Muscat, Petra, Doha, Sharm El Sheikh, Riyadh, Byblos, And Wadi Rum: Here Are Seven Must-visit Underrated Summer Travel Destinations In The Middle East

Published on August 10, 2025 |

The Middle East is location to iconic cities and celebrated landmarks, but location are respective underrated destinations that connection a unsocial and enriching acquisition for travelers this summer. From nan stunning beaches and taste practice of Muscat successful Oman to nan ancient humanities wonders of Petra successful Jordan, nan region is afloat of hidden gems waiting to beryllium explored. Doha, nan modern superior of Qatar, offers a blend of cutting-edge architecture and taste experiences, while Sharm El Sheikh successful Egypt promises beautiful beaches and thrilling underwater adventures. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s vibrant capital, showcases a fascinating operation of contented and modernity, while Byblos successful Lebanon offers a blend of ancient ruins and Mediterranean charm. Finally, Wadi Rum successful Jordan, pinch its immense godforsaken landscapes and adventure-filled activities, completes nan database of must-visit Middle Eastern destinations. These 7 must-visit underrated summertime recreation destinations successful nan Middle East supply nan cleanable operation of culture, history, nature, and adventure, making them perfect spots for a memorable summertime getaway.

Muscat, Oman

Muscat, nan superior metropolis of Oman, is simply a hidden gem that blends modernity pinch accepted Arabian culture. Located astir 30 minutes from Muscat International Airport, it attracts astir 2 million visitors annually, making it a awesome replacement to much crowded destinations successful nan Middle East. The metropolis is known for its Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, 1 of nan largest and astir beautiful mosques successful nan region, showcasing stunning Islamic architecture. Mutrah Souq, a accepted market, offers a delightful operation of spices, textiles, and handicrafts, allowing visitors to acquisition nan section culture. For escapade lovers, Muscat offers dune bashing successful nan surrounding godforsaken and unthinkable snorkeling and diving opportunities successful nan crystal-clear waters of nan Arabian Sea. During nan summer, nan metropolis hosts nan Muscat Festival, a taste arena that celebrates Omani practice pinch music, dance, and food, providing a awesome acquisition for visitors.

Petra, Jordan

Petra, 1 of nan world’s astir celebrated archaeological sites, is simply a must-visit destination for anyone willing successful ancient history and breathtaking landscapes. Located successful confederate Jordan, Petra is easy accessible via a 2.5-hour thrust from Queen Alia International Airport. Around 1 million group sojourn Petra annually, drawn by its iconic The Treasury (Al-Khazneh), a stunning rock-cut destruction that remains 1 of nan astir recognizable landmarks successful nan world. The Siq, a constrictive canyon that leads into Petra, offers a melodramatic entranceway to this ancient city, making it a favourite for photographers. Adventure enthusiasts tin bask hiking done nan immense site, which includes climbing to higher points for panoramic views of nan godforsaken and ruins. Visitors tin besides acquisition a accepted camel ride done nan site’s surroundings, making nan acquisition moreover much immersive. Don’t miss Petra Night, held each evening, erstwhile nan tract is illuminated by thousands of candles, creating a magical ambiance that showcases nan beauty of nan ancient metropolis successful a caller light.

Doha, Qatar

Doha, nan superior of Qatar, is simply a bustling metropolis known for its modern architecture, taste landmarks, and thriving arts scene. Just a 20-minute thrust from Hamad International Airport, nan metropolis attracts astir 2.5 million visitors each year. Doha’s main attractions see nan Museum of Islamic Art, location to a immense postulation of Islamic creation and a stunning architectural design, and nan Pearl-Qatar, a luxurious man-made land offering high-end shopping and dining. Adventure seekers tin research nan godforsaken scenery surrounding nan metropolis pinch breathtaking dune safari tours, aliases bask a dhow cruise connected nan Arabian Gulf, offering stunning views of nan skyline. During nan summer, Doha hosts nan Qatar International Food Festival, bringing together world chefs and nutrient lovers to research divers cuisines and bask nan city’s vibrant culinary scene.

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Sharm El Sheikh, located connected nan Red Sea successful Egypt, is simply a celebrated but often underrated summertime destination that offers a operation of relaxation, adventure, and history. The metropolis is easy accessible via Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, conscionable 10 minutes distant from nan metropolis center, and attracts astir 5 million visitors annually, pinch astir coming for its beaches and world-class diving spots. One of Sharm El Sheikh’s main attractions is Ras Mohammed National Park, a protected marine parkland known for its colorful coral reefs and divers marine life. Naama Bay is simply a bustling area filled pinch restaurants, shops, and nightlife, while nan surrounding godforsaken offers opportunities for camel rides and off-road excursions. For those who bask diving aliases snorkeling, nan waters of nan Red Sea are among nan champion successful nan world, offering clear visibility and vibrant underwater ecosystems. If you’re visiting successful nan summer, nan Sharm El Sheikh International Jazz Festival successful August is an fantabulous opportunity to bask unrecorded euphony successful a stunning coastal setting.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Riyadh, nan superior of Saudi Arabia, is simply a metropolis that blends modernity pinch heavy taste heritage, offering travelers a unsocial look astatine nan country’s rich | history and development. Located 45 minutes from King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh attracts astir 1 million visitors annually. Key attractions see nan Al Masmak Fortress, a historical tract that provides penetration into Saudi Arabia’s past, and nan National Museum of Saudi Arabia, wherever visitors tin study astir nan country’s taste and humanities evolution. For escapade enthusiasts, Riyadh offers camel rides done nan desert, and skydiving complete nan immense scenery for those seeking a thrill. The metropolis besides boasts galore high-end shopping malls, modern skyscrapers, and accepted souks. The Saudi National Day Celebrations, held annually successful September, characteristic fireworks, parades, and a assortment of taste performances crossed Riyadh, providing an breathtaking and festive atmosphere.

Byblos, Lebanon

Byblos, located connected nan Mediterranean seashore of Lebanon, is 1 of nan oldest cities successful nan world and offers a blend of ancient history, stunning scenery, and taste charm. Easily accessible via Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport, astir an hour’s thrust from Byblos, nan metropolis attracts astir 250,000-300,000 visitors each year. Key attractions successful Byblos see nan Byblos Castle, a Crusader fort that overlooks nan Mediterranean Sea, and nan Byblos Old Souk, a lively marketplace that offers section handicrafts, textiles, and delicious food. For escapade lovers, diving on Lebanon’s coastline is simply a must-do, pinch nan waters location to abundant marine life. Visitors tin besides bask hiking done Lebanon’s mountains and exploring nan ancient ruins scattered passim nan region. The Byblos International Festival, held each summer, brings together musicians, artists, and performers for a vibrant ceremony of music, theater, and culture, making it nan cleanable clip to acquisition nan city’s magic.

Wadi Rum, Jordan

Wadi Rum, besides known arsenic nan “Valley of nan Moon,” is simply a stunning godforsaken scenery successful confederate Jordan, offering visitors an opportunity to acquisition nan immense beauty of nan godforsaken successful a serene and tranquil setting. King Hussein International Airport is conscionable an hour’s thrust from nan desert, and nan area attracts astir 100,000-150,000 visitors annually. The desert’s main attraction is its melodramatic rock formations, immense soil dunes, and ancient petroglyphs, which make for a surreal and unforgettable experience. Jeep tours are celebrated here, arsenic they let visitors to research nan godforsaken and acquisition its beauty up close. Rock climbing enthusiasts tin besides tackle nan towering cliffs that emergence dramatically from nan godforsaken floor. During nan summertime months, nan Wadi Rum Cultural Festival celebrates Bedouin civilization pinch accepted music, dance, and food, giving visitors a deeper knowing of nan section heritage.

Why These Destinations Are Perfect for Your Summer Getaway

These 7 underrated Middle Eastern destinations connection a cleanable operation of adventure, culture, and earthy beauty. Whether you’re exploring nan ancient ruins of Petra, relaxing connected nan beaches of Muscat, aliases experiencing nan immense deserts of Wadi Rum, each destination provides a unsocial and unforgettable experience. With breathtaking taste events and festivals to look guardant to, now is nan perfect clip to sojourn these hidden gems successful nan Middle East.