the middle east

Desert camps, ancient cities and reliable winter sun, with some of the most generous hospitality you'll find anywhere.
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Desert dunes meeting the sea in the Middle East

the middle east

choosing where to go

The region has changed enormously in recent years, and there’s now far more to it than a city break in Dubai.

The UAE and Qatar are perfect for a few days of sunshine, good food and beach, or as a stopover on the way to Asia or the Indian Ocean. Oman is quieter and more traditional, with mountains, desert and a beautiful coastline.

Jordan and Egypt are for history: Petra and Wadi Rum, the pyramids and a slow cruise along the Nile. Saudi Arabia’s AlUla is one of the most striking new destinations in the world, and Morocco offers riads, souks and the Atlas mountains a short flight from Europe.

Most of the region is at its best from October to April, when the days are warm rather than hot.

where to go

the destinations

Seven countries with very different characters. Hover over one to see what it offers and when to visit.

Hover over or tap a destination to explore

Map of the Middle Eastmediterranean seamoroccoegyptjordansaudi arabiaqatarthe uaeoman

where to stay

hotels we love

Desert hideaways, mountain retreats and city landmarks we recommend with confidence. We'll match the hotel to the trip you have in mind.

Al Maha Desert Resort UAE
For honeymoonersWildlife

Al Maha Desert Resort

Suites with private pools in a desert conservation reserve, where Arabian oryx wander past at breakfast.

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Six Senses Zighy Bay Oman
Family favouriteWellness

Six Senses Zighy Bay

A village-style resort on a secluded bay in the Musandam peninsula. You can even arrive by paraglider.

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Alila Jabal Akhdar Oman
Adventure

Alila Jabal Akhdar

A calm, stone-built retreat on the edge of a gorge in Oman's Green Mountain, around two hours from Muscat.

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Habitas AlUla Saudi Arabia
Off the beaten track

Habitas AlUla

Low-slung villas in a hidden desert canyon, close to the ancient tombs of Hegra.

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Royal Mansour Marrakech Morocco
Ultimate privacy

Royal Mansour Marrakech

Private riads with their own plunge pools behind the walls of the medina. The service is exceptional.

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Kasbah Tamadot Morocco
Family favourite

Kasbah Tamadot

A mountain retreat in the foothills of the Atlas, about an hour from Marrakech.

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Looking for something different? We work with many more hotels and villas in this part of the world, and we'll happily suggest the right one for you.

good to know

questions we’re often asked

Anything else you’d like to know? Simply ask us.

When is the best time to visit?

October to April for most of the region, when days are warm and evenings cool. The Gulf is very hot from June to September, although it can still suit a pool-and-spa stopover.

Is the Middle East good for families?

Very. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman have superb family resorts, short transfers and plenty to do, and the flight is manageable with young children.

What should we wear?

Resorts are relaxed, but in cities, souks and religious sites we’d suggest covering shoulders and knees. We’ll share specific guidance for each country before you travel.

Can we combine the Middle East with somewhere else?

Easily. A few nights in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha breaks the journey to the Maldives, the Seychelles, Asia or Australia, and Jordan pairs well with Egypt.

Is it safe to travel?

Most of the region is very welcoming to visitors, but the situation varies by country and can change. We always follow the FCDO’s latest travel advice and will talk it through with you when planning.

get in touch

where shall we begin?

Tell us whether you're after sun, history or a desert escape, and we'll suggest the right place and hotel to start from.

Start a conversation

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IATA accreditedTakumiansTraveller Made member agencyATOL protected

Travel advice: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has up-to-date advice on health and safety across the globe, as well as local laws, and passport and visa information. Please check travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel regularly for updates ahead of travel, as the advice can change.