Home Travel GuidesMiddle East

Middle East

The Middle East is a crossroads of ancient history, vibrant cultures, and striking landscapes. From the ruins of Petra to the skyline of Dubai, the region blends tradition and modernity in powerful ways. Travelers can wander spice-scented souks, float in the Dead Sea, or explore centuries-old mosques and archaeological wonders.

Copy
Link copied
Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
Print

Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles and resources to inspire—and plan—your next trip to the Middle East.

Featured Articles

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

4 Days In

Beyond the Skyscrapers and Supercars: How to Spend 4 Days in the Dubai Locals Love

An insider’s guide to the city’s heritage quarter, Hajar Mountain escapes, and the homegrown restaurants reshaping how Dubai eats.

September 22, 2026 12:17 PM

·

A mock-up of two premium economy seats from Emirates with a divider between them and a small smartphone stand on the tray table of the seat in the foreground

Air Travel News

Emirates Just Made Some Exciting New Updates to Its Premium Economy Seats

September 15, 2026 05:13 PM

·

A stunning view of Panama City's skyline with the historic Casco Viejo in the foreground under a bright blue sky.

Trending News

The Best Country for Living Abroad Is Closer to the U.S. Than You Might Think

July 28, 2026 12:23 PM

·

arial view of Rovinj, located on the Istrian Peninsula in Croatia

Where to Go in Fall

10 Best Places to Travel in September

July 22, 2026 05:06 PM

·

Japan has so many cities worth visiting, and the national airline lets you visit as many as possible in one trip.

Air Travel News

With Airfares Climbing, Here’s How to Fly to Two Destinations for the Price of One

May 8, 2026 05:46 PM

·

Locations

Abu Dhabi

May 23, 2018 11:21 AM

·

Doha

May 23, 2018 11:19 AM

·

Dubai

May 23, 2018 03:06 PM

·

Egypt

May 17, 2018 01:42 PM

·

Israel

May 17, 2018 02:07 PM

Jordan

May 23, 2018 11:20 AM

·

Saudi Arabia

January 29, 2023 10:18 AM

·

United Arab Emirates

July 22, 2024 02:23 PM

Hotels

Ritz Paris

Hotels We Love

The World’s 19 Most Romantic Hotels

These 19 hotels around the world immerse you in their destinations while carving out space for unhurried time together.

January 30, 2026 12:39 PM

·

Jennifer Flowers

Hotels We Love

These Are the Best New Hotels of 2024

AFAR’s picks for the 31 best new hotels in the world.

April 4, 2024 09:00 AM

·

Jennifer Flowers

The infinity edged pool at Tapasake at One&Only One Za'abeel in Dubai features uninterrupted views of the city's skyline.

Hotels We Love

I’ve Called Dubai Home for a Decade. These Are the 13 Hotels That Actually Capture It.

From landmark luxury resorts to intimate stays rooted in Emirati culture, these 13 standout hotels offer the best places to stay—and the strongest sense of Dubai.

September 23, 2026 09:34 AM

·

More Middle East Travel Inspiration

Semi-circle of overwater villas arranged around circular boardwalk in turquoise waters

Hotels

6 Architecturally Ambitious Hotels Attracting Attention at This Buzzy New Beach Spot

December 1, 2025 01:29 PM

·

Laura Dannen Redman

Cherry blossoms in Tokyo

Travel Tips + Etiquette

Travel Advisors Reveal 5 Types of Trips They Wish People Knew to Book Earlier—a Lot Earlier

November 13, 2025 08:18 AM

·

A 36-foot-tall statue of Ramesses II is on display in the lobby area of the Grand Egyptian Museum with dots of natural light filtering through from above

Trending News

The Long-Delayed Grand Egyptian Museum Is Finally Open—and It Was Worth the Wait

November 4, 2025 06:12 PM

·

Diriyah is a UNESCO World Heritage Site just outside of Riyadh with traditional mud-brick architecture.

Air Travel News

Delta Is Launching a New Route to the Middle East—and It’s the Only U.S. Carrier to Offer This Nonstop Flight

October 28, 2025 07:21 PM

·

a rendering shows the glass top of a hotel tower peaking through pink clouds over Dubai

Hotel News + Openings

Dubai’s Next Luxury Hotel Is Set to Be the Tallest in the World—and Reservations Are Now Open

October 13, 2025 04:15 PM

·

A tall, green mountain surrounded by rolling green mountains and mist, beneath a blue sky

Travel Tips + Etiquette

Yes, U.S. Citizens Need a Visa to Travel to These 9 Countries—Including a New One

October 13, 2025 01:05 PM

·

Sophie Friedman

Wadi Bani Khalid Oasis

Trending News

A New Tourist Visa Will Make Travel Much Easier Among 6 Gulf Countries

July 28, 2025 08:53 AM

·

Spectacular Castles Built in the Name of Love

UNESCO World Heritage

11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites That Spark Wonder, From Ancient Cities to Legendary Rocks

July 25, 2025 11:28 AM

·

Abu Dhabi’s presidential palace, Qasr Al Watan, took 150 million hours to build.

Trending News

There’s a Very Good Reason Disney Wants to Have a New Theme Park in Abu Dhabi

May 21, 2025 12:40 PM

·

Latifah Al-Hazza

A guest room at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in Dubai with a view of its sister property, Burj Al Arab

Stay Here Next

Dubai Adds Another Eye-Popping Hotel to Its Skyline, and It’s a Superyacht-Inspired Beach Retreat

May 15, 2025 03:55 PM

·

Outdoor Adventure

How to See the Wonders of the World Without the Crowds

April 25, 2025 06:30 PM

·

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Springs is now on a beautiful day in Palm Desert, United States

Accessible Travel

These Cities Are Leading the Way in a New Kind of Inclusivity for Travelers

April 17, 2025 01:08 PM

·