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Family Travel in the Middle East

“My desert dream? To find an oasis that serves cold drinks.” - anonymous

From golden deserts and ancient cities to sparkling beaches and theme parks, the Middle East offers families an unforgettable mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation. With short flights from the UK, excellent winter sun, and world-class family resorts, it’s a region that’s surprisingly easy to explore with children.

Whether your kids are excited by theme parks and water slides, curious about history and culture, or eager for outdoor adventures, the Middle East has something for everyone.

Photos of Dubai Skyline from the desert, mosque in Oman at night, and a turquoise wadi in Oman

Our Tailor-Made Family Journeys

Every trip we create is completely tailor-made, designed around your family’s ages, interests, and pace. From desert safaris to theme park thrills, cultural treasures to calm beach resorts, we handpick every experience so you can relax knowing the details are taken care of.

Our concierge service means we don’t just plan your route — we’ll also recommend and book restaurants, park tickets, private guides, and special family experiences. Whether it’s securing a table with the best sunset view in Muscat, pre-booking theme park fast-track passes in Dubai, or arranging a stargazing session in Wadi Rum, we make sure your trip feels effortless and special.

Photo of 4x4 adventure in Dubai, Islamic architecture, waterslide at Atlantis, Dubai

Where to Go

  • UAE (Dubai & Abu Dhabi) – The ultimate family playground, with theme parks, aquariums, desert safaris, and year-round sunshine.

  • Oman – Outdoor adventure, turquoise wadis, turtle nesting, and ancient forts — a softer, more authentic Arabian experience.

  • Jordan – The rose-red city of Petra, the deserts of Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, and Roman ruins, all in one compact family adventure.

  • Egypt – Pyramids, Nile cruises, and the Red Sea. Best for adventurous families with older children. 

Explore Our Itineraries

We’ve designed a collection of inspirational family itineraries for Dubai, Oman, and Jordan, showcasing the very best each destination has to offer. From classic highlights to off-the-beaten-track adventures, these itineraries are designed to spark ideas - then we’ll personalise them to suit your family.

Photo of waterfall at a Wadi in Oman, Oman, the Nile in EgyptExplore Our Destinations

photos of Dubai skyline at night, the Burj Khalifa at sunset and Atlanta, the palm.

Where city skylines meet golden deserts and world-class attractions sit alongside cultural treasures, Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer a dazzling blend of adventure, luxury, and tradition. Families will find theme parks, beaches, desert adventures, and fascinating cultural experiences all within easy reach.

Why the UAE is Perfect for Families

The UAE is designed with families in mind. Modern infrastructure, safe cities, and endless activities make it one of the easiest destinations to explore with children. Resorts cater brilliantly to families, with spacious suites, kids’ clubs, and child-friendly dining. Many hotels sit directly on wide sandy beaches, where calm, shallow waters make swimming safe for younger children.

Experiences Your Family Will Love

Dubai – Kids will love the thrill of theme parks like IMG Worlds of Adventure and Legoland, splashing in waterparks such as Aquaventure, or skiing indoors at Mall of the Emirates. Parents can shop in souks and luxury malls, enjoy fine dining, or take in views from the top of the Burj Khalifa. Many hotels are beachfront, meaning you can balance sightseeing with relaxing days by the sea.

Abu Dhabi – Home to Louvre Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World, and Ferrari World, this capital city blends culture with fun. Families can also enjoy Yas Island’s waterparks, explore mangroves by kayak, or visit the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi offers excellent family resorts, many with private beaches and pools.

Desert Adventures – Try camel rides, sandboarding, or family-friendly desert safaris, complete with campfire dinners under the stars.

💡Top Tip - Another big advantage for UK-based families is the time difference. With only an hour adjustment, families can enjoy leisurely days (think 9am breakfast and 10pm bedtimes) whilst keeping the routine at home the same making the UAE an easy and stress-free choice for families with babies and toddlers. 

photos of Muscat harbour, a boy in traditional Omanian dress, and a Wadi

With dramatic mountains, golden deserts, and an unspoiled coastline, Oman offers adventure with a warm and authentic cultural welcome. It’s a place where families can explore ancient forts, wander colourful souks, and swim in sparkling wadis, all at a relaxed pace.

Why Oman is Perfect for Families

Oman is known for its hospitality and laid-back atmosphere. The roads are excellent, the towns feel safe, and the pace of life is gentle, making it a stress-free choice for family travel. Its diverse landscapes mean you can combine city sightseeing with desert camping, mountain adventures, and beach relaxation in a single trip.

Experiences Your Family Will Love

Muscat – Explore the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, stroll through Muttrah Souk, and wander along the city’s corniche. The city offers a gentle introduction to Omani culture and history.

Mountains & Wadis – Families can hike or picnic in the Al Hajar Mountains, swim in natural pools like Wadi Bani Khalid, and explore the dramatic Jebel Shams canyon.

Desert Adventures – The Wahiba Sands are perfect for camel rides, 4x4 dune bashing, and overnight stays in Bedouin-style camps.

Coastal Escapes – Spot dolphins on a boat trip, relax on quiet beaches, or visit turtle nesting sites at Ras Al Jinz.

Oman offers a rare mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty in a safe and welcoming setting, perfect for families who love to explore.

camels in Jordan, lady reading magazine in the Dead Sea, and Petra at night

Rich in history and natural wonders, Jordan invites families to walk through ancient cities, float in the Dead Sea, and explore desert landscapes straight out of an adventure film. It’s a destination where learning and fun come together beautifully.

Why Jordan is Perfect for Families

Jordan is compact and easy to explore, making it great for families who want variety without long travel times. The people are famously hospitable, the food is child-friendly, and the blend of history and nature ensures every day brings something new.

Experiences Your Family Will Love

Amman – A vibrant yet relaxed capital where children can wander Roman ruins, explore lively markets, and try tasty street snacks.

Petra – The world-famous “Lost City” is a true highlight. Families can walk or ride horses through the Siq canyon and marvel at the Treasury carved into rose-red rock.

Wadi Rum – A desert playground where families can enjoy jeep tours, camel rides, and starlit Bedouin camps. The landscapes are so dramatic they’ve been used in Star Wars films.

The Dead Sea – Children will love floating effortlessly in the salty waters, while parents can relax with a natural spa experience.

photo of Luxor, the pyramids at Giza and the beach at the red sea

From the pyramids of Giza to the temples along the Nile, Egypt’s ancient treasures are the stuff of legend. For families, it’s a journey into history brought vividly to life, balanced with fun experiences like sailing the Nile, exploring bustling bazaars, or relaxing by the Red Sea.

Why Egypt is Perfect for Families

Few destinations capture children’s imaginations quite like Egypt. The stories of pharaohs, mummies, and pyramids feel like stepping into an adventure book. At the same time, Egypt offers family-friendly resorts, easy domestic flights, and a mix of cultural discovery and beach downtime.

Experiences Your Family Will Love

Cairo – Visit the iconic pyramids and Sphinx, explore the Egyptian Museum, and wander vibrant markets.

Luxor & Aswan – Discover the Valley of the Kings, ride a felucca on the Nile, and marvel at temples like Karnak and Abu Simbel.

Red Sea Resorts – Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are perfect for combining cultural sightseeing with days of snorkelling, swimming, and beach relaxation.

Egypt brings history to life in a way few destinations can, offering families an unforgettable mix of discovery, adventure, and relaxation.

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Best Time to Go

October – April: Best season overall. Cooler, pleasant weather across most of the region — great for city trips (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), desert adventures (Oman), and cultural sites (Jordan, Egypt).

May – September: Extremely hot in Gulf countries (UAE, Oman, Qatar), with temperatures often 40–50°C. Less comfortable unless you’re focused on indoor attractions or diving (e.g. Red Sea in Egypt/Jordan).

Flight Time from UK

Gulf (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat): 6–7 hours.

Jordan: 4–5 hours.

Egypt (Cairo): 5 hours.

Currency

UAE: UAE Dirham (AED)

Oman: Omani Rial (OMR)

Jordan: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)

Egypt: Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Time Difference

UAE/Oman: +4 hours (winter), +3 hours (UK summer).

Jordan: +2 hours all year round

Egypt: +2 hours all year round

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Holidays - Designed Differently
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Why Choose Us?
 Bespoke Family Travel
 Impartial Guidance and Inspiration
 Personalised Service
 Concierge Service
 Hand Picked Suppliers
 24/7 support before and after departure
 Flexible booking
 100% financial protection

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