Beyond Dubai: 6 Middle East Destinations to Recommend to Your Clients

Dubai is a brilliant holiday destination, but when a client says they want to visit the Middle East, it doesn’t have to be the automatic answer.

There’s a whole region of fascinating places to explore, each with a very different feel. From Oman’s mountains and deserts to the ancient wonders of Jordan, there are plenty of options for clients who want something beyond the usual city break.

So, if you have a client who’s open to trying somewhere different, here are six destinations worth talking to them about.

Oman: For the client who wants a bit of everything

Oman is a great one to have in your back pocket. It has mountains, deserts, beaches, wadis and historic towns, so clients can pack a lot into one trip without it feeling like they’re rushing around.

They could spend a few days exploring Muscat, head into the mountains, camp beneath the stars in the desert and finish with some time on the coast.

And for clients who like their adventure with a side of luxury, Oman does that very well too.

Perfect for: Couples, adventure seekers, luxury travellers and anyone looking for something a little different.

Jordan: For the client who wants to come home with stories

Some holidays are about switching off. Others are about seeing things you’ve never seen before. Jordan definitely falls into the second category.

Petra alone is reason enough to go, but there’s so much more to it. Clients can float in the Dead Sea, spend a night in the desert at Wadi Rum and experience traditional Bedouin culture along the way.

It’s the kind of destination where the itinerary becomes part of the holiday.

Perfect for: History buffs, culture lovers, adventurous couples and first-time visitors to the Middle East.

Abu Dhabi: For the client who likes luxury, but not the hustle

Abu Dhabi has all the luxury you’d expect from the UAE, but it has a more relaxed feel than Dubai.

Think beautiful beaches, impressive hotels, desert experiences and cultural highlights such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

It’s also an easy one to combine with Dubai, so clients don’t necessarily have to choose between the two.

Perfect for: Couples, families, luxury travellers and clients looking for a more relaxed UAE escape.

Saudi Arabia: For the client who’s already been everywhere else

For the client who tells you they’ve done Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar and now want somewhere new, look towards Saudi Arabia.

AlUla is a standout, with its huge desert landscapes, ancient sites and incredible rock formations. Then there’s the Red Sea coastline and a growing choice of luxury experiences.

It feels different from the more established Middle Eastern holiday destinations, which is exactly what makes it appealing to adventurous travellers.

Perfect for: Experienced travellers, culture seekers and clients who want to be somewhere a little less familiar.

Qatar: For the client who wants a short escape

Doha is an easy destination to overlook, but it works really well for a shorter Middle East break.

There’s plenty to see around the city, from the colourful Souq Waqif to the Museum of Islamic Art, while clients can also head out into the desert for something completely different.

And because Doha is a major international hub, it can work particularly well as a stopover too.

Perfect for: City breakers, couples, luxury travellers and clients looking to add a few days onto a longer trip

Bahrain: For the client who wants to try somewhere new

Bahrain is one to keep in mind when a client wants to experience the Middle East but doesn’t necessarily want to follow the usual route.

It’s small enough to explore easily, with a mix of modern restaurants and hotels, traditional markets and plenty of history. It also offers a different side of the Gulf that clients may not have considered.

For repeat visitors to the region, that can be a big part of the appeal.

Perfect for: Curious travellers, couples, repeat Middle East visitors and culture lovers.

So, where should you send your client?

The great thing about the Middle East is that you can tailor it around the client.

And if they’re looking for a shorter break, Qatar or Bahrain could be just the ticket.

The next time a client says, “I’d love to visit the Middle East,” don’t just think Dubai. There’s a lot more out there.

Need help putting together the right Middle East itinerary for your client? Get in touch with us today!