Major Cities in Middle East | Generated by AI
“Middle East Asia” is not a standard or clearly defined geographical term. The region is typically referred to as the Middle East or Western Asia. This area encompasses a diverse set of countries with significant historical, cultural, and economic importance.
Here’s a look at some of the major cities in the Middle East, considering population, economic influence, and cultural significance:
By Population (Metropolitan Area):
- Cairo, Egypt: With a metropolitan population exceeding 23 million as of early 2025, Cairo is one of the largest cities in Africa and the Middle East. It’s a historical, political, and cultural powerhouse.
- Istanbul, Turkey: Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul has a metropolitan population of over 16 million. It’s a major economic, cultural, and historical center.
- Tehran, Iran: The capital of Iran, with a metropolitan population of around 9.7 million, is a significant political and economic hub in Western Asia.
- Baghdad, Iraq: A historically significant city and the capital of Iraq, with a metropolitan population of over 8.1 million.
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: The capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, a major economic center with a population of nearly 8 million.
- Alexandria, Egypt: A major port city on the Mediterranean with a rich history and a population of over 5.8 million.
- Ankara, Turkey: The capital of Turkey, with a metropolitan population of over 5.5 million, is an important administrative and commercial center.
- Tel Aviv, Israel: A major center for technology, business, and culture in Israel, with a metropolitan population of over 4.5 million.
- Sanaa, Yemen: The capital of Yemen, with a population of over 3.5 million.
- Kuwait City, Kuwait: The capital and largest city of Kuwait, with a population of over 3.4 million.
- Izmir, Turkey: A large port city on the Aegean coast of Turkey, with a population of over 3.1 million.
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates: A global hub for tourism, finance, and real estate, with a population exceeding 3 million.
- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A major port city and the gateway to Mecca, with a population of over 2.8 million.
- Damascus, Syria: One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the capital of Syria, with a population of nearly 2.8 million.
- Beirut, Lebanon: The capital and largest city of Lebanon, a significant cultural and commercial center with a population of over 2.3 million.
- Amman, Jordan: The capital and largest city of Jordan, with a population of over 2.2 million.
- Mecca, Saudi Arabia: The holiest city in Islam, attracting millions of pilgrims annually, with a population of over 2.2 million.
- Bursa, Turkey: A major industrial and historical city in Turkey, with a population of over 2.1 million.
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: The capital of the UAE, a major political and economic center with a population of over 1.6 million.
- Muscat, Oman: The capital and largest city of Oman, with a population of over 1.7 million.
Economic and Cultural Significance:
Beyond population, many other cities in the Middle East hold significant economic and cultural weight:
- Doha, Qatar: The capital of Qatar, known for its modern architecture and as a rising global center for business and culture.
- Manama, Bahrain: The capital and largest city of Bahrain, a key financial center in the Persian Gulf.
- Jerusalem, Israel: A city of immense religious and historical significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
- Erbil, Iraq: The capital of the Kurdistan Region, a significant economic and cultural center in northern Iraq.
- Sharjah, United Arab Emirates: Part of the Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman metropolitan area, known for its cultural heritage and museums.
Countries in the Middle East (Western Asia):
The countries typically included in the Middle East or Western Asia are:
- Bahrain
- Cyprus
- Egypt (primarily North Africa, but with a significant presence and influence in the Middle East)
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Oman
- Palestine (including the West Bank and Gaza Strip)
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Syria
- Turkey (partially in Europe, but a major Middle Eastern power)
- United Arab Emirates
- Yemen
Some definitions may also include countries in North Africa (like Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco), as well as countries in the Caucasus region (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia). Afghanistan and Pakistan are sometimes included in broader definitions but are often considered part of South or Central Asia.
The major cities listed above are vital to the Middle East’s economic, cultural, and political landscape, each contributing uniquely to the region’s identity and development.