Middle East

The Middle East is a grand epic, a cradle of civilisations and a beautiful, complicated land that's home to some of the planet's most hospitable people.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions for your itinerary

Burj Al Arab
Dubai
The Burj Al Arab's graceful silhouette – meant to evoke the sail of a dhow (a traditional wooden cargo vessel) – is to Dubai what the Eiffel Tower is to…
Burj Khalifa
Downtown Dubai
The Burj Khalifa is a stunning feat of architecture and engineering, with two observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors and a restaurant-bar on the…
Madinat Jumeirah
Dubai
One of Dubai’s most attractive developments, Madinat Jumeirah is a contemporary interpretation of a traditional Arab village, complete with a souq (market…
Gold Souq
Deira
All that glitters is gold (and occasionally silver) along this covered arcade where dozens of shops overflow with every kind of jewelry imaginable, from…
Kite Beach
Dubai
This long, pristine stretch of white sand, a little way north of Jumeirah Public Beach, is a major draw for sporty types, with a range of activities on…
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Jerusalem
Four magnificent arches, their lintels richly decorated with Crusader crosses, herald the entrance to one of Christianity's most sacred sites. The church…
Temple Mount/Al Haram Ash Sharif
Jerusalem
There are few patches of ground as holy – or as disputed – as this one. Known to Muslims as Al Haram Ash Sharif (The Noble Sanctuary) and to Jews as Har…
Petra
Petra
The spectacular sandstone city of Petra was built in the 3rd century BC by the Nabataeans, who carved palaces, temples, tombs, storerooms and stables from…

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Articles

Latest stories from Middle East

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Driving through Rub al Khali Desert, also known as the Empty Quarter, in UAE.

Camping

I drove 5000 miles during my move from Oman to Spain. Here’s why

Apr 25, 2023 • 5 Min read

After years of living in the Middle East, writer Jenny Walker recently set off on move back to Europe, driving the whole way. Here’s why.

Art
10 movies and TV series that will inspire your next trip
Dec 30, 2022 • 4 Min read
Lonely Planet staffers share the movies and TV shows that inspire their wanderlust.
Art
Star Wars: May the force be with you at these filming locations
Apr 28, 2022 • 7 Min read
Feel the force of Star Wars: a guide to visiting the earthbound destinations once featured in a galaxy far, far away.
Neighborhoods
Our favorite lesser-known neighborhoods in the world's greatest cities
Sep 13, 2021 • 8 Min read
Tap into the pulsing energy of lesser-known neighborhoods in major cities with this list of the hottest happenings now.
Story
Journalist’s multi-year, global walking odyssey traces our early ancestors' paths
Sep 7, 2020 • 2 Min read
Since 2013, journalist Paul Salopek has been on a fascinating mission; to walk 21,000 miles to discover the routes the first humans took out of Africa.
Photography
The most unique new architectural projects in the world
Aug 25, 2020 • 0 Min read
Lonely Planet has rounded up a selection of incredible buildings and architectural projects from the Dezeen Awards 2020 longlist.
History
The world's 7 best new long-distance hikes to do in 2020
Jan 7, 2020 • 4 Min read
Several new multi-day hikes have launched that provide exclusive access to previously inaccessible areas featuring virgin landscapes and unique cultures.
History
Where to go in October
Dec 24, 2019 • 3 Min read
From the wildlife-packed plains of Tanzania to the ancient architecture of Petra in Jordan, here are the best places to visit in October.
History
Why you should make a stopover in Qatar
Dec 9, 2019 • 4 Min read
Qatar has earned its place on the tourist map, positioning itself as a vibrant and welcoming destination. Here's why you should make a short stopover.
Sports
Hiking, canyoning, climbing and more: finding adventure in the Middle East
Nov 6, 2019 • 5 Min read
The Middle East is the cradle of civilisation, a place that offers an adventurous blend of unique antiquity, thriving modernity and ultimate wilderness.