Hot Air Balloon Ride in Dubai: Gliding Above the Arabian Desert
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and go for a hot air balloon ride in Dubai amidst beautiful views of the Arabian Desert....
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Find yourself amid the golden deserts of the United Arab Emirates, floating in the Dead Sea, or striking a pose in front of Jordan’s spectacular rock formations. Take a trip back in time with ancient civilisations or explore modern cities that ooze opulence.
The Middle East offers discoveries for all types of travellers, with 18 diverse countries to choose from. Taste new foods, explore bazaars and immerse yourself in a region like no other.
You can take a trip back in time with the historic marvels of Petra, delight your senses in the souks of Muscat, or see incredible skyscrapers in Dubai.
I’ve written this guide to ensure you make the most of your Middle East vacation. Together, we’re going to explore the best time to visit, how to get there, the unforgettable sights you have to see and suggested stays.
Let’s adventure!
Top Picks For Middle East
How to Plan a Trip
Best time to visit
The best time for a Middle East vacation is between April and May or October and November. The mild weather during this period allows you to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing.
It’s also worth planning around religious observances like Ramadan, which can affect local schedules and during which certain places (like bars in certain countries) may be closed.
If you want to immerse yourself in festivities it’s worth experiencing the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
Handy Resources
- Skyscanner is the best place to find flights
- Holiday Autos is ideal for finding a rental car for your trip.
- Omio is another excellent site for booking trains, buses, and flights worldwide.
- Booking.com is the perfect place to find airport transfers and accommodation.
- Embrace adventure with Multi-Day Guided Trips from G Adventures
Where to Stay
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
If you’re looking for a vibrant city with opulence around every corner, you can’t go wrong with Dubai. This gem of a city has something for everyone, from everyday experiences that redefine luxury to stunning resorts and even desert safaris. Stay at The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle.
Istanbul, Turkey
A trip to the Middle East would be incomplete without seeing Istanbul in Turkey. Try diverse dishes, indulge in spices, and head to the sky in a hot air balloon to enjoy breathtaking views. Stay at the White House Hotel Istanbul.
Oman
Discover an unparalleled Oasis when you visit Oman. Relax on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, explore the ancient forts, or head up Jebel Shams for incredible views. Stay at Kempinski Hotel Muscat.
Packing For Your Trip
Packing for your Middle East trip? Don’t forget…
- High SPF Sunscreen to protect you from the sun.
- A trusty travel backpack to keep your items safe.
- A sports bra and leggings for full-day adventures.
- Packing cubes to keep your suitcase organised.
- A pashmina to cover up your shoulders, head or legs when going into religious sites.
Travel Insurance
When travelling to the Middle East region, it’s vital that you invest in travel insurance. You never know what could happen, and it’s always best to be prepared.
With potential health risks, political unrest, and natural disasters, insurance is a must-have. For peace of mind, I always get cover from AXA Travel Insurance.
Suggested Guidebooks
- Check out Lonely Planet’s Middle East Guidebook.
- Explore this Lonely Planet Travel Guide for Oman, UAE, and Arabian Peninsula.
- Use this in-depth Lonely Planet Dubai & Abu Dhabi to explore these cities.
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Middle East Visitor Guide: What to Do During Your Middle East Trip
Top Things to Do
Visit Petra, Jordan
When it comes to Middle East tourist attractions, you can’t miss the 2000-year-old rose-red city that’s carved in rock.
Petra’s hand-chiselled tombs, monuments, and houses at this Unesco World Heritage Site will take your breath away. Discover Petra’s ancient history with this private, guided Middle East tour in Petra.
Enjoy Istanbul at Sunset, Turkey
Escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul with a Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxury Yacht. Hope aboard at Kabataş and settle down with drinks and canapes while you watch the sun disappear into the ocean.
You can admire riverside views of Dolmabahçe Palace, the Ortaköy Mosque, and the Rumeli Fortress.
Discover Cappadocia from the Sky, Turkey
Delight in a bird’s-eye view of Cappadocia’s eroded rock formations, valleys, and caves with a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour Over Fairy Chimneys.
The panoramic views offer incredible photo opportunities of the remarkable landscape.
Visit Jerusalem, a.k.a. The Holy City, Israel
Exploring on foot is the best way to see the Old City, stopping by historic sites like the Mount of Olive, Via Dolorosa, and the Church of Holy Sepulcher.
Discover the city revered by Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Ensure you don’t miss anything with a Full Day Jerusalem City Tour.
Explore the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, Turkey
Take in two of Istanbul’s most iconic attractions. Hagia Sophia is an impressive display of Byzantine architecture and art, while the Blue Mosque boasts ascending domes and six stunning minarets.
They’re only a two-minute walk from each other, and there’s no entrance fee to visit either mosque. Discover the rich history with a Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Small Group Tour.
Go to The Top of The Burj Khalifa, United Arab Emirates
Head to the top of the tallest building in the world. A ticket to the top of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa offers a spectacular 360-degree view over the Arabian Gulf.
It’s a great way to take in the city’s magic if you only have 24 hours in Dubai.
Dive into the Red Sea
Experience the beauty of the Red Sea with a Red Sea Diving Trip. The Red Sea is renowned for having some of the world’s warmest and saltiest seawater.
Under the surface, the clear water will offer you an unobstructed view of local marine life.
Discover Muscat, Oman
Navigate through traditional markets and city landmarks with a half-day tour of Muscat. This Oman treasure boasts ancient and modern-day culture, complete with the iconic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
Suggested Middle East Itineraries
Discover some of the best ways to explore the Middle East with my suggested itineraries.
Israel and Jordan
8 days
Jerusalem – Wadi Rum – Wādī Mūsá – Petra – Amman – Tel Aviv
Explore the ancient sites of Jerusalem, see the rose-red Petra, swim in the Dead Sea, and experience the magic of Tel Aviv.
Oman Tour
8 days
Muscat – Ras al-Jinz – Wahiba Sands – Nizwá – Muscat
Journey through Oman, from frankincense-filled markets to the magnificent Wadi Nakhr.
Iran
2 weeks
Tehran – Yazd – Caravanserai Zein-o-din – Shiraz – Persepolis – Fars Province Homestay – Izadkhast – Esfahan – Kashan – Tehran
Experience everything from the historic streets of Tehran to Persian wonders like the city of Esfahan.
Emirates and Saudi Arabia
4 weeks
Dubai – Sharjah – Khor Fakkan – Al Badiyah – Fujairah – Al Hayl – Al Ain – Abu Dhabi – Al Dhannah City – Al Hofuf – Riyadh – Al Qasab – Shaqra – Ushaiqer – Buraidah – Medina – Jeddah
Take in all that the Emirates and Saudi Arabia have to offer, from the glistening city of Dubai to the endless dunes of the Jeddah desert.
Hidden Middle East: Off the Beaten Path
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The glitz and glam of Dubai often dazzle visitors so much that they don’t realise there’s a whole other way to see the city.
Take to the skies with a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Dubai and…. Escape the city streets of the Gulf Tiger and enjoy panoramic views of the Soaring Towers of Dubai.
Read Next: Hot Air Balloon Ride in Dubai: Gliding Above the Arabian Desert
Explore the Musandam Peninsula, Oman
Also known as Ruus Al Jibal, the Musandam Peninsula is perfect for adventure-seekers. It offers the best paragliding and parasailing in Oman, with mind blowing views of Zighy Bay.
Dive into crystal clear waters, explore caves and small coves, or go snorkeling. This area of Oman also boasts the tiny, rocky Telegraph Island and an Omani fortress, Khasab Castle.
Read Next: Exploring the Musandam Peninsula: A Dubai to Musandam Trip.
Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Visit the large but affordable Ras Al Khaimah and experience endless dunes, long stretches of beaches, and thrilling adventures. Stop at the emirate’s pearl farm, take an afternoon desert safari, and find Dhayah Fort.
Socotra Island, Yemen
Socotra is a stunning island in the Republic of Yemen. This hidden gem boasts incredible beaches and Ayhaft Canyon National Park. Explore all the wonders of Yemen with a tour of Socotra Island.
How to See the Best of Middle East for Free
Visit the grounds of Yad Vashem, Israel’s memorial to victims of the holocaust. It offers free entry to the general public.
If you’re in Dubai, you should know that entrance to the Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountains is free, as is a trip to Jumeirah Beach and Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
Another free activity is a trip to the Western Wall in Jerusalem. This religious site is a place of prayer, a pilgrimage sacred to the Jewish people, but visitors of all faiths visit to recite prayers. Even if you’re not religious, this 2000-year-old wall is worth seeing.
Dishes to Try in Middle East
Shawarma – Savoury wrap made with sliced grilled meat and vegetables.
Lamb Kabsa – A delicious rice dish with seasoned lamb and spices.
Baba Ghanouj – Creamy roasted eggplant dip flavoured with tahini and spices.
Kibbeh – Savoury dish, spiced meat, or vegetarian stuffing.
Top Drinks in Middle East
Turkish Coffee – A style of coffee prepared in a cezve.
Map of Middle East
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