Middle East Travel Guide: Dubai, Doha and Riyadh

Sunset at The Edge of the World, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Image source: iStock

Travel to the Middle East, where the past, present and future converge in a blend of culture, adventure and flavour that captivate the senses. Explore the alluring cities of Dubai, Doha and Riyadh on a stopover when travelling from Perth to Europe, Asia and Africa or visit as a standalone holiday.

Your Middle East travel guide to Dubai, Doha and Riyadh

Immerse yourself in culture and traditions shaped by many influences, shop at plush malls for the latest fashion trends or seek out a heart-racing activity. Admire historic buildings and modern high-rises where old-world elegance contrasts with bold innovation, enjoy unique family attractions or unwind at a seaside resort. Whether you have a stopover in Dubai or are planning an extended holiday in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or Saudi Arabia, this travel guide has you covered.

Culture lovers: Delve into heritage and innovation

Explore historic neighbourhoods and contemporary art museums, whilst uncovering time-honoured customs and high-quality craftsmanship in these thriving Middle Eastern cities.

Dubai’s history and art

Explore Emirati tradition in Al Fahidi District, one of the oldest sectors in Dubai and the UAE. From fine art to perfumery, museums showcase diverse collections by local and international artists. Explore at your own pace or take a Heritage Express trolley bus tour. If you’re planning a holiday in the Middle East, treat yourself to unforgettable opulence in luxury Dubai, such as a full-day cruise and premium accommodation with private beaches and rooftop bars.

Doha’s creative designs

The heart of Doha, capital of Qatar, features an eclectic mix of architectural designs incorporating sustainability principles to promote healthier urban living. Visit the Msheireb Museums, four repurposed heritage houses with audio and visual displays of events that shaped Qatari history, and the traditional market of Souk Waqif.

Riyadh’s historic wonders

Explore historic Riyadh attractions in Saudi Arabia, including Al Masmak, a mud-brick fortress with four imposing towers in the old quarter. Visit Murabba Palace, former residence of the kingdom’s first ruler and Al-Zal market for local textiles and artefacts. Take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah, with museums, restaurants and shops set in a maze of alleyways.

Palm Jumeirah Island from the air, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Image source: Adobe Stock

Adrenaline chasers: Explore by sea, sky and sand

Whether racing on dunes, enjoying watersports or gliding above cityscapes, these thrilling pastimes offer fun and excitement.

Dubai’s daring adventures

Ride XLine, the world’s longest urban zipline, for a full kilometre over the city! Skydive over Palm Jumeirah and admire the palm-shaped archipelago from nearly 4,000 metres (13,000 feet). Try the off-road, four-wheel course at Hatta Wadi Hub or kayak in the Hatta Dam reservoir.

Dhows and dunes in Doha

Spice up your Doha layover with jet skiing, paddleboarding, or kite surfing at nearby Katara Beach. Take a sunset cruise aboard a wooden dhow, or a private four-wheel drive desert tour to hit the dunes with a surfboard or ride a quad bike. End the day with a stop at the Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid) desert lagoon.

Timeless Riyadh treks

Travel to The Edge of the World, Jebel Fihrayan, a staggering desert cliff carved by millions of years of erosion. Hike it at sunrise or sunset for spectacular landscape views. Just outside the city centre are several equestrian clubs, a source of great pride in Arabian culture, where you can take a sunset horseback ride into the desert!

Try Kabsa, an authentic Saudi Arabian dish of rice, meat and spices. Image source: Adobe Stock

Culinary explorers: Local spices and international flavours

Indulge in Middle Eastern gastronomy at its finest! Enjoy cuisine ranging from earthy, Bedouin-influenced dishes to global cuisine in gourmet restaurants or on the street.

Dramatic dining in Dubai

Boasting the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the Middle East, Dubai combines premium food options with entertainment. Try Dinner In The Sky with seaside views from 50 metres above ground, dine in front of an aquarium at Ossiano or enjoy afternoon tea at The Royal Tea Room. Explore Dubai’s street food scene for shawarma, thinly sliced, slow-roasted meat served with flatbread and garnishes.

Doha delicacies

Qatari cuisine is influenced by Indian, North African and Bedouin flavours. During your Doha layover, try saloona, a rich meat stew, and warak enab, Mediterranean-style grape leaves stuffed with spiced meat and rice. Finish your meal with luqaimat, fried cardamom and saffron dumplings sweetened with syrup. Visit Doha’s upscale hotels for fine dining.

Riyadh’s authentic fare

Rooted in Bedouin culture, try kabsa, a national dish of rice, chicken, goat or lamb and aromatic spices traditionally served on a large platter. Enjoy tea or coffee served from a shapely dallah with a dessert of cheese, dates or pistachios. Explore international cuisine at Al Mamlaka food hall in central Riyadh and stop for coffee and dessert at Easy Bakery, Saudi Arabia’s first artisanal bake shop.

Shop for brightly coloured textiles and golden trinkets at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE. Image source: Adobe Stock

Retail hunters: Shop premium and old-world markets

Shop at venues from historic souks to elegant malls for goods ranging from premium designer fashions to local antiques and trinkets.

Luxe markets in Dubai

Visit the central Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates for premium brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Find exotic spices and incense at Spice Souk, dazzling gold jewellery at Gold Souk or visit Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s waterside cafes and boutiques. Purchase Arabic coffee or camel milk chocolate for a memorable souvenir of your stopover in Dubai.

Doha souks and shops

Wander the expansive maze at Souq Waqif for regional snacks and colourful, Bedouin-inspired handicrafts and textiles. Visit the nearby Gold Market for contemporary and heritage jewellery designs. Explore all five floors of City Center Doha Mall with high-end stores, dining and family-friendly recreation.

Riyadh retail and entertainment

Step into the past at Souk Al-Zal, one of Riyadh’s oldest marketplaces, and haggle over handmade carpets, fragrances or rare trinkets. With over 300 shops and 70 eateries, shop dozens of brand names under the skylights of Riyadh Park Mall’s modern interior, or catch a movie at the cinema.

Family fun at Aquaventure World, Atlantis the Palm, Dubai, UAE. Image source: Adobe Stock

Family fun: Splash, play and explore together

From science museums to water parks, families can enjoy the latest in entertainment and outdoor activities.  

Dubai family thrills

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo houses thousands of marine animals and the world’s largest collection of sand tiger sharks. Go from sea to snow at Ski Dubai for indoor skiing and snowboarding, or take the family to Aquaventure World for slides and rides.  

Kid’s activities in Doha

Looking for what to do in Doha with kids? Blast off at the Al Thuraya Planetarium for a 3D space trip and learn about how the universe evolved. Score at classic bowling or take a virtual reality tour at Megapolis on Pearl Island. Visit Doha Quest and ride the world’s tallest indoor rollercoaster, then rent a bike or have a picnic at MIA Park. 

Riyadh parks and play 

Learn about local conservation at Riyadh Zoo, housing over 1,500 different animal species. Stroll through King Abdullah Park’s 30 hectares of picturesque gardens, playgrounds, picnic areas and a musical fountain. Learn about regional human history at the Saudi National Museum with thousands of artefacts.

Family fun at Aquaventure World, Atlantis the Palm, Dubai, UAE. Image source: Adobe Stock

Wellness seekers: Unwind at desert or urban oases 

Recharge during a stopover or holiday in the Middle East with a soothing spa treatment, traditional hammam bath with steam and exfoliation, or relaxing day at the beach.   

Lavish treatments in Dubai

Luxuriate with a camel milk and date salt scrub at Bayan Tree Spa. Escape to Al Maha, a scenic desert retreat less than an hour from central Dubai, and rejuvenate your body with essential oil treatments. View hundreds of pink flamingos at the peaceful Ras Al Khor wildlife sanctuary.   

Doha deluxe spas

Enjoy a decadent massage at the Ritz-Carlton in Sharq Village, blending Middle Eastern, Western and Eastern styles, or visit the Ladies Wellness Retreat with pools and fitness facilities. Ride a deluxe catamaran from central Doha to Banana Island Resort for a full body massage, hammam and skin softening treatments using honey and olive oil.    

Riyadh desert escapes

Leave the city and venture to Thumamah Desert for a quiet getaway with desert views. For a family-friendly retreat, try Nofa Riyadh resort, offering an array of games and entertainment. Enjoy swimming, play billiards or go on a wildlife safari!

The soft white sands of Al Mamzar Beach Park, Dubai, UAE. Image source: Adobe Stock

Bonus tips for an unforgettable Middle East stay

Plan for a stress-free journey. These handy travel tips will help you prepare for your Middle Eastern adventure.   

Navigate visa requirements and safety updates

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Prepare for your airport arrival

Find airport tips for international travellers to help you navigate Perth Airport, explore our facilities and services, plus suggestions for travelling with children and more.

Travel to the Middle East from Perth for an exotic getaway

Whether you’re seeking culinary delights, an exciting adventure, or a relaxing holiday by the sea, Dubai, Doha and Riyadh offer unparalleled experiences and family-friendly activities, perfect for a stopover or destination holiday. Fly direct from Perth with Emirates, Qatar Airways or Virgin Australia, and discover local culture, heritage and world-class shopping. Start your journey by relaxing at Perth Airport’s Aspire Lounge, and enjoy freshly prepared meals, use complimentary WiFi and browse Duty Free products while waiting for your flight. Start planning your Middle Eastern getaway today!