Crossword Genius

Was first around Middle East city, bearing a lot of stuff? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ladened

'bearing a lot of stuff?' is the definition.
(loaded with heavy things)

'was first around middle east city' is the wordplay.
'was first' becomes 'led' (to lead is to go first).
'around' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'middle east city' becomes 'Aden' (city in Yemen).
'led' going around 'aden' is 'LADENED'.

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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