Discover the many treasures of the Middle East - The Middle East is a rising tourist destination and this year the region has reportedly seen a spike in visitors. From visiting the ruins of the Temple of Hercules to sand-surfing in the Arabian desert, there are plenty of reasons to put the Middle East on your bucket list.

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Qatar - Qatar, one of the wealthiest nations in the world, has become increasingly popular with tourists and expats looking to explore or settle down in the oil-rich Arabian Gulf. It's hard to believe that a little over 15 years ago, Qatar's skyline was a blank picture. Today, the capital city, Doha, is an ever-growing business hub.

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Qatar - The nation's natural gas reserves have allowed for its rapid growth, turning the desert into a new-age metropolis. One of Doha's top attractions is Souq Waqif, an authentic Arabic market selling traditional Arabian novelties and souvenirs.

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Qatar - Qatar's desert dunes have become one of its biggest attractions. Enjoy a day full of exhilarating activities including dune surfing, ATV joyrides, camel rides, and much more. Qatar is constantly developing and is expected to introduce tons more attractions and activities by the time it hosts the 2022 World Cup.

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Bahrain - For those looking for a unique experience for their next holiday, Bahrain is an archipelago that should top the list. Aside from being the melting-pot of the Gulf, the wealthy kingdom of Bahrain is a trading and financial hub and was designated the capital of Arab culture by UNESCO in 2012.

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Bahrain - There is a lot to admire about the Kingdom of Bahrain. Manama, the country's capital, has managed to incorporate traditional and modern elements of Bahraini culture into its infrastructure.

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Bahrain - Bahrain once stood as one of the great trading empires of the ancient world and was also home to the ancient civilisation of Dilmun. Still standing today, the Dilmun ruins showcase what life was like in 3000 BCE.

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Oman - The Sultanate of Oman is a nation of stunning beauty, perfect for those who love the outdoors. Its rocky desert landscapes are bejewelled with hidden oases and it is home to the largest variety of wildlife in the Middle East.

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Oman - The desert kingdom boasts a rich and unique history, dating back more than 10,000 years. Oman is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Fort of Bahla, Wadi Dawkah, and the archaeological sites of Bat, which date back 3,000 years.

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Oman - The country's varied landscapes are due to the diverse climatic conditions. This variety allows a range of adventure activities, including diving, rock climbing, surfing, and dune surfing.

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United Arab Emirates - Arguably the most glamorous nation in the world, the United Arab Emirates has become a top holiday destination. For most people, there's only one city in the UAE and that's the iconic city of Dubai.

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United Arab Emirates - The UAE has created a whole new meaning to luxury. The oil-rich nation has Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping complex.

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United Arab Emirates - The wilderness surrounding the seven emirates has become one of the nation's biggest attractions for tourists. Families can enjoy an enchanting evening feasting on Arabian cuisine in the company of belly dancers, traditional musicians, camels, and sand dunes.

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Iran - Lonely Planet once named Iran as possibly the friendliest country on Earth, stating that its biggest attraction could be its people. Persians are known for their hospitality and their pride in the ancient history and culture of their country.

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Iran - Iran is home to some of the world's most breathtaking Islamic art and architecture, dating back to the 1500s. The nation has developed a distinct architectural style, covering many mosques and palaces in colourful tiles, geometric patterns, and Arabic calligraphy.

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Iran - Persian civilisation dates back to 550 BCE, making it one of the oldest recorded civilisations. Situated in the Fars Province is the UNESCO-listed ruins of Persepolis, the capital of the Persian empire.

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Turkey - There is so much to do and see in the stunning nation of Turkey. Rich in history, the country has ties to the ancient Greeks, Romans, Persians, and the Ottoman empires. Its capital city, Istanbul, is the only city in the world to occupy two continents – Europe and Asia.

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Turkey - The spectacular rock formations of Göreme National Park, also known as the Fairy Chimney, are one of Turkey's most-visited sites. The area has unique spiral rock formations and is known for its stunning hot-air balloon rides.

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Turkey - Istanbul is a city of contrast. It displays all the characteristics of a modern cosmopolitan city, while simultaneously holding on to its Ottoman and Islamic heritage. With so much to see and do, many travellers are often left spoiled for choice.

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Jordan - With an age-old reputation of good food and hospitality, Jordan has a long history of welcoming guests. Its historic monuments and ancient places of worship have attracted and delighted visitors for centuries.

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Jordan - Petra, an ancient Nabataean city and a world wonder, is without a doubt the country's biggest attraction and most valuable antiquity. Most of the ancient city is carved into the sandstone hills in southern Jordan. The city was built by the Nabataeans, Arab settlers who were responsible for linking the Chinese silk road to the rest of the ancient world.

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Jordan - The ruins of the Temple of Hercules are one of the country's most remarkable sites. Constructed by the Romans between 162 to 166 AD, archaeologists suggest that the temple might have toppled during an earthquake or was left unfinished.

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Lebanon - Lebanon's capital city of Beirut is one of the most frequently visited travel destinations in the region. One of the draws is its nightlife. With endless strips of bars, trance music festivals, and a nightlife that never goes to sleep, the city attracts party-goers and revellers from all corners of the globe.

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Lebanon - Lebanon is a country of great historical and archaeological importance. It is believed that the country is home to the largest fragment of ancient Rome outside of Italy. 

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Lebanon - The country is one of the oldest and continuously inhabited places in the world, with various civilisations conquering and settling in Lebanon. It boasts an amazing five UNESCO World Heritage sites and a number of ancient ruins and historical locations.

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Kuwait - Kuwait is possibly one of the least-visited countries in the Middle East. It is an oil-rich nation bordering Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

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Kuwait - The nation's capital city, Kuwait City, is a modern city made up of residential skyscrapers, wide roads, and mega shopping complexes. The city offers an array of excellent museums, clean sand beaches, and luxury resorts.

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Kuwait - Kuwait's history goes back 2,000 years and includes nomadic tribes, military invasions, and great discoveries.

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