persian Gulf region during the monsoon/khareef season, which spans from July to September. The climate of the region and the monsoon allows the city to grow some vegetables and fruits like coconut and bananas. There are many gardens within the city where these vegetables and fruits grow.

On the western coast of Saudi Arabia, where sandy dunes meet the azure waters of the Red Sea, lies Jeddah — the gateway to Mecca and a vibrant center of culture and commerce. The city impresses with its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern achievements: visitors can stroll through the historic Al-Balad district with its coral stone houses, then explore luxury malls or the striking Corniche promenade.

Jeddah is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and warm hospitality, welcoming pilgrims and traders from around the world for centuries. Tourists are drawn not only by the rich cultural heritage but also by the chance to dive among some of the most picturesque coral reefs in the region. The famous Floating Mosque and the King Fahd Fountain — one of the tallest in the world — have become iconic symbols of the city.

Aqaba is the only coastal city in Jordan and the largest and most populous city on the Gulf of Aqaba. Situated in southernmost Jordan, Aqaba is the administrative centre of the Aqaba Governorate. The city had a population of 148,398 in 2015 and a land area of 375 square kilometres (144.8 sq mi). Today, Aqaba plays a major role in the development of the Jordanian economy, through the vibrant trade and tourism sectors. The Port of Aqaba also serves other countries in the region.

Aqaba's strategic location at the northeastern tip of the Red Sea between the continents of Asia and Africa, has made its port important over the course of thousands of years.

Sharm El Sheikh is an Egyptian city on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, in South Sinai Governorate, on the coastal strip along the Red Sea. Its population is approximately 73,000 as of 2015. Sharm El Sheikh is the administrative hub of Egypt's South Sinai Governorate, which includes the smaller coastal towns of Dahab and Nuweiba as well as the mountainous interior, St. Catherine and Mount Sinai. The city and holiday resort is a significant centre for tourism in Egypt, while also attracting many international conferences and diplomatic meetings.

Beneath the bright Egyptian sun, Luxor stretches along both banks of the Nile — a city often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum. Once the mighty capital of ancient Thebes, Luxor captivates visitors with its monumental sites: the Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings where Tutankhamun rests, and the Colossi of Memnon standing tall in silent majesty.

A walk through Luxor is not just a tour, but a true journey through time. Here, history is felt in every stone, in the shadow of towering columns, and in the calm of dawn as the sun rises over the ruins. Visitors are welcomed not only by awe-inspiring archaeology, but also by serene Nile cruises, hot-air balloon flights, and the warmth of locals who live side by side with their rich heritage.

Heraklion or Heraclion is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete. It is the fourth largest city in Greece. According to the results of the 2011 census, the population of the city proper was 166,209 inhabitants, the municipality's was 173,993 while the Heraklion urban area has a population of 225,574 and it extends over an area of 684.3 km2 (264.2 sq mi).

Heraklion is the capital of Heraklion regional unit.

The Bronze Age palace of Knossos, also known as the Palace of Minos, is located nearby.

Istanbul – the largest city in Turkey, located on the Bosphorus. Until 1930 it was known as Constantinople and served as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman Empires. The city and its surroundings preserve monuments of ancient civilizations, including temples, palaces and fortifications. Today Istanbul is an important cultural, commercial and industrial hub. Tourists come not only to admire its historic landmarks, but also to shop at world-famous Turkish bazaars, where you can buy spices, jewelry, antiques, colorful hookahs and bargain like a local.