Destinations in Middle East

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth's surface at around 430 meters below sea level and one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena on our planet. With a salt concentration of over 30 percent - ten times higher than that of the ocean - every visitor can effortlessly float on the surface, a surreal experience that one should have at least once in a lifetime. German travelers often combine the Dead Sea with a tour of Jordan and enjoy the healing effects of the mineral-rich mud and water after desert hikes in Wadi Rum and the rock city of Petra. The Jordanian side offers luxurious wellness resorts right on the shore, while the dramatic desert landscape with its ochre cliffs and blazing sun creates an almost unreal backdrop. Here, geological sensation meets oriental hospitality.

The Dead Sea is one of the most extraordinary places on Earth — the lowest point on the Earth's surface, 430 meters below sea level, and the saltiest body of water in the world. Floating here, without having to move, while reading a newspaper is a surreal experience that everyone should have at least once. The salt content of 34% — ten times higher than normal seawater — makes it physically impossible to sink. You step into the water and are instantly pushed upwards. The feeling of weightlessness while drifting on the surface and looking at the barren mountains of Jordan and Israel is both amusing and meditative. The black mineral mud on the shore has been valued for its healing properties since ancient times. Cleopatra is said to have used it for her beauty care. Even today, visitors cover themselves from head to toe with the mud, let it dry, and rinse it off in the mineral-rich water — the skin feels silky smooth afterward. The minerals (magnesium, calcium, potassium) are said to help with skin diseases, rheumatism, and respiratory illnesses. The Jordanian side offers the best access: luxury spas and resorts like Kempinski and Mövenpick are located right on the shore and offer pools, spa treatments, and private beach sections. Alternatively, there is the public Amman Beach for budget travelers. However, the Dead Sea is dramatically shrinking — the water level drops by one meter each year, and the coastline has retreated by kilometers since the 1960s. A visit therefore carries a sense of urgency: this natural wonder will become significantly smaller in the coming decades. Combined with Petra (3 hours), Wadi Rum, and Amman, the Dead Sea is an essential part of any trip to Jordan.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, combines Arab tradition with breathtaking modernity in a way that even neighboring Dubai pales in comparison in some respects. While Dubai is known for its superlatives, Abu Dhabi focuses on class, culture, and a thoughtful elegance that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. The absolute highlight is the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the largest mosque in the Emirates and one of the most impressive religious buildings in the world. With 82 white marble domes, gilded columns, and the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world, it is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. At sunset, when the white marble glows in shades of pink and gold, it offers a sight of overwhelming beauty. On Saadiyat Island, a world-class cultural district is gradually taking shape. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel, floats with its delicate dome like a rain of light over a collection that spans millennia of human creativity. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and other museums are in planning and will further emphasize the city's cultural aspirations. Yas Island is the entertainment hub of the region. The Yas Marina Circuit hosts the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World offers the fastest roller coaster in the world, and Yas Waterworld is among the best water parks on the planet. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the first marine theme park in the region, has been added to the offerings since 2023. However, Abu Dhabi also preserves its Bedouin roots. The Heritage Village showcases traditional desert life, and excursions to the Liwa Oasis on the edge of the Rub al Khali — the largest sand desert in the world — allow for dune bashing, camel rides, and overnight stays under the desert starry sky. The Corniche, an eight-kilometer-long waterfront promenade, is the green belt of the city. Here, locals and visitors alike jog, stroll, and picnic while enjoying views of the Persian Gulf and the glittering skyline. The culinary scene ranges from authentic shawarma stands in the old town to Michelin-starred restaurants in luxury hotels.

Wadi Rum, the Valley of the Moon in southern Jordan, is a desert landscape of otherworldly beauty: Massive sandstone cliffs in shades of red, orange, and violet rise like cathedrals from the red sand, while the silence of the desert is only interrupted by the wind. It is no coincidence that Wadi Rum served as a film set for Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian, and Star Wars. The Bedouins of Zalabia and Eid offer jeep safaris, camel rides, and guided climbing tours through the rugged rock world. Highlights include the Khazali Canyon with its millennia-old Thamudic rock carvings, the natural rock bridge Burdah Rock Bridge, and Lawrence's Spring, where T.E. Lawrence rested during his desert campaigns. Sand boarding over the red dunes is a popular adventure. However, the true magic unfolds at sunset and at night: When the rocks are bathed in fiery red and later one of the clearest starry skies in the world appears, you understand why Wadi Rum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight stays in Bedouin camps under the open sky or in luxury bubble tents with panoramic views are unforgettable. The combination with Petra and Aqaba on the Red Sea makes Jordan a perfect travel destination.

Doha is the capital of Qatar and one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. The skyline along the Persian Gulf, reminiscent of Manhattan, reflects in the waters of the Corniche and embodies the transformation from a sleepy pearl diving settlement to a futuristic metropolis. The 2022 World Cup put Doha on the world map, but the city has much more to offer than just stadiums. The Souq Waqif is the cultural heart of the city — a restored traditional market that has preserved authentic Arab flair despite its tourist upgrade. Spice merchants, falcon sellers, perfumed incense stalls, and art galleries line a labyrinth of alleys. In the evening, the Souq transforms into a lively promenade with shisha lounges, restaurants, and live music. The Museum of Islamic Art, designed by star architect I.M. Pei, is one of the most significant museums in the Middle East. The building itself — situated on a peninsula overlooking the skyline — is a masterpiece. The collection spans 1,400 years of Islamic art, from ceramics and textiles to calligraphy, jewelry, and weapons. The Corniche, a 7-kilometer-long waterfront promenade, connects the old town with the futuristic West Bay District. In the evening, when the skyscrapers shine in colorful lights and temperatures drop to comfortable levels, a walk along the Corniche is the perfect Doha experience. The Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid) — a bay in the desert where the sea meets the sand dunes — is Doha's most spectacular natural wonder. A jeep safari over high sand dunes leads to this UNESCO-protected site, where the border with Saudi Arabia runs. The combination of desert, sea, and absolute nothingness is surreal and photogenic.

Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city and the gateway to the Red Sea. Located at the northernmost tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, the city offers surprisingly good diving and snorkeling, warm winter weather, and the perfect location as a base for excursions to Wadi Rum and Petra. The underwater world off Aqaba is a well-kept secret. While most travelers associate the Red Sea with Egypt, Aqaba's reefs offer comparable quality with significantly fewer divers. The Japanese Garden, Cedar Pride (a sunken wreck), and the Aqaba Marine Park are home to colorful corals, turtles, lionfish, and occasionally dolphins. The special thing: Many dive spots are accessible directly from the shore — no boat needed. The city itself is manageable and relaxed. The Corniche, a palm-lined waterfront promenade, invites you to stroll, and the souk offers spices, nuts, and souvenirs. The Archaeological Museum and the ruins of the Ayla Islamic City from the 7th century are interesting stops between dives. Aqaba's true strength is its strategic location: Wadi Rum is just an hour away, Petra two hours, and the Dead Sea three hours. The combination "Aqaba-Wadi Rum-Petra-Dead Sea" is the classic Jordan route and can be perfectly managed in 5-7 days. In winter, when cold weather prevails in Europe, Aqaba enjoys temperatures around 22-25°C and a water temperature of 21°C — perfect for a sunny short vacation. The new King Hussein International Airport makes getting there easy, and the special trade zone allows for duty-free shopping.

Isfahan — "Nesf-e Jahan" (the half of the world), as a Persian proverb says, for those who have seen Isfahan have seen half the world. The former capital of the Safavid Empire in the heart of Iran is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and houses some of the most beautiful structures in human history. The Naqsh-e-Jahan Square (Imam Square) is the centerpiece and one of the largest public squares in the world. Surrounded by four architectural masterpieces — the Imam Mosque with its stunning turquoise dome, the Lotfollah Mosque with its cream-colored dome, the Ali-Qapu Palace, and the bazaar — the square offers an ensemble that is unmatched in its harmony and beauty worldwide. The Lotfollah Mosque, originally built as a private prayer place for the Shah, is considered one of the most perfect buildings of Islamic architecture. Its interior is a kaleidoscope of turquoise and golden tiles that change in the light, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. The Si-o-se-pol Bridge (33 arches) and the Khaju Bridge over the Zayandeh River are architectural wonders that combine bridge, dam, and meeting point. In the evenings, Isfahanis gather under the arches of the Khaju Bridge to sing and drink tea — a magical experience of Persian sociability. The Great Bazaar of Isfahan stretches two kilometers from Imam Square and is a labyrinth of vaults where craftsmen have worked for centuries. Coppersmiths, miniature painters, carpet weavers, and calligraphers keep traditions alive that date back centuries. Isfahan is also a center of Persian hospitality. Strangers are regularly invited for tea, and the warmth of the people often contrasts with the image that Western media portray of Iran. A visit to Isfahan changes perspectives.

Amman, the capital of Jordan, surprises visitors with its mix of ancient history, vibrant Arab culture, and a surprisingly modern gastronomy and art scene. Built on seven hills — like Rome — the city offers fascinating contrasts between the chaotic old town Downtown and the elegant districts of Abdoun and Sweifieh with their cafes and galleries. The Citadel on Jebel al-Qala overlooks the city and combines Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad ruins on a plateau with panoramic views over the endless sea of white houses. The Roman amphitheater for 6,000 spectators in Downtown is excellently preserved and is still used for events today. The Rainbow Street boulevard features charming cafes, bookstores, and street art with views over the old town. Culinarily, Amman is an underrated gem: Mansaf, the Jordanian national dish made of lamb, fermented yogurt, and rice, is best served at Sufra or Tawaheen al-Hawa. The street markets in Downtown offer freshly squeezed juices, falafel, and Knafeh, the famous cheese pastry with orange blossom water. Amman is the ideal starting point for excursions to Petra, the Dead Sea, or Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy.

The Sharqiyah Sands (formerly Wahiba Sands) in eastern Oman are a desert straight out of a storybook: endless dunes in warm gold and red tones stretch to the horizon, shaped by the wind into elegant crests and waves that reinvent themselves with each position of the sun. What sets this desert apart from others is its accessibility: just two hours from Muscat, it offers an authentic desert experience without the extreme remoteness of the Rub al-Khali. The dunes of Sharqiyah reach heights of up to 100 meters and offer a range of experiences: from dune bashing with 4x4 vehicles over the steep sand slopes to sandboarding, which takes you down the dunes at surprising speeds. Camel rides at dusk follow the trails of the Bedouins, who still live on the fringes of the desert and welcome their guests with famous Omani hospitality. The nights in the desert are the true highlight: far from any light pollution, a starry sky of overwhelming brilliance reveals itself. The desert camps — from simple Bedouin tents to luxurious glamping resorts — offer the chance to sleep under this sky, awakened by the sunrise that bathes the dunes in a play of colors of pink, gold, and purple. The surroundings of the desert enhance the experience: Wadi Bani Khalid, just a short drive away, surprises with emerald green natural pools in a rocky oasis — the perfect contrast to the sandy desert. The traditional oasis villages on the desert's edge, where date palms, goats, and the characteristic Omani mud towers dominate the landscape, showcase authentic life in the Sultanate.

Muscat, the capital of Oman, stretches along a dramatic coastline between rugged mountains and the Arabian Sea. In contrast to its glittering neighbor Dubai, Muscat emphasizes subtle elegance and authentic Arab culture. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque impresses with the world's largest hand-woven carpet, while the Royal Opera House Muscat offers world-class performances in opulent architecture. The Mutrah Souq, with its narrow, incense-scented alleys, is one of the oldest markets on the Arabian Peninsula. The Corniche promenade connects the historic port with modern districts. Muscat is the gateway to the spectacular wadis, the Wahiba Sands desert, and the fjords of Musandam. Oman is considered one of the safest countries in the world, and Muscat is regarded as the cleanest capital in the Middle East.

The Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan's largest nature reserve and a hidden gem away from the famous Petra-Wadi Rum route. The 308 square kilometer reserve stretches from the mountain ridges of the Jordan Rift Valley to the desert landscape of Wadi Araba and encompasses four different ecological zones in this dramatic elevation difference — from Mediterranean vegetation to sandstone desert to savanna landscape. The village of Dana, picturesque on a mountain ridge above the eponymous Wadi, is the starting point for hikes. The stone houses of the centuries-old village have been lovingly restored and now house a guesthouse of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). From the terrace, one looks into a massive gorge with color layers ranging from red to gold to white — particularly breathtaking at sunset. The hikes in the reserve are among the most impressive in Jordan: The Wadi Dana Trail leads down through the gorge to the ruins of a Copper Age settlement. The Rummana Trail offers panoramic views over the entire Rift Valley. And the multi-day crossing from Dana to Feynan — a desert ecolodge lit entirely by candles — is one of the most unique trekking experiences in the Middle East. The Feynan Ecolodge at the southern end of the reserve is an award-winning sustainability project: solar-powered, without electricity in the rooms, illuminated solely by hundreds of candles. In the evenings, guests gather on the rooftop terrace for stargazing — the night sky over the desert is one of the clearest in the world. Dana is home to 700 plant species and 215 bird species, including rare species such as the Nubian ibex, the Syrian striped hyena, and the sand cat. For nature lovers looking to escape the mass tourism of Petra and Wadi Rum, Dana is the perfect retreat.

Salalah, the second largest city in Oman, is a well-kept secret of the Arabian Peninsula. While the rest of the region broils in summer heat, the coastal plain of Dhofar transforms into a lush green oasis from June to September due to the Khareef monsoon — a phenomenon that attracts visitors from across the Gulf region and one that you would never expect in this corner of the world. The transformation is spectacular: waterfalls cascade from the cliffs, wadis fill with crystal-clear water, and the otherwise barren mountains of the Dhofar range are covered with a dense green carpet. It’s as if someone transplanted a piece of Ireland into the Arabian desert. Wadi Darbat, the largest waterfall in Oman, is particularly impressive during the Khareef. But Salalah delights not only in summer. The city is the historical center of the incense route, and the trade of the precious resin has shaped the region for over 5,000 years. The UNESCO World Heritage site “Land of Frankincense” includes the archaeological sites of Al-Baleed and Shisr (the ancient Ubar), where caravans once began their journey across the Arabian Peninsula. The Al-Baleed Museum brings the fascinating history to life. The endless white sandy beaches of Salalah — Al Mughsail Beach, Fazayah Beach, and Raysut Beach — are among the most beautiful and unspoiled in the entire region. The blowholes of Al Mughsail, where the sea is shot high into the air through rock openings, are a spectacular natural spectacle. Salalah is also the center of frankincense production. The Al-Husn Souk is filled with the intoxicating scent of fresh frankincense, and visitors can sample and purchase various qualities. Frankincense trees, which grow almost exclusively in Dhofar and parts of Yemen and Somalia, thrive in the mountains above the city — a botanical wonder. The cosmopolitan history of Salalah is also reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Influences from East Africa, India, and Yemen blend into a unique culture that is distinctly different from the rest of Oman.

Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, is a city of contradictions and resilience. Despite civil war, political crises, and the devastating port explosion of 2020, Beirut remains the cultural heart of the Middle East — a city that continually reinvents itself. The Corniche promenade offers views of the Raouché rocks, while the restored city center around the Place de l'Étoile combines Ottoman, French, and modern architecture. Beirut is the party capital of the Arab world: Mar Mikhäl and Gemmayzeh pulse with bars, clubs, and galleries. Lebanese cuisine — hummus, tabbouleh, kibbeh, fresh fish — is among the best in the world. In the mountains just 30 minutes away, you can ski in winter and swim in the Mediterranean on the same day. The Phoenician ruins of Byblos and the Roman temples of Baalbek are within reach for day trips.

Socotra is the most extraterrestrial place on Earth. This isolated island in the Indian Ocean, 350 kilometers off the coast of Yemen, has been separated from the mainland for over 20 million years — so long that evolution took its own paths here, resulting in a flora that exists nowhere else on the planet. Over a third of the plant species are endemic, earning Socotra the nickname "Galápagos of the Indian Ocean." The iconic landmark is the Dragon's Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari) — a tree that looks as if designed by a science fiction illustrator: a thick trunk branches out into a perfect umbrella crown reminiscent of an inverted umbrella. The tree's red resin — the namesake "Dragon's Blood" — has been traded since ancient times as medicine, dye, and varnish. Entire forests of these surreal trees cover the island's high plateau, creating a landscape that exists in no other corner of the Earth. The Bottle Tree Desert (Adenium forests) presents another bizarre sight: bulbous, water-storing trunks bear tiny pink flowers on bare branches — trees that look like living sculptures. The Desert Rose (Adenium socotranum), the cucumber tree, and dozens of other endemic species turn every walk into a botanical adventure. But Socotra is not just about botany: the beaches are among the most pristine in the world. Qalansia Beach on the west coast stretches like a dazzling white crescent in front of turquoise waters, and the sand dunes of Stero rise like a miniature Sahara by the sea. The caves of Hoq contain stalactites and stalagmites of impressive dimensions, and deep-sea dives reveal an equally unique underwater world. The few thousand island inhabitants still largely live as fishermen and herders — tourism exists only in its infancy, making Socotra one of the last truly undiscovered travel destinations in the world.