arabiatoday

Travel

Places to go, things to do and tips for getting around.

Flat lay of lightweight modest clothing including a scarf, linen shirt, and sandals for travel.
Travel

What to Wear in the Gulf: A Practical Guide to Dressing Respectfully

Dressing appropriately in the Gulf balances comfort with cultural respect. Learn what to pack for city sightseeing, mosque visits and beach days.

Red sand dunes and towering sandstone cliffs in Wadi Rum, Jordan
Travel

Wadi Rum, Jordan: A Journey Through the Valley of the Moon

Discover the otherworldly red desert of Wadi Rum, a protected wilderness of towering sandstone cliffs, ancient rock art and Bedouin hospitality.

Mud-brick walls and towers of Bahla Fort rising above palm trees in Oman
Travel

Bahla Fort, Oman: A Practical Guide to the Desert Oasis Fortress

Discover Bahla Fort, Oman's largest and most atmospheric mud-brick fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in legends and history.

The Treasury at Petra seen through the narrow Siq canyon
Travel

Petra, Jordan: A Practical Guide to the Rose City

Everything you need to know before visiting Petra, from the walk through the Siq to the climb to the Monastery.

Aerial view of Al Zubarah Fort surrounded by desert and archaeological ruins in Qatar
Travel

Al Zubarah Fort: A Practical Guide to Qatar's UNESCO Heritage Site

Explore the ruins of a once-thriving pearl fishing and trading town, protected by a restored fort and surrounded by desert.

Traditional stone houses and green terraces in the Asir mountains of Saudi Arabia
Travel

Asir: A Practical Guide to Saudi Arabia's Cool Mountain Heartland

Escape the heat and discover the green terraces, historic villages and mountain culture of Saudi Arabia's Asir region.

A falcon perched on a gloved hand with desert background
Travel

Falconry in the Gulf: A Practical Guide to an Ancient Tradition

Discover how falconry evolved from a desert hunting skill into a cherished cultural pastime, and learn where and how visitors can experience it respectfully.

A traditional mud-brick village on a mountain slope in Oman with palm trees and green terraces.
Travel

Misfat Al Abriyeen: A practical guide to Oman's ancient mountain village

The village of Misfat Al Abriyeen clings to a mountainside above a green valley, its mud-brick homes and ancient falaj channels offering a glimpse of traditional Omani life.

A narrow alleyway inside Souq Al Arsah in Sharjah, lined with shops selling traditional goods, with wooden beams and a wind tower visible.
Travel

Souq Al Arsah, Sharjah: A Practical Guide to the UAE's Historic Market

Wander through one of the oldest souqs in the Emirates, where wooden doors, wind towers and the scent of oud lead to treasures and traditions.

The iconic Qasr al-Farid tomb at Hegra, Saudi Arabia, standing in a desert landscape
Travel

Hegra (Madain Saleh): A practical guide to Saudi Arabia's Nabataean city

Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a remarkable journey into the ancient Nabataean civilisation, with rock-cut tombs and desert landscapes that rival Petra.

Winding mountain road on Jebel Hafeet with desert views
Travel

Jebel Hafeet: A Scenic Mountain Drive and Hot Springs in Al Ain

Rising 1,240 metres above the desert, Jebel Hafeet offers one of the UAE's most enjoyable mountain roads, with panoramic views and natural hot springs at its base.

A four-wheel-drive vehicle driving across sand dunes in the desert.
Travel

Desert Driving in the Gulf: A Practical Guide to Safe Off-Road Adventures

From tyre pressure to recovery gear, here is what you need to know before heading into the dunes of the Arabian Peninsula.

The Museum of the Future building in Dubai with its torus shape and Arabic calligraphy
Travel

Museum of the Future: a practical guide to Dubai's torus-shaped landmark

A calm, practical guide to visiting the Museum of the Future on Sheikh Zayed Road, with what to see, how to get there and how to make the most of your time.

A green sea turtle on a moonlit sandy beach
Travel

Ras Al Jinz: a practical guide to Oman's turtle nesting beach

Every year, thousands of endangered green turtles return to the same stretch of Omani sand to lay their eggs – and visitors can witness the spectacle with care and respect.

Traditional mud-brick buildings with triangular windows in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
Travel

Diriyah: A practical guide to Riyadh's historic heart

Just outside Riyadh, the mud-brick alleys of At-Turaif in Diriyah tell the story of the first Saudi state. Here's how to make the most of a visit.

Green mountains and a waterfall in Salalah, Oman during the khareef monsoon season.
Travel

Salalah's Khareef: A Practical Guide to Oman's Monsoon Season

Each summer, the southern Omani region of Dhofar transforms into a green, misty landscape. Here's how to experience the khareef, from waterfalls to frankincense trees.

Traditional Arabic coffee pot and cups with dates on a tray
Travel

Gahwa and Dates: A Simple Guide to Gulf Hospitality

Learn the etiquette of serving and drinking Arabic coffee, a central ritual of welcome across the Arabian Peninsula.

Clear desert night sky filled with stars above dark sand dunes
Travel

Desert Stargazing in the Gulf: A Practical Guide to the Night Sky

From moonless winter nights to ancient navigation traditions, here is how to enjoy some of the clearest skies in the Arabian Peninsula.