These are the best places to travel this summer

Arabian Peninsula

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
A watch tower in the town of Fanja (around 25 KM from Muscat). Towers like this one are scattered around Oman, not used anymore and becoming parts of Oman's history

Getty Images

Plan your trip with Guide, an AI travel planner!

Create a personalized trip itinerary in seconds using artificial intelligence.

Create a trip

Overview

The spectacular emptiness of the Arabian landscape provides a blank canvas upon which is projected a riot of cultural, religious, intellectual and trading wonders.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Jumeira beach, Hotel Mina A'Salam Madinat Jumeirah with View of Burj Al Arab hotel

    Burj Al Arab

    Dubai

    The Burj Al Arab's graceful silhouette – meant to evoke the sail of a dhow (a traditional wooden cargo vessel) – is to Dubai what the Eiffel Tower is to…

  • Dubai

    Burj Khalifa

    Downtown Dubai

    The Burj Khalifa is a stunning feat of architecture and engineering, with two observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors and a restaurant-bar on the…

  • Souk Madinat Jumeirah

    Madinat Jumeirah

    Dubai

    One of Dubai’s most attractive developments, Madinat Jumeirah is a contemporary interpretation of a traditional Arab village, complete with a souq (market…

  • 11/30/2014. Kite beach in Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A stretch of the beach designated for the kite surfers. The iconic Burj Al Arab is seen on the background.; Shutterstock ID 664989337; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Keith; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Authentic Dubai Article

    Kite Beach

    Dubai

    This long, pristine stretch of white sand, a little way north of Jumeirah Public Beach, is a major draw for sporty types, with a range of activities on…

  • Madain Saleh

    Madain Saleh

    Northern Saudi Arabia

    Often dubbed the 'second Petra', Madain Saleh, for many, is on a par with – if not more impressive than – its famous cousin across the border in Jordan…

  • DOHA, QATAR - FEBRUARY 13, 2018: Visit traditional Eastern Souq Waqif with narrow alleyways, full of different goods and noisy vendors, on February 13 in Doha; Shutterstock ID 1166541733; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Keith; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Destination page image update

    Souq Waqif

    Doha

    This vibrant complex is without doubt one of the most atmospheric places to explore in Qatar. Built on an ancient market site, the area remains the social…

  • Louvre Abu Dhabi

    Louvre Abu Dhabi

    Abu Dhabi

    Designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Jean Nouvel, the highly anticipated Louvre Abu Dhabi finally arrived in late 2017. Through 12 galleries, the…

  • Detail of entrance to Tareq Rajab Museum.

    Tareq Rajab Museum

    Kuwait City

    Housed in the basement of a large villa, this exquisite ethnographic museum should not be missed. There are inlaid musical instruments suspended in glass…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Dubai is home to the world's tallest building, colossal malls and vast empty deserts. Don't go without these top tips.

Read article

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Arabian Peninsula