West Asia
Inhospitable landscape, oil and constant conflicts
My West Asia travel adventures took me to every country in the region except Yemen.
West Asia can be divided into four regions: Arabian Peninsula, Fertile Crescent, Caucasus and Anatolia. It consists of 18 countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cyprus, Georgia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Palestine (not a UN member country). The Isthmus of Suez in Egypt serves as the boundary between the region and Africa, whereas the Turkish Straits and the watershed of the Greater Caucasus create a division between the region and Europe.
The region of West Asia includes most of the area identified as the Middle East. The term Middle East is politically defined and has evolved significantly over time, whereas West Asia serves as a geographical designation that remains more stable.
Even if it’s hard to compare countries in this region, I still noticed some similarities. Much of the land has become uninhabitable because of the dry desert environment. Religious influence is strong and plays a major role in people’s lives, especially on the Arabian Peninsula.
How oil transformed the region’s economy
I have had the opportunity to travel to West Asia on several occasions over many years. My first introduction to the region was during African Big Tour, which led me through Anatolia and the Fertile Crescent before I ventured into Africa. In 2010, I journeyed through the Caucasus countries, and I explored the Arabian Peninsula in the 2020s.
West Asia is one of the most unstable regions in the world, with ongoing conflicts and dangerous conditions. Even so, Yemen remains the only country in the region that I have not yet visited.
The oil discovery in the Gulf has led to remarkable economic prosperity for Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Oman, which together provide over 30 percent of the world’s oil supply.
This wealth has resulted in the rapid development of mayor cities featuring striking skyscrapers and modern architecture. Moreover, the presence of oil has augmented the region’s significance on the world stage, enhancing its influence in international relations and greatly increasing tourism activities.
West Asia’s tourism transformation
The region has undergone remarkable changes since my first visit in 2005. During the 1990s, the Gulf countries were virtually inaccessible to tourists and lacked places to visit and things to do, but the United Arab Emirates initiated a transformation to diversify income and activities by opening Dubai to visitors.
By the 2020s, all countries in the region were competing to attract more tourists and foreign investments. They built new landmarks and attractions to offer a Western-style lifestyle for foreigners.
For me, before the onset of war, Syria was among the most delightful countries to visit. Iraq, after a decade of conflict, became the place where I met some of the most hospitable people in the world.
West Asia travel prospects are clearly growing. With improved security and thoughtful adaptation to Western cultures, the region could become a major destination for international travelers.
Countries visited in West Asia – 16 of 17
