Why Australians love the Middle East
The Middle East is where ultra-modern meets ancient, and where a lot of Australians get their first taste of the world beyond Asia — often without meaning to, on a stopover that turns into a holiday. Dubai's skyline, a desert sunset, a 2,000-year-old city carved into rock: it packs a lot of wonder into a short hop off the long-haul route.
It's also one of the great crossroads. The Gulf hubs — Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha — connect Australia to Europe, Africa and beyond, so a few days here slot neatly onto a bigger trip. Add Jordan's Petra and Wadi Rum, Oman's wadis and forts, and gleaming new cities rising from the desert, and there's far more depth than the shopping-and-skyscrapers reputation suggests.
There's a strong Aussie connection, too — tens of thousands of Australians live and work in the UAE, so for many it's a trip to visit family as much as to explore.
The world's great stopover
Break the long haul to Europe or Africa with a few days in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha.
Ultra-modern wonders
Record-breaking towers, indoor ski slopes, island resorts and world-class museums.
Ancient history up close
Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash and desert forts — some of the planet's most evocative sites.
Sunshine and luxury
Year-round winter sun, beach resorts and some of the world's best hotels and airlines.
Family-friendly and easy
Theme parks, beaches and big-brand resorts make the Gulf a hit with kids.
A home away from home
With big Australian expat communities, especially in the UAE, it's a popular trip to visit family.
