Culture

8 places you won’t believe are in the Middle East

The Middle East has been heavily stereotyped and romanticised over the years. Stories of conflict, violence and religious extremism have bombarded the western media in recent decades, shaping a narrow view of the Middle East and its people. The following list contains 8 incredible places that shatter the traditional stereotypes and showcase the remarkable diversity of the Middle East.

7 tips and tricks for learning Arabic vocabulary

Increasing your vocabulary is one of the most important things you can do when learning any language. But it can often feel overwhelming when there are SO many words to learn – how do you know where to start!? This list will give you 7 hints and tips to help you expand your vocabulary in a quick, efficient and – most importantly – sustainable way.

7 local Instagrammers to follow if you’re travelling in the Middle East

Instagram is the perfect place to go for travel inspiration, but we often tend to follow fellow travellers from our own country or region as opposed to local people, who usually have much greater insight into the best places to go and show a more nuanced view of the local culture. Follow these 7 Instagrammers who share beautiful photographs and local perspectives on the countries where they live and document their adventures.

Top 10 mistakes to avoid when learning Arabic

Many Arabic students waste time, energy and money making simple and easily avoidable mistakes, sometimes leading them to give up on the language altogether. Whether you’re just starting out on your Arabic journey or you’re somewhere down the line struggling to keep going, here are 10 mistakes to avoid when learning Arabic.

5 classic Moroccan dishes to try at home

Here’s our list of 5 classic Moroccan dishes and recipes to try at home and fall in love with. From wholesome soups to fiery shakshuka, we’ve got you covered for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

5 Reasons To Visit Salalah, Oman

Salalah is the largest city of the Dhofar governorate of Oman, known to many as the ‘Land of Frankincense’. In this post, we’ll lay out 5 reasons why we think you should visit Salalah, including some of the best things to do and beautiful places to visit.

10 movies and series to watch if you’re learning Arabic

Watching films and box-sets in Arabic is a brilliant way to improve your listening skills and to familiarise yourself with the Arabic language. The following list of Arabic movies and TV shows from across the Middle East features a range of different dialects and will help you start improving your Arabic from your couch!

5 Omani & Yemeni foodies you need to follow

The food of Oman and Yemen is distinct to that of much of the Middle East, reflecting the area’s complex history of trade, migration and colonialism. Follow these 4 Yemeni and Omani foodies for recipes and culinary inspiration from the southern Arabian Peninsula.

The best cities to study Arabic in the Middle East: Nablus

We’ve created this clear, honest guide based on our own experiences to show you the good, the bad, the wonderful and the downright weird of studying abroad. Whether you’re a university student, a young professional with an interest in the region or you’re simply looking for a new adventure, this guide will help you find the perfect place for YOU to learn Arabic. This week… Nablus, Palestine