Travel Guide to the Middle East

Back to the Middle East in 2022
Many Middle Eastern countries popular with U.S. travelers are open to vaccinated individuals and are offering exceptional experiences, high-end hotels and an abundance of brand-new attractions.

Head to Jordan to see iconic Petra, the United Arab Emirates for Expo 2020, Turkey for the Blue Mosque and Qatar, which will welcome the much-anticipated FIFA World Cup.

Safety and Entry Requirements
It is no longer business as usual in most countries around the world and, while most countries in the Middle East are welcoming travelers, visitors need to check the most up-to-date information.

Overall, travelers should be prepared to show proof of their vaccination status to visit. Currently, most countries do not require a quarantine. Some do require PCR or antigen tests to be done either before travel or upon arrival.

3 Best Destinations
Jordan

Jordan is a safe and friendly country known for its ancient monuments and nature reserves as well as for tasty cuisine and bustling capital city, Amman. Because of its size, Jordan is easy to navigate, and a well-established tourism infrastructure makes touring the country easy and attainable.

Dubai

Dubai is the whole package. The city is a truly modern metropolis and a sight to behold. It’s home to one of the world’s tallest buildings, a variety of amusement parks, culinary delights and shopping galore. The city is an ideal destination for the high-end traveler looking for a sophisticated getaway with all the amenities at hand.

Oman

Tucked away on the Arabian peninsula, this off-the-beaten-path destination is ideal for travelers looking for something new. It is a desert haven on the sea with warm waters, white-sand beaches and some of the best diving in the world. Its capital city, Muscat, offers souks to rival Istanbul, and World Heritage Sites dot the region, providing insight into the nation’s culture and past.

5 Best Attractions in the Middle East
Istanbul

This city is where two cultures collide and blend, serving as the connection point between two continents, separated by a thin waterway leading to the Mediterranean. It is an awe-inspiring city with stunning architecture, tasty food and welcoming hospitality. Visitors are sure to tick some significant global attractions off their bucket lists here, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.

Petra

Sometimes referred to as the “Rose City,” Petra is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Jordan. It dates back to approximately 300 B.C. and served as the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. Its temples and tombs were carved into the pink sandstone cliffs, including its most well-known temple The Treasury.

Jerusalem

The holy city of Jerusalem offers visitors a truly unique experience and is home to important historic sights, including Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock. Travelers will also want to explore the Old City as well as see the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and more.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

This mosque in Abu Dhabi is a wonder to behold. It is a must-see when heading to the United Arab Emirates and is the largest mosque in the country, showcasing Moorish, Mughal and Islamic styles of architecture.

Dead Sea

Travelers can visit the Dead Sea from Jordan or Israel. It is about one hour’s drive from the city of Amman, making it a great day trip option, or visitors can stay for a couple of days. The Dead Sea is also easy to reach from Israel, just a few hours from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, and it’s easy to get around on a self-drive or on a tour.

Must See 2022 Events
Those who act fast can catch Dubai’s Expo 2020 currently running through March 31, 2022. This world expo gives visitors the chance to explore exhibits from 192 countries, each one filled with experiences for every age.

One of the most anticipated events in the region is the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. On a global scale, this tournament will likely be the biggest event taking place in the region this year as the country of Qatar welcomes players from around the world from November 21 to December 18, 2022.

Best Place for Families
For families, Dubai is ideal. The weather is warm; the destination is friendly and familiar, and there are so many interesting attractions it could take weeks to see them all.

Adults and kids alike will enjoy living and reliving their childhoods at places such as Legoland Dubai, Legoland Waterpark, Motiongate Dubai Theme Park, Bollywood Park, Ski Dubai and more.

Dubai may be located in the Middle East, but families will find many of the restaurants, hotels and shops they know and love in the U.S. throughout the city making it an easy, comfortable destination for children.

Israel is another ideal option for family travelers. The culturally rich country offers beautiful beaches, historical sights and family-friendly attractions.

Families can enjoy the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, beaches in Tel Aviv, the famous Masada Fortress and, of course, floating in the Dead Sea.

Like other destinations in the region, families will find hotels and restaurants that cater to their needs with a wide variety of dishes and amenities for every generation.

Best Places for Couples
Couples heading to the Middle East have a variety of options from secluded seaside resorts to unique hotels tucked away among remote cultural wonders or exploring the hustle and bustle of one of the region’s largest metropolises.

Head to Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman, nestled between the Gulf of Oman and the Hajar Mountains. Couples can hole up in refined villas, enjoy the resort’s private beach and dine on a mountaintop.

Those looking for romance can also head to Cappadocia, known for its “fairy chimneys” and caves as well as its stunning balloon rides. Couples looking for a unique experience can stay at the Cave Resort & Spa, Cappadocia, and travelers should allow at least two days in order to take a balloon ride.

Nothing says romance like a seven-star hotel, which is what the Burj Al Arab claims. The iconic property sits in the Arabian Gulf and is an architectural landmark as well as a luxury resort. Guests will enjoy a beautiful beach, an infinity pool terrace, stunning views, fine dining and more.

Best Places for Group Travel
Istanbul

Turkey is where East meets West, and that is literally in Istanbul. Groups have their choice of modern hotels perched along the Bosphorus, sightseeing at ancient mosques, wellness adventures and more.

Jordan

The compact country is perfect for both small and large-scale group experiences. Pack in a visit to Petra, explore the Dead Sea and enjoy high-end hotels in Amman all within a few hours’ drive.

Dubai

For a sophisticated city break, all kinds of groups will love the variety that Dubai has to offer from hotels to restaurants to activities and more. Whether it’s a spa day for a girlfriend getaway or rounds of golf during a corporate retreat, the city delivers a metropolitan experience in a unique desert setting.

Best Places for Solo Travel
Oman

Oman is a safe and relatively compact country that is easy to explore. It is on the pricier side for those on a budget but offers a lot to see and do, including the capital of Muscat, tropical Salalah, the Wahiba Sands and more.

Jordan

Jordan is an excellent introduction for first-time visitors to the Middle East, and like Oman, it’s a compact country with an abundance of tourist attractions that are easy to reach. Highlights of a visit include hiking to Petra, camping at Wadi Rum, floating in the Dead Sea and more. For those on a budget, it’s not inexpensive.

Best Foodie Destinations
Just about every destination in the Middle East is a foodie paradise. The region is home to some of the most delicious and exotic cuisines. Rich, wholesome aromatic dishes define each region and country with flavors that vary but quality that remains constant. Some dishes will be common to visitors, such as hummus, falafel and tabouleh, while others will be more exotic like umm ali and foul meddamas.

Join a food tour in major metropolises such as Istanbul, Amman, Dubai, Tel Aviv and more to explore some of the most flavorful and exotic delicacies.

Best Places for Adventure Travel
Outdoor enthusiasts will love traveling in destinations such as Jordan where hiking to Petra will be a rite of passage. Travelers can camp under the stars in Wadi Rum. Balloon rides in Cappadocia, Turkey, provide the desired adrenaline rush, and Oman offers world-class diving.

Best Places for Sports Enthusiasts
This year, the best place for sports enthusiasts hands down will be Qatar.

For years, the country has been preparing for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The event will take place later in the year, starting in November and wrapping up December 18, 2022. The event will likely draw crowds and visitors from around the world.

Unique to the Middle East
The region is considered the cradle of civilization, and some of the oldest relics of our past can be visited in the Middle East.