UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Middle East

Across our 17 countries, UNESCO has inscribed 138 World Heritage properties as of the 2026 session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Busan, Korea. Iran and Türkiye hold the most; Kuwait has none yet. Below they are grouped by country, each with its year of inscription; the leading sites are marked as highlights and the newest are marked as new. UNESCO also lists the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls as a separate entry, and six properties under the State of Palestine, shown here under the Palestinian Territories.

Recent additions include the Faya Palaeolandscape in Sharjah, the Khorramabad Valley in Iran and Sardis in Türkiye (2025), and in 2026 the village of Sidi Bou Saïd in Tunisia, the Aqaba Marine Reserve in Jordan, Wadi Wurayah in Fujairah, Alamūt Castle and its related fortifications in Iran, the Mount Amel Castles in Lebanon and Sebastia in the Palestinian Territories.

Most archaeological sites open from early morning until late afternoon, with longer hours in summer; arrive at opening to avoid heat and crowds. Many sites in Muslim-majority countries keep shorter hours on Fridays and during Ramadan, and religious monuments within World Heritage cities close to visitors at prayer times. In Israel, some sites close early on Fridays and on the eve of holidays.

Wear comfortable shoes, a hat and modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, which is also correct for the mosques, churches and synagogues inside many historic cities. Never climb on monuments, touch paintings or remove stones, and use drones only with a permit. A licensed guide, often an archaeologist, brings each site to life; for wider context, read our history timeline and the region's living heritage.

Kuwait has no inscribed World Heritage site yet; Failaka Island and other places are on its Tentative List. Discover the country's story on our Kuwait history and culture page.