The Middle East is one of the most diverse yet misunderstood parts of the world. Compelling and complicated, this land is a cradle of civilisations that’s absolutely jam-packed with history and culture. While many people picture the Middle East as a vast expanse of desert, it’s also home to snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and beautiful beaches.
There’s so much to see and do here that you could spend years travelling and still only scratch the surface of what makes this region so special.
So, to get you inspired, here are seven magical things to see and do in the Middle East.
1. Luxor, Egypt
Egypt isn’t short on awe-inspiring historical sites, but none compare to the scale and grandeur of Luxor. Situated over 400 miles south of Cairo, Luxor is indisputably the world’s greatest open-air museum. It’s the site of ancient Thebes, which was the capital of Egypt’s New Kingdom rulers, who reigned from 1570–1070 BCE. Today, a sense of history and wonder pervades the whole site.
Luxor is split into two sides: the east bank, which is the side of the living, where you can explore the temples of Luxor and Karnak; and the west bank, which is the place of the dead, where you can visit the tombs of the pharaohs. The sheer wealth of temples and monuments here is testament to the splendour of the ancient Egyptian civilisations, and it’s impossible not to be awed.
Step back in time in Egypt
2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai isn’t just like nowhere else in the Middle East; it’s like nowhere else in the world. Often cited as the world’s fastest-growing city, Dubai has grown from a humble Gulf trading centre to one of the world’s most glamorous and futuristic city hotspots. And, even if unbridled luxury and consumerism aren’t your thing, it’s difficult not to be blown away.
Home to clashing cultures, cutting-edge innovations, and ancient traditions, this contradictory city is essentially a giant melting pot in the middle of the desert. Despite its reputation for extreme luxury, the maze-like streets of the old city show you a different side to Dubai – and outside the city limits, adventure beckons in the desert.
Experience the adventure of Dubai
3. Musandam Fjords, Oman
While you might think the landscape of the Middle East couldn’t be more different than the scenery of Scandinavia, there’s one striking exception. Oman’s Musandam Fjords have given it the nickname ‘the Norway of the Middle East’, and the beautiful khors (rocky inlets), deep blue waters, small villages, and winding, mountain-hugging roads are astonishingly beautiful.
The Musandam Peninsula is separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates, and its isolation makes it incredibly unique and packed with cultural eccentricities. The best way to admire this dramatic landscape is by boat, as the warm waters and pristine coral reefs are home to all kinds of marine life, and pods of dolphins will likely race alongside you.
Discover the Norway of the Middle East
4. Siwa Oasis, Egypt
If you like the idea of getting off the beaten track, then Siwa Oasis is the stuff of desert daydreams. Located in Egypt’s Western Desert, just 50km from the Libyan border, this fertile basin boasts warm, clear springs, a huge salt lake, and shady groves of olive and palm trees. Getting here isn’t quick or easy, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Siwa Oasis has 10 times more palm trees than people, and wandering through these mud-brick hamlets and past trundling donkey carts feels like stepping back in time. The surrounding desert offers plenty of adventure, from sandboarding to desert safaris, and the sunsets here are spectacular. If you stay overnight, the brightness of the stars will leave you spellbound.
Get off the beaten track in Egypt
5. Petra, Jordan
Home to dramatic desert landscapes and the dazzling Dead Sea, Jordan has delighted tourists for centuries. If you’re fascinated by ancient history, however, the must-see attraction is undoubtedly Petra – a spectacular sandstone city that was built in the third century BCE. Located in the remote Shara mountains and hidden from the outside world, Petra remains shrouded in mystery.
Undiscovered by the West until 1812, it’s since become viewed as one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’. Here, ornate palaces, temples, tombs, theatres, storerooms, and stables are carved directly into the cliff face, and while 2,000 years of wind have softened the sharp edges, it remains utterly magnetic. Its sheer size warrants at least two days of exploration.
Experience the magnetic beauty of Petra
6. Sharqiya Sands, Oman
South of Oman’s beguiling capital Oman are rolling red sand dunes known as Sharqiya Sands (or locally as ‘Wahiba Sands’). While there’s much more to the Middle Eastern landscape than desert and sand, there’s something haunting about the scale and solitude of the ‘Empty Quarter’ – the vast desert that encompasses most of the southern third of the Arabian Peninsula.
Due to its accessibility, Sharqiya Sands is the best place to discover the endless beauty of this region, and there’s plenty to see and do, from sand surfing to stargazing. Walking along the rippled red waves, which have been shaped by the winds, is an unforgettable experience. And, as the indigenous Bedouin people live here, visiting gives you a glimpse into a traditional nomadic way of life.
Soak up the splendour of the Sharqiya Sands
7. Sheik Zayed Mosque, United Arab Emirates
Dubai might be the most popular destination in the United Arab Emirates, but Abu Dhabi is just as impressive. While it grew equally quickly as its sister city, it managed to retain a far more authentic culture – so if you’re interested in Emirati culture and history, this might be the place for you.
The city’s most exciting attraction is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Rising imposingly from manicured lawns, this huge structure is the largest of its kind and one of the few mosques here that’s open to non-Muslims. With over 90,000 tonnes of pure white marble, inlaid with countless precious stones, and 80 marble domes held aloft by 1,000 pillars, it’s a masterpiece of modern Islamic design.
Be awed in Abu Dhabi
Final thoughts…
Home to endless deserts and dramatic fjords, ancient beauty and modern architecture, and bustling souks and serene palaces, the Middle East is far more diverse than many people think.
This is a land where tiny mud villages can sit in the shadow of sprawling, modern metropolises, and where intrepid adventure-lovers are as spoilt for choice as culture enthusiasts and history buffs.
From the wonders of ancient Egypt to the modern marvels of Dubai, the Middle East really does have it all – and if you’re interested in visiting, we hope this article has inspired you!
For more travel inspiration head over to the travel section of our website.
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Have you been to any of these places – or are you interested in visiting? Do you have your own suggestions for magical things to see and do in the Middle East? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences in the comments below.