The Al Hallaniyah islands off Oman are rarely visited. That's why they have become a haven for wildlife, says Carolyn Fry

A desert kingdom squeezed between the West Bank and Iraq is not an obvious holiday destination. Jeremy Laurance explores a peaceful land of far horizons

When Tony Wheeler first visited Iran the Shah was still in power. Since then much has changed, but the welcome remains the same

This tiny emirate combines Arabic tradition with stunning modernity - and offers five-star luxury at affordable prices

Winston Churchill described T E Lawrence as 'one of the great beings of our time'. David Orkin retraces his steps through Arabia

With the sci-fi writer Arthur C Clarke as a passenger, Allan Calder wanted to ensure a smooth take-off and landing for Sri Lanka's first balloon ride operation

It may be the first Arab state to stage an F1 grand prix, but, it is not just race fans who will find plenty to do in this little kingdom, says Lucy Gillmore

Writers' adventures in literature: Defying convention, Freya Stark seeks to explore Yemen alone. She is given an armed escort

Outer Mongolia has almost a million miles of open prairie where nomads on horseback slowly roam, seeking ever greener pastures. But when he leaves the tranquil steppes, Mark Stratton discovers the nation's fighting spirit

The Gulf's favourite destination is chaotic, cosmopolitan and cheap - ideal for finding shopping bargains on a stopover on your way East, or as a short break in its own right.

There's more to the little-visited Democratic People's Republic of Korea than the West suspects, says Tony Wheeler. You'll even find avid football fans

Shopping, sure, but culture? Can this Gulf state offer anything other than golf courses and gold souks? Wake up to a different view

What's the weather like now?

Penny Young packed her bicycle to tour the land of sultans and scents