Middle East Holidays
& Travel Inspiration
From futuristic cities and luxury resorts to ancient history and dramatic desert landscapes, the Middle East offers a fascinating mix of culture, adventure and relaxation.
The Middle East offers a unique blend of modern cities, historic landmarks and beautiful landscapes. Within a relatively short flight from the UK, travellers can experience everything from world-class hotels and desert adventures to ancient archaeological sites and vibrant local culture.
The region works particularly well for winter sun escapes, short luxury breaks or longer journeys exploring several countries. Many travellers also combine Middle Eastern cities with beach resorts or touring itineraries across the region.
Popular Places to Visit in the Middle East
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Dubai Holidays
One of the world’s most recognisable cities, Dubai combines futuristic architecture with luxury resorts and desert landscapes. It’s particularly popular for winter sun escapes, shopping and short luxury breaks.
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Abu Dhabi
The UAE capital offers a slightly calmer atmosphere while still delivering world-class hotels and impressive attractions. Visitors often explore the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, cultural districts and beautiful beaches.
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Oman
Known for dramatic landscapes, mountains and desert scenery, Oman offers a more traditional Arabian experience. Travellers can explore historic forts, wadis and coastline alongside luxury desert and beach resorts.
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Jordan
A fascinating country known for the ancient city of Petra and the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. Many trips also include time at the Dead Sea or exploring Roman ruins and historic towns.
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Qatar
A rapidly growing destination with impressive architecture, museums and luxury hotels. Doha is becoming increasingly popular for stopovers and short cultural breaks.
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Saudi Arabia
One of the newest destinations opening up to international tourism. Travellers are beginning to explore its ancient desert landscapes, historic sites and dramatic coastline.
Great Ways to Explore the Middle East
The Middle East offers several different styles of travel depending on the type of trip you’re planning.
Popular styles of travel include:
Luxury city breaks in Dubai or Abu Dhabi
Desert adventures and mountain journeys in Oman
Cultural touring through Jordan and historic sites such as Petra
Beach and city combinations across the UAE
Stopover trips when travelling between Europe and Asia
These options allow travellers to combine culture, scenery and relaxation within a single journey.
When to Visit the Middle East
The Middle East enjoys warm weather for much of the year, although summer temperatures can be very high in some areas.
November to March – generally the most comfortable time to visit
October and April – warm temperatures with fewer crowds
May to September – very hot in many destinations but good hotel offers can be found
Winter is particularly popular for travellers looking to escape colder weather in Europe.
What’s Popular Right Now
Interest in the Middle East has grown rapidly in recent years, with travellers looking for destinations that combine comfort, culture and great weather.
Some of the experiences currently attracting the most interest include:
Luxury winter sun breaks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Desert and mountain adventures in Oman
Cultural trips to Jordan including Petra and Wadi Rum
Multi-stop trips across the UAE and Oman
Stopover stays when travelling to Asia or Australia
Travellers are increasingly looking to combine modern cities with authentic cultural experiences.
Ideas You Might Not Have Considered
Some of the most memorable trips across the Middle East go beyond the major cities.
Musandam Peninsula, Oman
Often called the “Norway of Arabia”, this region offers dramatic fjord-like coastline and incredible scenery.
AlUla, Saudi Arabia
A spectacular desert landscape with ancient tombs carved into sandstone cliffs. It’s quickly becoming one of the region’s most exciting new destinations.
The Empty Quarter
One of the largest sand deserts in the world, stretching across several countries in the Arabian Peninsula
The Dead Sea, Jordan
Floating in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea is a unique experience often combined with Petra and Wadi Rum.
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
A quieter emirate known for mountains, adventure activities and relaxed beach resorts.
We can suggest alternatives like these based on your dates, budget and the type of trip you enjoy.
Ideas to Consider in the Middle East
The Middle East combines modern cities, ancient history and spectacular desert landscapes. These destinations and experiences often help travellers see just how varied a trip to the region can be.
A few currently on our list include:
Visiting the ancient ruins of Petra at sunrise
Exploring the dramatic desert landscapes of AlUla
A luxury desert stay in Oman
Discovering the fjord-like coastline of Musandam
A cultural journey across Jordan
Trips like these often inspire the ideas we suggest to clients.
What Does a Holiday to the Middle East Cost?
The Middle East offers everything from short city breaks to luxury desert resorts and multi-country itineraries.
As a rough guide:
Dubai or Abu Dhabi city breaks (3–5 nights): from £800–£1,800 per person
UAE beach resorts (7 nights): from £1,500–£3,000 per person
Oman touring and beach combinations: from £2,500+ per person
Jordan cultural trips: from £2,000–£4,000 per person
Luxury desert resorts and high-end hotels: £5,000+ per person
Prices depend on season, accommodation level and flights.
We’ll always be clear about what’s included and where your budget is best spent.
Planning a Trip to the Middle East?
Tell us where you're thinking of travelling and we’ll help shape the right itinerary around you.