The last thing one can do when deciding to travel is to go somewhere dangerous. And the Middle East may be home to the riskiest and safest travel destinations. As such, this makes it vitally essential to choose your goals carefully when visiting this region. The Middle East, which includes the nations centered in Western Asia and Egypt, is home to numerous significant ancient religious and cultural monuments and towns. During what is known as the Arab Spring, widespread protests started to take place across the region due to the highly corrupt administrations in these nations. Reservoirs of gold and wealth are more prone to conflict and hostility than filthy cottages. The Middle East is immensely valuable with its oil wells, energy reservoirs, and mineral resources.
Aleppo, Syria
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The Syrian government and opposition troops have engaged in some of the most intense fighting ever in Aleppo, the country’s largest city. Aleppo has been the scene of atrocities committed by both sides since the war broke out in February 2012. Allegedly dropped barrel bombs by Syrian military helicopters and indiscriminate gas cylinder bombings by opposition fighters in government-controlled areas are just two examples. One of Syria’sSyria’s most dangerous cities is this one. The high crime rate and all inhabitant’s behaviors are criminal, given Aleppo’sAleppo’s downfall due to the war. However, the country’s ongoing military conflict poses the greatest threat.
Karachi, Pakistan
With 23.5 million residents and a population density of more than 15,500 people per mile, Karachi is the second-largest metropolis in the world regarding the number of people living inside its boundaries. Millions of people from northwest Pakistan have relocated to the city, the nation’s commercial center, over the previous ten years due to the conflict. Karachi is the most deadly megacity worldwide because its 12.3 per 100,000 resident homicide rate is 25% higher than the closest city. In Karachi, violent crimes, including armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, home invasion, and murder, are prevalent. Though the situation is improving, these are frequent, particularly in large urban areas.
Baghdad, Iraq
Baghdad has grown to be one of the most hazardous cities in the world since the 2003 invasion. Large-scale attacks in Baghdad have increased since 2012 after a respite in the hostilities. Due to the exceedingly dangerous circumstances, where the possibility of a terrorist attack or kidnapping is accurate, several governments strongly advise tourists to avoid the area.
The most straightforward advice for remaining safe in Baghdad is to avoid the city altogether. To ensure their protection, most tourists to the city employ a security detail, and movement outside the International Zone is hazardous. In Baghdad, car and roadside explosions occur often. The terrorist group is still in charge of Mosul, Iraq’sIraq’s second-largest city, located north of Baghdad, in as much as the tides appear to be shifting against it. ISIS undoubtedly has its sights set on the capital city as it attempts to grow its caliphate if it is able.
Kabul Afghanistan
Afghanistan has frequent landmines, terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and hostage-takings. Even though the entire nation is complex, Kabul is arguably one of the most dangerous cities. Having said that, if you must visit this nation, at the very least, stay away from Kabul. It is exceedingly risky to travel anywhere in Afghanistan, particularly on the roads. The entire country could experience violent episodes. The city of Kabul is not a popular vacation spot. The city is vulnerable to terrorist attacks and military intervention, with high levels of domestic crime and a high crime index. Traveling to Kabul is risky.
Kuwait
The chance of danger when visiting Kuwait is midway between low and high. Rest assured, nevertheless, that neither crime rates nor the likelihood of international tourists suffering damage while traveling is high. Remember, though, that the fact that terrorism is comparatively common qualifies Kuwait as a semi-dangerous nation. In the desert and along several beaches, Kuwait has left unexploded landmines and other weapons. Keep to heavily used roads. Don’t take unusual items off of beaches. It is prohibited and hazardous to travel close to the Saudi Arabia and Iraq borders without permission.
Kashmir, India
Because of its tranquil setting, Kashmir is the model for “paradise on Earth.” However, the region has conflicting interests from the governments of India, Pakistan, and China. The part of Jammu and Kashmir is where the Indian state has its most northern territory. Conflicts over Kashmir’sKashmir’s borders have led to two wars, mainly between India and Pakistan. Both foreign governments and India cannot guarantee the safety of tourists visiting the region due to the violent protests and extremist activities that are taking place there.
Gaza City, Palestine
The Gaza Strip and West Bank, a 25-mile stretch of territory, is one of the world’s densely populated regions and is home to about 1.8 million people. Even though Israeli forces are no longer occupying the region, there is still very stringent border control. The Israeli military frequently conducts incursions to confront militants who attack Israel from within the border. Gunfire and airstrikes are common in border areas, while larger-scale Israeli operations often target police stations and government structures. Visitors to Gaza should avoid protests and the streets at night when most violent incidents occur.
Dubai
Dubai: a beautiful, touristy, sun-drenched city. Money launderers and arms dealers operate out of Dubai, which has no street violence. Truthfully, Dubai is undoubtedly the gateway to all the illicit funds moving elsewhere. The transshipment of the weaponry takes place through the port of Jebel Ali in Dubai. That has, very honestly, resulting in more deaths than anywhere else. Dubai is thus likely the most dangerous location in the region. And suppose you want to visit a Middle Eastern nation that is considered hazardous. In that case, you must thoroughly study to ensure you travel as safely as possible.
Sana’a, Yemen
Travelers to Yemen should be aware of the grave threat that al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) poses to Westerners. One of the oldest inhabited cities in the world is Sana’a, the capital and largest city of Yemen. Due to the significant risk of kidnapping, civil upheaval, and general lawlessness in the country, travel to Sana’a is strongly not advised. Finding a local guide is a good idea for tourists unfamiliar with the area, and they shouldn’t worry if they see people carrying guns. Many guys take or own firearms for conventional reasons.
Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia experienced very little unrest and bloodshed in the wake of the 2011 Arab Spring protests that swept through much of the Middle East compared to its neighbors. However, there are still a few contentious areas that Saudis are concerned about, and there has been some unrest in the nation. Travelers entering Saudi Arabia should know that the government does not issue visas and requests for visit durations using lunar months rather than Western ones. Mecca is not a particularly dangerous location, but non-Muslim travelers and those unfamiliar with the regional culture and customs should avoid visiting there.