If you are planning your family vacation this year and want to do something a little different then head to the Middle East. There are lots of places to visit that are family friendly and it is a great learning experience for people of all ages, just make sure you’ve got the correct travel insurance. Here are five family friendly destinations in the Middle East.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the UAE and it is an exciting place for a family to visit. Be sure to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque which is open to visitors except during prayer time. The mosque is stunning with more than 80 domes, over 100,000 tons of white marble from Greece and Macedonia, jewel inlaid floor, and three stunning crystal chandeliers and it has the largest loomed carpet in the world. Head to Corniche where you can rent bikes and cycle along the path or just relax on the beach.
Oman
This stunning country has majestic mountains, a pristine coastline, and windswept desert areas to explore. Jebel Shams is the country’s highest peak and the view from the top is breathtaking as you gaze deep into the Wadi Ghul which is known as the “Arabian Grand Canyon”. Be sure to head out to Sharqiya Sands where you can explore the stunning dunes and stay in a desert camp overnight.
Jerusalem
The beautiful city of Jerusalem in Israel has thousands of years of history and culture for visitors to explore. There are many sacred sites for Christianity, Islam and Judaism that people have been journeying to for thousands of years. Make sure that you visit the Old City which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Kids will adore the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo which has not only biblical animals but also a whole variety of other exhibits. Check out the itinerary for the day before visiting so you can ensure you don’t miss seeing feeding time for your favourite animals!
Dubai
Dubai is a fabulous place for a family vacation and there are lots of things to do and see. Visit the Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world, for a bird’s eye view of the city. There is also an exciting water park and an entertaining fountain with music and lights. Set your alarm early one morning and head out to the desert by balloon to watch the sun rise. Spend a day on the golf course and then head out on a boat cruise to watch the sunset and enjoy a meal on the water. There are plenty of places to indulge if you enjoy shopping, so be sure to pick up some treats at one of the 60 malls that Dubai has to offer.
Jordan
The country of Jordan is a great place for the family to visit. Amman is the capital city and your family will enjoy exploring the ancient ruins of the Amman Citadel and visiting the 8th century Umayyad Palace and the pillars of The Roman Temple of Hercules. Be sure to head out to Petra in the south western part of the desert to experience one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. Having a soak in the Dead Sea and is an experience which the whole family will love, just make sure to pack goggles for the little ones to avoid salt water getting in their eyes.
