
Middle East
— The Destination —
Modern Arabian glamour paired with the silence of the empty desert and the beaches of Saadiyat and Ras Al Khaimah. A natural stop between continents — never to be rushed. Combine Burj-side beach resorts with desert camps in the Empty Quarter, falconry at dawn and the souks and galleries of old Dubai.
— When to go —
November to March — warm, sunny days (20–28°C) and cool evenings, perfect for desert camps and rooftop dining.
Desert climate with extremely hot summers (40–48°C) and mild, pleasant winters (15–25°C). Almost no rainfall, low humidity in winter.
— Places to visit —
Burj Khalifa
the world's tallest building with observation decks above the clouds.
The Dubai Fountain
choreographed water, light and music shows at the foot of the Burj.
Old Dubai & Al Fahidi
wind-tower architecture, the gold souk, spice souk and abra crossings on Dubai Creek.
The Empty Quarter
Liwa Oasis and dunes for desert safaris, falconry and overnight camps.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Abu Dhabi's white marble masterpiece and one of the world's largest mosques.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Jean Nouvel's floating dome of light and world-class art collection.
— Beyond Dubai & the UAE —
Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat's beaches, 90 minutes south of Dubai.
Ras Al Khaimah & the Hajar Mountains
Jebel Jais and hot-spring wadis, an hour north.
Musandam Peninsula (Oman)
dhow cruises through the 'Norway of Arabia', two hours from Dubai.
Hatta
mountain enclave with kayaking on a turquoise dam, 90 minutes east.
— Where to stay —