The Middle East has a desert climate and is typically dry and sunny. A popular time to visit the Middle East is over the winter season, and in the shoulder seasons of autumn and spring. During this time you'll find the weather is ideal for sightseeing in.

Once summer in full swing, the mercury can rise to around 40 degrees celsius, but all of the hotels are climate controlled and you'll have access to opulent pools and welcoming seasides if you need to cool off.

Middle Eastern cuisine is a extravagant affair, with much-loved staples like dolma, kebab, shawarma, and baklava all on offer. You'll also find that the Middle East is expert in creating fine dining experiences, and you can enjoy food on rooftop bars, cooked by Michelin-starred chefs, or perched at the top of Burj Khalifa.

You can also find plenty of delicious international options, like Italian pastas, and Chinese noodles. Remember, if visiting during Ramadan, it’s polite to avoid eating and drinking in public until sunset as Muslims fast during daylight hours.

You should carry some identification with you at all times and it's also a good idea to keep a photocopy of your passport. A tourist visa is required on arrival. Visit GOV.UK for more advice on passports, visas and travel.

Destinology Holiday Protection Promise

Terms & Conditions

Our Commitment

At Destinology, we believe exceptional holidays begin long before you travel. Our Destinology Holiday Protection Promise reflects our commitment to delivering extraordinary experiences together with the reassurance, flexibility and personal service you expect from a luxury travel specialist. Should circumstances change, we'll be with you every step of the way to help you choose the option that's right for you.

1. Eligibility

Applies to new qualifying Middle East bookings, made from 21 July 2026 for departures between 1 October 2026 and 31 December 2027.

The Destinology Holiday Protection Promise is available only on package holidays booked with Destinology where flights and accommodation are purchased together as part of the same booking. Flight-only and accommodation-only reservations are not eligible and customers should make any applicable claims through their travel insurance provider.

2. Qualifying Destinations

Participating Middle East destinations sold by Destinology Ltd, including but not limited to the UAE, Oman, Jordan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

3. What is Covered?

Where before departure the FCDO advises against travel, suppliers cannot operate due to security concerns, flights are cancelled due to geopolitical events, or the holiday cannot reasonably operate because of significant regional disruption.

4. Customer Options

Where a qualifying event occurs, Destinology Ltd will contact affected customers directly to discuss the options available. Customers may choose either: (A) a full refund of all monies paid to Destinology Ltd; or (B) transfer 100% of monies paid towards another holiday in our portfolio, with no amendment fee charged by Destinology Ltd. Any fare difference may apply.

5. What's Not Covered?

Does not apply where customers simply no longer wish to travel, where the holiday continues to operate as planned without qualifying disruption, or statements from the FCDO do not advise against travel, or where standard booking conditions otherwise apply.

6. Exclusions

This Promise applies solely to holidays where the final destination and accommodation are within the Middle East. It does not extend to itineraries where the Middle East is used only as a transit or connecting point for travel to destinations outside the region, regardless of the airline, airport or duration of the stopover.

7. Customer Communication

Should a qualifying event occur, Destinology Ltd will proactively contact all customers with impacted bookings as soon as reasonably practicable. Our Travel Concierges will explain the available options, including continuing with the holiday where appropriate, amending to an alternative holiday or date, or receiving a full refund. We are committed to providing clear, timely communication and personalised support throughout.

8. Holiday Transfers

The full amount paid will be credited towards a new holiday. Any increase in price is payable by the customer. If the replacement holiday costs less, the remaining balance will be refunded or retained as future travel credit in accordance with company policy.

9. General

This Promise is in addition to statutory rights and does not replace the need for comprehensive travel insurance.