The security situation in the Middle East makes travelling to the region risky. These 12 safe destinations offer luxury, beaches, desert and culture – without safety concerns.
By the HolidayGenie editorial team · Updated:
For luxury and beaches, the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles are the best safe alternatives to Dubai and the Middle East; for shopping and skylines, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur; for desert and culture, Morocco or Rajasthan. The Canary Islands, Thailand and Bali offer year-round sun, while Crete and the Algarve are strong options in Europe.
Current Situation (March 2026): Iran is attacking surrounding countries with drones and missiles, including the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) and Cyprus. Always check the latest travel advisories from your government at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice before booking a trip.
What made Dubai popular – and where you can get the same (or better) safely.
Maldives, Mauritius
Singapore, Kuala Lumpur
Morocco, Rajasthan
Canary Islands, Thailand
Crete, Algarve
Bali, Seychelles
The escalating conflict involving Iran and attacks with drones and missiles on surrounding countries – including the United Arab Emirates with Dubai and Abu Dhabi – have drastically changed the security situation across the entire region. Cyprus has also been targeted by drone strikes.
Governments worldwide have tightened their travel advisories for the region. Many tour operators are offering free rebookings or cancellations. If you are looking to rebook your planned Dubai holiday, here are the best alternatives – sorted by what makes Dubai so popular: luxury, beaches, shopping, desert and culture.
Sorted by what made Dubai popular – so you can find exactly what you are looking for.
The ultimate luxury upgrade
Overwater villas with glass floors, private infinity pools, underwater restaurants and reefs right on your doorstep. What Dubai created artificially (The Palm, The World) occurs naturally in the Maldives.
Luxury meets nature
Five-star resorts surrounded by spectacular nature: coral reefs, rainforests, waterfalls and the famous 'underwater waterfall' illusion. Plus exquisite cuisine blending French, Creole and Indian flavours.
The most beautiful beaches in the world
Anse Source d'Argent is regarded as the most beautiful beach in the world – granite boulders, turquoise water, white sand. Pristine nature, giant tortoises and world-class resorts spread across 115 islands.
The better version of Dubai
A breathtaking skyline (Marina Bay Sands), world-class shopping (Orchard Road), Michelin-starred restaurants and hawker stalls for 3 € – plus Gardens by the Bay and one of the safest cities on the planet.
Luxury shopping at half the price
Petronas Towers (skyline), enormous malls (Pavilion, Suria KLCC), luxury hotels from 60 €/night and the best street food in Asia. A melting pot of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures.
The real Orient
Marrakech with its medina, camel trekking in the Sahara near Merzouga, the blue city of Chefchaouen and riads (traditional townhouses) as accommodation. Authentic Oriental flair rather than a stage set.
Palaces and desert
Maharaja palaces converted into hotels (Taj Lake Palace, Umaid Bhawan), the Thar Desert with camel safaris, the pink city of Jaipur and the golden city of Jaisalmer. Opulence and exoticism at the highest level.
Safe in Europe, warm all year round
20–28 °C all year, no security risks, EU standards, no time difference (only 1h). Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote – each island has its own character.
Exoticism, beaches and temples
Dream beaches (Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi), fascinating temples (Bangkok, Chiang Mai), world-class street food for 2 € and the friendliest people. Plus wellness, Thai massage and night markets.
Spirituality and luxury
Infinity pools overlooking rice terraces, yoga retreats, Hindu temples, volcano hikes and surf beaches. Ubud for culture, Seminyak for beach clubs, Uluwatu for surfers.
Beaches, culture and Greek cuisine
Greece's largest island: dream beaches (Elafonisi, Balos), millennia-old culture (Knossos), the finest cuisine in Greece, hiking gorges (Samaria) and 300 days of sunshine.
Europe's most beautiful coast
Golden rock cliffs, hidden coves, world-class golf courses and some of the finest seafood restaurants in Europe. 300 days of sunshine, friendly people and prices below the European average.
If there is an official travel warning from the Foreign Office for your destination, you can cancel a package holiday free of charge; many tour operators also offer free rebooking. Additionally, check whether your travel cancellation insurance covers extraordinary circumstances such as war and terrorism.
With an official travel warning in place, you are generally entitled to cancel your package holiday free of charge. Many operators are currently also offering free rebooking to other destinations – contact your tour operator directly.
Check whether your travel cancellation insurance covers extraordinary circumstances such as war and terrorism. Most comprehensive policies do. Your overseas health insurance may no longer apply if a travel warning has been issued.
If you book now, you can often benefit from last-minute deals for other destinations. Many travellers are currently rebooking – those who act quickly will secure the best alternatives at good prices.
Nach EU-Recht steht dir bei Flugproblemen eine Entschädigung von 250–600 € pro Person zu.* Flightright prüft deinen Anspruch kostenlos und übernimmt den gesamten Prozess – du zahlst nur im Erfolgsfall.
*Entschädigung abzgl. Erfolgsprovision (i. d. R. 20–30 % zzgl. MwSt.). Bei Gerichtsverfahren kann ein anwaltlicher Zuschlag von 14 % anfallen. | Affiliate-Link – bei erfolgreicher Vermittlung erhalten wir eine Provision.
Frequently asked questions
When planning your alternative trip, the holiday finder can assist with destination selection, the budget calculator can help with costs, and the packing list is useful for preparation. Our safety tips highlight what you should be aware of worldwide.
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