Mountains, sea
and desert.
A stone resort on the edge of a gorge in Oman's mountains, Dubai's sail-shaped tower in the Gulf, and a candlelit ecolodge in Jordan's Dana reserve. This guide covers the cooler months that make travel here a pleasure, customs and dress, Ramadan, food and how to add Petra or Muscat.
- Countries
- Oman, United Arab Emirates, Jordan
- Currencies
- Omani rial · UAE dirham · Jordanian dinar
- Languages
- Arabic; English widely spoken in hotels
- Time zones
- UTC+3 (Jordan), UTC+4 (Oman, UAE); no daylight saving
- Power
- 230V · Type G (Oman, UAE); Types C, D, F, G, J (Jordan)
- Best months
- October to April; summer is extremely hot except in the mountains
- Between hotels
- Short flights: Dubai to Muscat about 1 hour, Dubai to Amman about 3 hours
- Weekend
- Friday is the main day of prayer and rest; the UAE weekend is Saturday–Sunday
Three ways to see Arabia
The Middle East rewards travellers who look beyond the stereotypes. In Oman, Alila Jabal Akhdar sits about 2,000 metres up in the Al Hajar Mountains, where terraced villages grow roses and pomegranates in the cool air.
In Dubai, Burj Al Arab is the region's most famous modern hotel: a sail of steel and glass on its own island, built for spectacle, with beaches, pools and restaurants to match.
In Jordan, Feynan Ecolodge takes the opposite approach: candles instead of chandeliers, vegetarian food, and a staff drawn from the Bedouin community, with Petra a day trip away.
Who this region suits: winter-sun seekers, hikers, families, history lovers and anyone curious about Arab hospitality.
When to go
October to April
The main season. Days are warm and sunny on the coast and in the desert, and evenings are pleasant for dining outside. January and February can be cool at night in the mountains and in Jordan, where snow occasionally falls in the highlands.
May to September
Temperatures in Dubai and Jordan's desert often pass 40°C. The Jabal Akhdar plateau stays much cooler, and Omani families head there in summer. Beach and pool days in Dubai are best early and late.
Ramadan
The dates move about 11 days earlier each year. Hotels operate as normal, but in public, eat and drink discreetly during daylight. Evenings come alive with iftar meals, which can be a highlight of a visit.
Getting around
The three countries are linked by short flights. In Oman you'll want a car, and a four-wheel drive for the mountain road to Jabal Akhdar. In Jordan, drivers and guides are easy to arrange, and the King's Highway is one of the region's great road trips.
| Journey | Best way | Typical time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai to Muscat | Flight | ≈ 1h 10m | Or about 5 hours by road with a border crossing |
| Muscat to Jabal Akhdar | 4x4 | ≈ 2h 30m | 4x4 required past the checkpoint |
| Dubai to Amman | Flight | ≈ 3h 15m | Several daily services |
| Amman to Feynan | Car | ≈ 3h | Then lodge 4x4 for the final stretch |
| Feynan to Petra | Car | ≈ 1h 30m–2h | Via the desert highway |
| Petra to Wadi Rum | Car | ≈ 1h 45m | For desert camps and jeep tours |
A ten-night route across three countries
- 1
Dubai · 3 nights at Burj Al Arab
Arrive Dubai InternationalBeach and pools, old Dubai and the souks, and the skyline at sunset.
- 2
Oman · 3 nights at Alila Jabal Akhdar
Fly to Muscat, about 1 hour, then drive 2h 30mTerraced villages, Nizwa Fort and starry mountain nights.
- 3
Jordan · 4 nights at Feynan Ecolodge
Fly Muscat to Amman via Dubai or Doha, then drive about 3hWadi hikes, Bedouin hospitality and a day at Petra.
Customs and etiquette
- Dress: cover shoulders and knees in towns, souks and villages. Swimwear is fine at hotel pools and beaches.
- Hospitality: accepting coffee or tea when offered is polite; shaking the cup gently signals you've had enough Arabic coffee.
- Right hand: eat and pass things with your right hand.
- Photography: ask before photographing people, especially women.
- Affection: keep public displays of affection to a minimum.
- Alcohol: served in licensed hotels and restaurants; never drink in public places.
What to eat
Shuwa
Lamb marinated in spices and slow-cooked underground for a day or more, a festive dish.
Halwa
A sticky sweet of sugar, rosewater and cardamom, served with coffee.
Mansaf
Lamb cooked in fermented dried yoghurt, served over rice: Jordan's national dish.
Maqluba
Rice, vegetables and meat cooked in a pot and turned upside down to serve.
Luqaimat
Small fried dumplings drizzled with date syrup.
Mezze
Hummus, moutabal, tabbouleh and warm bread to share.
Places worth adding
Petra
The rose-red Nabataean city, from the Siq to the Monastery.
Wadi Rum
Red desert valleys and Bedouin camps; spend a night under the stars.
Dead Sea
Float in the lowest point on earth.
Muscat
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Mutrah corniche and souq.
Wahiba Sands
Rolling dunes and desert camps, about 2 hours from Nizwa.
Abu Dhabi
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Three houses, three countries
Open any tab to read the full dossier: rooms, a three-day plan, dining, experiences, transfers, climate and local know-how.
The Middle East hotels compared
Middle East: frequently asked
Is the region safe for travellers?
Oman, the UAE and Jordan are popular, well-organised destinations. Check your government's current travel advice before you go, as conditions in the wider region can change.
What should I wear?
Light, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees in public areas. Pack a warm layer for Jabal Akhdar and for desert nights.
Can I visit during Ramadan?
Yes. Hotels run normally, but eat and drink discreetly in public during daylight. Some sights have shorter hours.
Do I need a visa?
Rules depend on your nationality. Many visitors get visas on arrival or online; the Jordan Pass combines the visa with entry to Petra.
Is Feynan suitable for children?
Yes, for families who enjoy the outdoors. Evenings are candlelit and simple, which many children love.
Do I need a 4x4 in Oman?
Only for the mountain road to Jabal Akhdar, where police check vehicles at the start of the climb.