Cities of Salt stands as an influential work in the oeuvre of Munif, marking a pivotal moment in his literary career. While Munif's previous works explored broader Arabian themes from his vantage points in Iraq and later Paris, Cities of Salt is distinct as it brings the spotlight to his birthplace, Saudi Arabia. The novel diverges from his earlier narratives by delving into a more focused exploration of his native land, applying the traditional narrative techniques of naturalism and social realism. These styles, once prevalent in mid-20th century Arabic literature, find renewed significance in Munif’s hands.

In this narrative, the naturalistic approach serves a vital function, meticulously reconstructing a lost world in vivid detail. This method is not only fitting but essential for the novel's ambitious scope, which seeks to capture the essence of a bygone era with exhaustive detail. Cities of Salt takes on the dimensions of an epic, offering comprehensive descriptions and explanations that leave no element of the world it portrays unexplored. This dedication to exhaustive detail elevates the novel to a pivotal status in Arabic literature, suggesting its influence will extend well beyond the confines of literary circles.