It is no secret that the Middle East is bursting with cultural festivals that feature everything from music and poetry to falconry and futuristic art. It doesn’t matter, whether you are a history buff, a foodie or are simply seeking authentic cultural experiences, there is something for everyone to experience in the Middle East.
Middle East is the home to the holiest place for Muslims on this planet Earth. Saudi Arabia is a country rich in culture and traditions and holds a special place among Muslims around the world due to the presence of Ka’aba there. It is the pivotal point of all the prayer for all Muslims around the world. The country provides the travelers with the opportunity to experience both its ancient heritage and progressive present. From the major Hajj pilgrimage to the local folk festivals, each event gives us a glimpse into what Saudi culture is in its true meaning. Either you are interested in the ancient ruins, stunning performances or mouthwatering cuisines, this is your ultimate destination to experience all this within one trip to the Middle East.
It is an understood fact that travelling to Saudi Arabia is always cheap, especially in this economy, so in this scenario the Islamic travel agency comes to the rescue as it provides cheap Umrah Packages that can help you plan your trip without any hassle and difficulty. There are many countries like UK and USA, from where travelling to the Middle East could be quiet challenging, regarding all the logistics and policies of the Middle East.
There are travel agencies like Islamic travel agency, which provide with the guidelines about the policies of Saudi Arabia for each country as well as the rules related to the logistics of that country. This travel agency also provides with the Umrah packages for different cities of these countries, for example the Islamic travel agency provides with the Umrah packages 2026 from London, which are specifically designed for people who want to travel from London to the Middle East or Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage or tourism purpose. These packages cater to the needs of people travelling from different regions of London, guiding them about the affordable packages and all the policies that they are supposed to follow as a tourist.
If you are looking forward to experiencing any Middle Eastern festivals then this article provides you with the complete travel guide to enjoy all the festivals of the Middle East. Some of these festivals are described in this article with the elaborate explanation of what to expect when visiting these festivals.
Dubai Shopping Festival
The shopping culture in Dubai is off the charts. The jewelry shopping from Dubai before any major event or wedding is a world famous ritual. This cultural and retail event happens every year and it involves the mega sales, live concerts, fireworks, fashion shows and different culinary events across the city. It is a perfect blend of a shopper’s paradise and a cultural show. If you want to have a complete experience of this carnival then you must book early to enjoy the famous desert show and the amazing deals on luxury brands. You must visit during December or January to enjoy this shopping spree.
Janadriyah National Heritage Festival
Saudia’s biggest cultural event, Janadriyah, showcases the Bedouin traditions, camel racing, calligraphy, dance and local crafts. It is like a living museum of the Kingdom’s diverse heritage. If you are travelling to Riyadh for this festival then it is a must to combine your trip with a visit to Diriyah, which is a rising tourism gem and has a super luxurious and royalty feel to it. Visit in the month of February to explore this event.
Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts
The festival of Jaresh is held in Jordan. It is held among the ancient Roman ruins. This festival usually lights up the Jerash with several folk activities like Arab music, dance, poetry readings and drama. When talking about the plays, you can imagine Shakespeare in Petra style ruins. If you are looking forward to visit and enjoy this festival then, book tour that must include Petra and Wadi Rum to experience culture and adventure in one go. Best time to visit and enjoy this event is between July and August.
Muscat Festival
This is the largest cultural celebration of Oman and is held between the months of January and February. It showcases the traditional Omani music, food stalls, camel shows, and artisan displays. This festival is usually authentic, warm and welcoming for the tourists. While visiting for this festival you must pair it with the dhow cruise or desert glamping near Wahiba sands.The festivals and exhibitions like the Dubai Art Season and Bahrain spring of culture are also held where the folk culture and the modern art of the Middle East is showcased for the world to see and get a glimpse of the history and modern day milestones of the region and, how they intertwine in the most spectacular and flawless manner.
Image: Unsplash, Robert Bock
