15-Day Relaxing Middle East Itinerary

  • Day 1: Muscat Beach
    20 minutes (15.7 km) from Muscat International Airport

    Kick-off your relaxing journey at Muscat Beach. With its crystal-clear water, white sand, and palm trees, this beach is a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the beautiful view. You can also try various water sports, including snorkeling and diving.

  • Day 2: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
    25 minutes (20 km) from Muscat Beach

    Located in the capital, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a magnificent piece of architectural design. It is one of the biggest mosques in the world, and its beauty is in its simplicity. The mosque is open for non-Muslims to visit, and it's definitely worth the visit.

  • Day 3: Al Mughsail Beach
    6 hours (525 km) from Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

    Al Mughsail Beach is known for its stunning natural blowholes and unique rock formations. This secluded beach is an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying the uninterrupted sea view.

  • Day 4: Bahla Fort
    4 hours (350 km) from Al Mughsail Beach

    Bahla Fort was once a stronghold for the Nabhani dynasty that ruled Oman during the 12th and 15th centuries. It is now open to the public, and visitors can explore the fort's history and take a relaxing walk through its vast courtyards.

  • Day 5: Wadi Shab
    1 hour (85 km) from Bahla Fort

    For a unique and adventurous experience, take a hike through Wadi Shab. This wadi offers a refreshing swim in its emerald-green pools, and the natural waterfalls will leave you in awe.

  • Day 6: Jabal Akhdar
    1 hour 30 minutes (125 km) from Wadi Shab

    Jabal Akhdar is a mountainous region with breathtaking views and cool weather. Take a stroll through the orchards and gardens and pick fresh fruits that grow on the mountain.

  • Day 7: Nizwa Fort
    1 hour 30 minutes (120 km) from Jabal Akhdar

    Visit the ancient city of Nizwa and immerse yourself in Omani history at the Nizwa Fort. This fort dates back to the 17th century and houses an impressive array of weaponry and artifacts.

  • Day 8: Dubai Miracle Garden
    4 hours (275 km) from Nizwa Fort

    The Dubai Miracle Garden is the world's largest flower garden and provides a tranquil and beautiful experience for visitors. Stroll through the gardens and gawk at the beautiful floral designs, colors, and fragrances.

  • Day 9: Dubai Fountain Show
    25 minutes (11 km) from Dubai Miracle Garden

    End your day witnessing the world's largest fountain system, the Dubai Fountain. The fountain show's colorful lights and choreographed music will take your breath away.

  • Day 10: Jumeirah Beach
    20 minutes (12 km) from Dubai Fountain Show

    Jumeirah Beach is one of Dubai's most famous beaches, with white sand, crystal-clear water, and a stunning view of the Burj Al Arab.

  • Day 11: Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
    1 hour 30 minutes (120 km) from Jumeirah Beach

    Visit the world's first dedicated falcon hospital and get a glimpse of the UAE's traditional heritage. Get up close and personal with the majestic birds of prey and learn about the importance of falconry in Emirati history.

  • Day 12: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
    20 minutes (15 km) from Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

    The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a striking and imposing structure that boasts intricate Islamic art and design. It is one of the largest mosques in the world and definitely worth a visit.

  • Day 13: Abu Dhabi Corniche
    30 minutes (25 km) from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

    Abu Dhabi Corniche is a waterfront promenade that spans eight kilometers and provides stunning views of the city and the Arabian Gulf. Take a relaxing walk or bike ride along the corniche and check out the various cafes and restaurants.

  • Day 14: Al Ain Oasis
    1 hour 30 minutes (140 km) from Abu Dhabi Corniche

    Take a trip to the Oasis city of Al Ain and explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Al Ain Oasis. This oasis is made up of over 147,000 date palms, and visitors can take a stroll through the palm groves to experience traditional Emirati agricultural practices.

  • Day 15: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
    1 hour 30 minutes (130 km) from Al Ain Oasis

    Take a break from the bustling city and head to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. This conservation area is home to various desert wildlife, and visitors can experience an authentic Emirati sunset safari.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Muscat Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (1.5 hours, free)
  • Al Mughsail Beach (3 hours, free)
  • Bahla Fort (2 hours, $5)
  • Wadi Shab (3 hours, $3)
  • Jabal Akhdar (4 hours, free)
  • Nizwa Fort (2.5 hours, $2)
  • Dubai Miracle Garden (2 hours, $14)
  • Dubai Fountain Show (1 hour, free)
  • Jumeirah Beach (3 hours, free)
  • Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (1.5 hours, $10)
  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (2 hours, free)
  • Abu Dhabi Corniche (2 hours, free)
  • Al Ain Oasis (3 hours, $2)
  • Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (4 hours, $50)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $89

Transportation

Travelers are recommended to hire a car with a driver to go around Oman and the UAE, as public transportation is not very accessible. Renting a car costs around $35-50 per day and provides more flexibility in terms of navigating through the region.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, or the Sharjah Art Museum. If you have less time, consider skipping the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and spending more time at Jumeirah Beach or the Dubai Miracle Garden.

Airports

The main international airports in this region are the Muscat International Airport (MCT), serving Oman, and the Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), serving the UAE. MCT is located approximately 20 minutes from the city center of Muscat, while both DXB and AUH are situated within a 30-minute drive from their respective city centers.

0