Photo credit: Middle East with MIR
Old Worlds and New Horizons of the Middle East
From Petra to Muscat Discover the Layers of Past and Present with MIR
The Middle East is a region where history runs deep – layered with the past, powered by once-mighty empires, alive with tradition, and constantly redefining itself. It’s a region of remarkable variety, where the call to prayer echoes through centuries-old souqs just miles from glass-and-steel skylines rising above the desert – a striking blend that captures the essence of Middle East wonders. As travel to the Middle East rises in popularity, more and more travelers are seeking out its layered beauty and complexity.
With MIR, you’re not just passing through. Whether traveling with a small group or on a privately planned trip, our itineraries are designed to reflect the depth and distinct character of each destination. Take in the lively Friday animal market in Nizwa or the colorful women’s market in Ibra, marvel at the rock-cut tombs of Al Ula and ride across Oman’s golden dunes. From Petra’s rose-red cliffs to Dubai’s soaring skyline, the Middle East offers far more than you might expect. Read on to see where your next journey could take you with MIR.
1. Saudi Arabia From Rock Art to Rising Cities
Long off-limits to most travelers, Saudi Arabia is now open and eager to welcome visitors. Explore the carved tombs of ancient kingdoms in Al Ula, stand before rock art that predates recorded history, and walk through the old quarters of cities that once served as trade and pilgrimage hubs. Take in the dramatic sandstone cliffs of Wadi Al Disah and experience the energy of traditional camel markets. Join a small group tour or let us plan a private journey that reflects your interests.
2. Oman From Mudbrick Villages to Merchant Trails
Peaceful, welcoming, and ravishingly beautiful Oman offers a slower, more thoughtful way to travel. Swim in turquoise wadis, drive mountain passes lined with mudbrick and stone villages, or stargaze in the dunes of the Empty Quarter. Muscat blends Indian Ocean charm with centuries of maritime trade, and the interior reveals a landscape shaped more by nature than by modern development. Oman is one of many Middle East wonders that inspire a spirit of exploration, whether traveling in a small group or privately.
3. UAE From Wind Towers to Sky Towers
Where else can you sip Arabic coffee in a 19th-century wind tower, and then watch the sunset from the world’s tallest building? In the UAE, the past and future exist side by side. Discover Dubai’s modern skyline, Sharjah’s preserved traditions, and Abu Dhabi’s bold cultural investments – including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, where global masterpieces are displayed beneath a dome of filtered desert light. Then explore Dubai’s evolving culinary scene, where Emirati dishes share the table with flavors from around the world.
4. Qatar Between Heritage and Ambition
Qatar blends heritage and ambition in a compact, accessible setting. Explore UNESCO-listed forts, artisan souqs, and old pearling settlements, then dine aboard a traditional dhow as the skyline lights up. Visit Islamic art museums and sample dishes that reflect both local roots and international influence. Let us guide you through Doha and beyond into a country balancing tradition with forward-looking design.
5. Biblical Landscapes and Desert Beauty of Jordan
Jordan offers a surprising range of experiences in a welcoming and manageable setting. Explore ancient Roman cities and Biblical sites, hike through pine forests and olive groves, or venture deep into the red sands of Wadi Rum. Float in the Dead Sea, trace the carved facades of Petra, and rest by the shores of the Red Sea in Aqaba. Jordan is best experienced on a thoughtfully paced private journey.
6. Mesopotamian Origins and Modern Spirit of Iraq
Traveling in Iraq is both demanding and deeply meaningful. It’s a journey through the cradle of civilization and a country rebuilding before your eyes. Stand among the ruins of ancient Sumerian and Assyrian cities, visit the ornate shrines of Najaf and Karbala, and meet locals eager to share their stories in tea houses and bazaars. From the marshes of the south to cultural restoration efforts in the north, Iraq offers insight into the past – and into the strength of the present.
7. Curious about Kuwait or Bahrain?
These two Gulf nations offer a quiet counterpoint to their flashier neighbors. In Kuwait, you can visit museums that document the country’s maritime and oil history; in Bahrain, you can explore ancient burial mounds and long-inhabited coastal towns. We offer private itineraries to both destinations.
