Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia

Capital City

With a population of just 99,213, Khamis Mushayt is a far cry from the bustling metropolises of Riyadh or Jeddah. This small city in southwest Saudi Arabia may serve as the capital of the Shahran tribe, but it offers little to attract expats beyond its military airbase and handful of markets. The hot, desert climate is a persistent headache, while the rapid population growth from under 50,000 to over 1.2 million in the last few decades has strained the city's infrastructure. For those seeking a quiet, provincial life in the Asir region, Khamis Mushayt may fit the bill - but most would be better off looking elsewhere.