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Expert travel guides and holiday advice
Whether you’re exploring pyramids in Egypt, eating authentic cuisine in Morocco or embracing sandy adventures in the Sahara Desert, North Africa and the Middle East offers an abundance of activities for all types of travellers. From relaxing beach resorts for the family in Dubai to backpacking in countries rich in culture and heritage like Saudi Arabia, you won't be disappointed with the offerings in North Africa and the Middle East.
Egypt
From traditional ancient sights in Luxor and spectacular pyramids near Cairo to scuba diving in Ras Mohammed National Park's coral reefs and relaxing in the hot springs of Siwa Oasis, Egypt offers a range of activities to suit all types of travellers. The Independent’s travel experts have picked their favourite experiences and reviewed hotels to suit all budgets.
How to spend a weekend in Cairo
Cairo might be a big, noisy, traffic-logged city, but exploring its revived downtown core is one of Egypt’s most underrated experiences
What’s the best way to buy currency for touring Egypt?
Simon Calder answers your questions on travel money, Italian railways and armrest etiquette
What not to do in Egypt as a tourist
No street drinking, drones or PDAs: staying safe in Egypt
Morocco
Morocco is a country full of colourful cities like Marrakesh, Fez and Meknes and golden seaside towns of Essaouira and Asilah. Morocco boasts adventure-galore for explorers, from camel treks through the natural beauty of the Sahara Desert to climbs up North Africa's highest peak. Read our travel expert-led guides on the best hotels and how to embrace Morocco's culture and cuisine to its finest.
The ultimate Morocco travel guide
Africa and Europe collide in this fascinatingly diverse holiday hotspot, complete with rich history, mountain, sea and desert-scapes, and plentiful shopping opportunities from expert craftspeople at bustling souks
Dubai
Flashier than most countries, Dubai is rich in flavour and flare. While both futuristic and deeply traditional, UAE’s pleasure capital offers brilliantly bizarre experiences for its visitors. From swimming with sharks to skiing in a shopping mall, it's no surprise Dubai is a winter-sun favourite. Read our travel experts have written guides to luxury, budget and family-friendly hotels in the heart of the city, along with recommendations on where to eat and shop.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a dynamic holiday destination, offering travellers the opportunity to explore wildlife sanctuaries, picturesque mountaintops, the coral-filled Red Sea coast and endless sand dunes. The cosmopolitan cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam are rich in culture, heritage and cuisine. When visiting, be sure to uncover history in museums and treat yourself to a shopping spree. Our travel experts have reviewed hotels and recommended their top holiday picks you can't miss.
Israel
Explore world-class museums and religious sites, raise your adrenaline in craters and ride camels in the desert during your next trip to Israel. A landscape rich in diversity, the country offers tourists the chance to hike nature reserves, soak in mineral-rich mud, float in the salty Dead Sea and embrace picturesque views of lakes backdropped against green mountains. For some downtime, relax on Tel Aviv's beaches along Israel's Mediterranean coast. To help you plan your holiday, our experts have found the best hotels to stay and have found the top places to eat and drink so that you can enjoy the best of Israel's fresh, local produce.
The ultimate Israel travel guide
A stark mix of ancient spiritual landmarks, modern party cities, rich culture and heartbreaking conflict, Israel and the Palestinian West Bank is a complex region to explore
Jordan
Read expert travel guides ahead of your next trip to Jordan.
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