Buying Fujifilm X-T1 vs X-T20 in 2018?!!?

I have had both cameras, and for your given situation and location, I would have to recommend the X-T1 for the following reasons, prioritized (in my opinion) for your specific situation:

- Weather sealing. You are in a dusty/sandy environment, which can be just as harmful (arguably more so ) than a wet environment, which is what most people seem to default to when discussing the need for WR gear or not. A rain cover will not be of much help in windy, dusty conditions.

I sent an X-T10 (similar build to X-T20) in to Fuji repair after a breezy evening at the beach. It stopped working properly after some sand blew in the front control dial area. They had to replace a circuit board. For your location, I wouldn't even consider a non-wr system, especially if you want the gear to function for three years. Where's the nearest Fuji repair centre in Iran?

- Big, beautiful EVF. The EVF on the X-T20 is fine, but for landscapes, portraits and street, the X-T1 EVF is excellent. If you get a manual focus lens (such as the Rokinon/Samyang 12mm) the larger EVF will make a difference.

- Battery grip. The Fuji VGXT1 grip is also weather sealed. Are you going to experiment with time lapse photography? You'll need that extra battery power. No battery grip for the X-T20. Probably not too difficult to find them on the used market.

- Ergonomics. The X-T1 has more direct-control dials, so you are less dependent on the menu system.

The only reason to consider the X-T20 over the X-T1 in your situation is if video quality is of high priority. The 4k video is very good on the X-T20, while the video "quality" of the X-T1 is passable at best. Don't get caught up in technical specs and mpx counts. The X-T1 can produce high quality prints, if that is your goal.

You'll want to consider a WR lens too. The 16mm f1.4 WR is stellar for landscapes and low-light. There are the f2 WR primes too. Telephoto landscapes are often more compelling than standard wide-angle shots.

X-t1 all the way