Holidays in Middle East

The Middle East combines a luxury beach holiday with dazzling cities and culture. Here are some of its best attractions.

Beaches

• Jumeirah Beach is the longest beach in Dubai, home to all-inclusive hotels.
• Visit the Emirate Palace Abu Dhabi for your own private beach and Marina.
• Ras Al Khaimah has pristine beaches fringed by the dramatic Hajar Mountains.
• Abu Dhabi has top public beaches and fantastic sand on Saadiyat and Yas Islands.

Luxury

• The Burj al Arab is among the world’s most luxurious hotels with 24-hour butlers and chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royces.
• Abu Dhabi is a prime golf destination. Stay at the Park Hyatt and enjoy the Saaduyat Beach Golf Club next door.
• Oman’s luxury retreats are ideal for honeymoons. Six Senses Zighy Bay and The Chedi Muscat have exceptional spas.

Culture & Attractions

• See beautiful architecture and places of worship at the Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi; the Mohammed Bin Salim Mosque in Ras Al Khaimah and the Bahla Fort in Oman.
• Visit a traditional souk and explore the alleyways of Dubai’s Bastikia Quarter.
• Take the family to Aquaventure Water Park and the Lost Chambers Aquarium in Dubai.

Food and Drink

• Take a dune-bashing safari across the desert and enjoy a traditional Bedouin meal.
• Dine in restaurants by Nobu, Marco Pierre White and other celebrity chefs across the UAE.

Events

• January/February: The Shopping Festival in Dubai offers top deals on designer clothes.
• February: See Dhows and traditional boats compete in The Traditional Boat Race, Oman.
• November: The Yas Marina Circuit hosts the Formula One Grand Prix every year.