Az Zubayr, Iraq

With a population of 370,000, Az Zubayr is no quaint village. This industrial hub south of Basra has merged into a metropolitan area of nearly 3 million people. While the city maintains a Shia majority, it still hosts a sizable Sunni minority living in relative peace. However, the blistering desert climate - with an average annual temperature of 24.5°C and just 139mm of rainfall - is a persistent headache. For those seeking a Middle Eastern city with bustling commerce but willing to brave the bureaucratic hassles and extreme heat, Az Zubayr may be a pragmatic choice.