🏛️ Middle East Travel Guide: Dubai, Doha, Riyadh & Beyond
🛂 Visa by Country
- UAE: Free visa on arrival 70+ nationalities
- Qatar: Visa-free 95+ nationalities
- Saudi Arabia: Tourist e-visa 63 nationalities ($130, 1 year)
- Iran: Visa on arrival most nationalities ($80-150)
- Iraq: Difficult - most need sponsor. Kurdistan easier
- Jordan: Visa on arrival (40 JOD). Jordan Pass waives fee + Petra
⚠️ Cultural Dos & Donts
- Public affection illegal in most countries
- Alcohol illegal in Iran, Saudi - available UAE, Qatar, Jordan
- Ramadan: no eating/drinking/smoking in public daylight
- Photography of government/military/locals without permission illegal
- Right hand for eating/handshakes - left hand unclean
🚗 Getting Around & Money
- Dubai Metro excellent. Doha Metro covers most attractions
- Uber/Careem in Saudi cities. Haramain HSR Mecca-Medina
- Jordan: rent a car. JETT buses Amman-Petra
- Iran banking isolated from SWIFT - bring ALL cash
Country Deep Dives
- UAE: Grand Mosque free. Desert safari 150-300 AED
- Qatar: Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, The Pearl
- Saudi: AlUla (Hegra sister to Petra), Jeddah Al-Balad
- Jordan: Petra 2+ days. Wadi Rum Mars-like camping
- Iran: Isfahan Naqsh-e Jahan - world most beautiful
- Iraq: Kurdistan - Erbil Citadel, raw mountain scenery
🌙 Ramadan Travel Guide
- Dates shift ~11 days earlier each year - check Islamic calendar
- No eating/drinking/smoking in public daylight hours
- Hotel restaurants and mall food courts remain open
- Iftar (sunset meal) magical - lavish buffets, street food
- Eid al-Fitr: 3-day holiday - flights/hotels book months ahead
💡 Quick Tips
- Dress modestly - shoulders and knees covered is safe baseline
- Summer (Jun-Aug) 45-50°C - outdoor activities nearly impossible
- Weekends differ: UAE/Qatar/Saudi Fri-Sat; Iran Thu-Fri
- Mosque etiquette: remove shoes, women cover hair
- Haggling expected in souks - start at 50% of asking
- Bottled water only - tap water can cause stomach issues
- eSIM essential - WhatsApp calls blocked in UAE
- Eid holidays book out flights and hotels - check calendar
⚡ Pro Tips
- Jordan Pass waives visa AND includes Petra - buy BEFORE arrival
- Dubai gives free tourist SIM at immigration with 1GB
- Iran is incredible - Persepolis, Isfahan, legendary hospitality
📋 Summary
The Middle East is incredibly diverse. Plan around Ramadan and summer heat, respect local customs, and understand visa rules vary dramatically.
