This 30-day journey through the Middle East took us to vibrant cities and historical gems. Starting in Dubai, we marveled at modern architecture before exploring the cultural richness of Abu Dhabi. In Muscat, we immersed ourselves in Omani traditions, while Doha offered a mix of contemporary style and heritage. The trip continued to Jeddah for a look at Red Sea beauty, followed by a visit to Madinah for spiritual exploration. AlUla and Hail revealed stunning desert landscapes and thousands-of-years-old rock art, offering a glimpse into the ancient past. Finally, we experienced the grandeur of Riyadh, blending tradition with a booming modern vibe. Each city showcased the unique charm of the region.
Middle East Travel Journal Day 0: Arriving Dubai
Activity: Arrived in Dubai during Ramadan; impressed by the sleek, modern airport and surprised by cultural contrasts ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 1: Dubai
Activity: Visit Dragon Mart for shopping, explore the Dubai Frame, marvel at Burj Khalifa, shop at Dubai Mall, and enjoy the Dubai Fountain Show ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 2: Dubai
Activity: Take a thrilling Dubai Desert Safari, experiencing exciting dune bashing, quad biking, and camel riding through the stunning desert landscapes …
Middle East Travel Journal Day 3: Dubai
Activity: Visit The Palm Jumeirah—ride the scenic monorail, and take in breathtaking views from The Palm Tower …
Middle East Travel Journal Day 4: Dubai
Activity: Visit Dubai Old Town. (Including Al Fahidi Historic District, Gold Souk and Spice Souk), visit Museum of The Future ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 5: Drive to Abu Dhabi
Activity: Drive to Abu Dhabi, marvel at the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and explore the majestic Qasr Al Watan palace ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 6: Abu Dhabi
Activity: Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum to admire iconic art collections, then explore shopping, dining, and entertainment at Abu Dhabi Mall ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 7: Abu Dhabi
Activity: Visit Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld on Yas Island, experiencing thrilling rides and various water attractions in Abu Dhabi ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 8: Drive to Muscat
Activity: Drive five hours to Muscat, Oman, with a stop to explore the cultural sights and landscapes of Al Ain along the way ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 9: Muscat
Activity: Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muttrah Souq, Old Muscat and National Museum ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 10: Muscat
Activity: Take a day trip to Nakhal, explore the historic Nakhal Fort, and relax at the peaceful Ain Al Thawarah spring ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 11: Muscat
Activity: Take a day trip to Nizwa, exploring Nizwa Fort, Bahla Fort, and Jabreen Castle ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 12: Muscat
Activity: Take a dry trip to Sur. Visit Bimmah Sinkhole, the Dhow Factory, tour Sur city and beautiful coastline ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 13: Muscat
Activity: Visit the Royal Opera House Muscat for a fascinating tour of its stunning architecture, then relax at the serene Qurum Beach with stunning views ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 14: Fly to Doha
Activity: Fly from Muscat to Doha, Qatar, transitioning from Omani heritage to futuristic cityscapes and vibrant culture ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 15: Doha
Activity: Visit the Museum of Islamic Art to explore stunning exhibits, shop at Souq Waqif, and enjoy a scenic walk along the coastline ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 16: Doha
Activity: Visit National Museum of Qatar, Katara Cultural Village, drive by Lusail Stadium and take photos ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 17: Doha
Activity: Visit Imam Abdul Wahhab Mosque and Mall of Qatar. Take a Night Stroll Along Doha’s Coastline ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 18: Fly to Jeddah
Activity: Fly from Doha to Jeddah, entering Saudi Arabia’s gateway to the Red Sea and historic Hijaz ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 19: Jeddah
Activity: Visit Jeddah Fishing Pier, Al Rahma Mosque (Floating Mosque), the historic Al-Balad district and Gate to Mecca ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 20: Drive to Madinah
Activity: Drive four and half hours to Madinah, Saudi Arabia, visit Mount Uhud, visit outside of Dhul Hulayfah, Miqat, etc. ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 21: Drive to AlUla
Activity: Drive four hours from Madinah to AlUla through scenic deserts and rocky landscapes. Visit Maraya Concert Hall ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 22: AlUla
Activity: Visit Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore ancient Nabataean tombs and rich history ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 23: AlUla
Activity: Visit Dadan and Jabal Ikmah, ancient sites rich in history and inscriptions. Visit Old Town and AlUla Railway Station ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 24: Drive to Hail
Activity: Drive five scenic hours from AlUla to Hail, passing through vast deserts and dramatic rock formations. Visit Qishla Palace ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 25: Hail
Activity: Visit Jabal Umm Sinman to explore ancient rock art, depicting Saudi Arabia’s rich history and culture ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 26: Drive to Riyadh
Activity: Drive six hours from Hail to Riyadh, crossing expansive desert landscapes and historic heartlands of Saudi Arabia ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 27: Riyadh
Activity: Visit Edge of the World, stand atop towering cliffs at the Edge of the World, where sheer rock walls drop dramatically into the endless Arabian desert ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 28: Riyadh
Activity: Visit Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore the Kingdom Center Tower, and enjoy breathtaking views from the Sky Bridge ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 29: Riyadh
Activity: Visit the Al Masmak Palace Museum to explore history, the National Museum for cultural exhibits, and capture a photo of the iconic KAFD Metro Station ….
Middle East Travel Journal Day 30: Riyadh
Activity: Explore the vibrant Red Sand Dunes, where soft crimson sands create a stunning desert adventure near Riyadh ….
