Middle East

The lobby combines intimacy with a stylish punch. Ascend to roof level for the pool, bars and restaurants

Stay the night: Le Gray, Beirut

The long-awaited arrival of this chic hotel confirms the Lebanese capital has regained its old spirit

Inside Middle East

Travel challenge: A week in Oman

Saturday, 24 October 2009

Every week we invite competing companies to give us their best deal for a specified holiday. Today: a week in Oman in early November. Prices are for two people travelling together and include return flights from Heathrow to Muscat on 2 November...

48 Hours In: Doha

Saturday, 26 September 2009

As the Qatari city prepares for its year in the sun as Arab Capital of Culture in 2010, Cathy Packe checks out what it has to offer

Travel challenge: A post-Ramadan break in Dubai

Saturday, 8 August 2009

Every week we invite competing companies to give us their best deal for a specified holiday. Today: a five-night break for two in Dubai, departing on 14 October, including flights, transfers and breakfast.

For a real taste of Lebanon, go back to the land

Sunday, 5 July 2009

A Beirut-based organisation is trying to promote Lebanese traditions. Its initiatives open up a whole new view of this country, for locals and visitors alike, says Joy Lo Dico

On The Road: A capital cacophony in Cairo

Saturday, 20 June 2009

I am slowly going deaf. There is a tell-tale ringing in my ears and a new-found tendency to shout: definite symptoms of graduating from tourist to local. Most foreigners last only a few days in the Egyptian capital, and leave with nerves rubbed raw by the never-ending noise. I have been in Cairo long enough to develop hearing loss. This city is adopting me.

Egypt is in vogue as BA increases flights to Sharm El Sheikh

Saturday, 6 June 2009

A fatal attraction: that is one dimension of the Blue Hole, a 100m-deep underwater pothole just off the shore of the Sinai Peninsula.

Good Oman: Acquire a taste for Musandam

Saturday, 16 May 2009

Musandam: north-eastern Arabia: Its isolation could drive men 'round the bend'. Now it's a rational antidote to Dubai, says Simon Calder

Iran: The view from the streets'

Sunday, 10 May 2009

Iran may suffer bad press in the West, yet more of us are travelling to this fascinating destination than ever before. Sarah Barrell finds out why

On The Road: Sink or swim on the Sinai peninsula

Saturday, 9 May 2009

Nothing beats sharing a pot of Bedouin tea between scuba dives. Sitting cross-legged at a low table by one of Dahab's best-loved dive sites, I was given enough of a recharge by the syrupy, warm tea to turn down a kofta sandwich with chips

Trail of the Unexpected: Greenery and grandeur in Oman

Saturday, 2 May 2009

We must be in the wrong place. This was the immediate conclusion I arrived at as our guide, Mahad, pulled off to the side of the road and killed the engine. While he pottered about in the boot for the picnic, laying out a blanket and several bowls of exotic-looking food, I held a quick internal debate about whether or not I should believe my eyes.

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