Middle East
Best time of year - With almost year-round sunshine and low annual rainfall its great to visit at any time of the year.
Things to do - The Middle East may be best known for towering hotels offering exceptional service and rightly so, but it is also in a league of its own when it comes to high adventure. The geography makes the area an adventure playground where the oceans, mountains, deserts, wadis, gorges and oases are the backdrop for great days out and multi-day excursions. 4x4 dune bashing, trekking and scuba diving top the list but there is so much more.
Destination low down - Superlatively modern yet culturally rich with fascinating and contrasting histories, the Middle East will intoxicate you. We feature the UAE and Oman. Just 5 hours apart but very different in many ways. Scratch beneath the gold and the concrete and you’ll find each with a simple and traditional past where just less than half-a-century back, they were underdeveloped desert or fishing hamlets. However, both Oman and Dubai in the UAE have contrasting cultures and are strikingly different in attraction for visitors. It all depends on what you are looking for.
If you are seeking culture, heritage, peace and quiet, then Muscat and Oman will not disappoint. It’s a wonderful emerging tourism offer with a true sense of upscale and luxurious. Perfect for a two- week honeymoon where the emphasis is on relaxation, great food, chic elegance and the opportunity to blend in some adventure. Muscat is low rise, elegant and understated. If you are looking for some glitz, glamour, action and adrenaline-pumping adventures, then Dubai has it all ... plus more! What’s more, it’s the perfect honeymoon or vacation stopover on-route to South East Asia or the Indian Ocean: Dubai is known as the Kingdom of Superlatives. High rise and high living; It is a modern- day man-made Xanadu. Taller, bigger, faster, more luxurious, ultra-modern, the list of superlatives almost changes by the day.
Weather - Off season is May to August when it typically reaches above 40 degrees so quite uncomfortable. Most of the events not to be missed are through the Winter months. Visit in late Autumn or spring for warm days and a light breeze and avoid the stifling heat of the summer.
Oman
Oman occupies the south east corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Emirates, Saudi Arabia and the Yemen. It is just emerging as a popular tourist destination, but its quality and its attraction grow every year.
This is an extremely safe and well-kept country proud of its heritage and culture and keen to not be overrun by construction sites and high-rise buildings. The people are genuinely friendly and welcoming...
You’ll notice a modern Oman fast gaining a reputation for quality hotels, great food with different influences and high adventure. Yet, Oman also offers a taste of old Arabia in its Souqs and villages.
Muscat, the capital lies on the flat Batinah coast. Not overrun with tourism, Muscat is still a traditional city whilst old Muscat and Mutrah have retained something of their Arabian splendour.
The impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque was completed in 2001 and is now open to all faiths to visit. Its sheer scale will take your breath away.
Oman’s geography makes off road activities from fort to fort and wadi to wadi particularly sought after. 4x4 trekking and hiking are very popular throughout the Nizwa area which includes the Hajar mountains. Head back to the coast and all manner of water sports and diving are on offer along with Dhow fishing trips.
With almost year-round sunshine and low annual rainfall its great to visit at any time of the year. Off season is May to August when it typically reaches above 40 degrees so quite uncomfortable.
Dubai
Larger than life in all respects, Dubai defies logic on many levels. Taller, bigger, faster, more luxurious, ultra- modern, the list of superlatives almost changes by the day as this emirate seeks to stay ahead of its rivals.
Standing on the South-East coast of the Arabian Peninsula, this city is truly global and a major hub for business and travel...
It’s the perfect stopover destination for SE Asia and the Indian Ocean or a short vacation.
No summary should exclude the world’s tallest building. At 840m high, the extraordinary Burj Khalifa dominates the skyline. Best seen at night, the fountains around its base dance to music every half hour which makes for a stunning spectacle.
Many associate Dubai with luxury malls and they would not be wrong. The Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates provide a high-end haven for shoppers looking for luxury goods and designer brands.
For a more authentic experience the Dubai Creek is your stop for a vibrant mix of old and new. Arrive early evening to watch the traditional wooden dhows at work and the water taxi Abras crisscrossing the creek. Here you’ll find the famous Souqs where gold, textiles and spices tempt you.
The Burj Al Arab iconic symbol of modern Dubai is unmistakable. The ‘billowing dhow sail’ is truly stunning. Want a look inside? Whilst a suite may not be cheap, we do vouch for booking cocktails and canapes. You can at least say you’ve been in the world’s first seven-star hotel.
Enjoy a few desert escapes. 4x4 safaris, dune bashing, quad biking and camel riding are all on offer. Too much adrenaline? Bedouin camps complete with feasts and of course belly dancing are a great alternative.
Fun days out for the longer stay are also to be had at the iconic Atlantis The Palm Aquarium and waterpark, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Ski Dubai and the world’s longest zipline; you won’t be bored.
Most of the events not to be missed are through the Winter months. Visit in late Autumn or spring for warm days and a light breeze and avoid the stifling heat of the summer.