Khawr Fakkān, United Arab Emirates

With a population of just 39,151, the seaside city of Khawr Fakkān is a sleepy outpost on the UAE's east coast. While its natural harbor and container port facilities are impressive, the city itself offers little in the way of urban amenities or entertainment. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the region's history of foreign occupation still evident in the crumbling Portuguese fortresses. Summers are brutally hot, with temperatures reaching 40°C and high humidity making the climate oppressive. Still, the city's white sand beaches, coral reefs, and mountain backdrops may appeal to nature lovers seeking a more tranquil existence. Khawr Fakkān is best suited for those content with a slower pace of life, far from the glitz of Dubai.