Top destinations to visit in the Middle East

Thinking of travelling to the Middle East soon?

After an uncertain decade for certain Middle Eastern destinations, countries are reaching out to tourists more than ever before. In fact, even Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry is still bigger than Dubai’s. Whether you’ve planned out your itinerary already or you’re only just looking for some ideas, it’s crucial to get organised before you set off.

Tourism hotspots in the Middle East: Our recommendations

Cairo, Egypt

There’s no better place than Cairo for showcasing the height of ancient Egyptian civilisation. A mesmerising myriad of palaces, mosques, pyramids, and minarets promises an unforgettable visit to this arid northeast African country.

Before you head to Cairo, it’s important to check official travel advice for Egypt. Unfortunately, certain areas of the country can be prone to dangerous activity by criminal gangs and organisations. While big tourist destinations like Cairo are generally deemed safe for tourists, it’s worth keeping up to date. 

Petra, Jordan

This perplexing ancient city attracts tourists from all corners of the globe. 

We’ve placed it at the top of our list simply because there’s nothing else like it: this ancient former capital of the Nabatean Kingdom shields the remains of historic tombs, palaces, temples, and mosques within tall pink sandstone rocks.

Booking private trips on bespoke Jordan tours could help you to see the very best of Petra. You could even ride a camel on a trek to the distinctive monastery. Once a significant marketplace, Petra is now appropriately listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site of interest. 

Istanbul, Turkey

If you’re heading to Turkey, visiting the country’s largest city is a no-brainer.

Istanbul might not be the capital, but its thriving economy, rich architecture, and romantic charm make it a brilliant stop to include on your Middle Eastern adventure. The city lies where Europe and Asia meet – and this is certainly evident through its unique, vibrant culture.  

Modern Istanbul forms one of the world’s most beautiful cities, with the minarets of the Hagia Sophia mosque towering above a bright city skyline. 

Jerusalem, Israel

Visiting Jerusalem is a significant life experience. 

With the earliest guidebooks for the city found to date back to the Middle Ages, Jerusalem has been a top destination for centuries. Home to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, it’s easy to see why Jerusalem is deemed the holiest city in the world. 

Because this city is such an integral site for religious purpose and pilgrimage, it’s worth knowing about the expected etiquette before you arrive. If you’re visiting religious areas including the Old City or any holy building, you should dress modestly. 

Generally, women should cover their arms, shoulders, and legs, while men should wear long sleeves and trousers too. 

Dubai, UAE

From beautiful monuments to magnificent skyscrapers, there’s no shortage of reasons to include Dubai on your travels. Tourist highlights include the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest free building to visit in the world, along with iconic 7-star hotel Burj Al Arab.

And as for the food, you’ll find a colourful array of Al Machboos and Khuzi cuisine. Expect plenty of rich, flavoursome meat with handmade delicacies and dips in accompaniment. As always, just make sure you’re aware of local customs, laws, and etiquette.