Responsible tourism in the Middle East
However, the Middle Eastern environment is increasingly under threat due to climate change and industrialisation, so it’s important that tourism is managed with an eye both on the natural world and on local populations; and there are plenty of issues that you should be aware of before visiting, from pollution to inequitable access to water, to the displacement of local people.
You should also be mindful of the effect that tourism has on traditional life, with public drunkenness and inappropriate clothing both major no-nos . As well as reading up on cultural dos and don'ts, always try to research the history, current affairs and human rights situation of the countries that you’re visiting.
Our Middle East Vacations
Iran vacation, private departure
A private, tailor-made tour of historic Iran
Iran vacation, Persian Explorer
A 10 day trip to some of Iran's most fascinating highlights
Petra and Wadi Rum trekking vacation
Some of the most spectacular desert scenery in the world
Egypt cultural vacation, small group
Discover Egypt on this amazing 9 day tour
Tailor made tour of Jordan & Israel
A tailor made tour of Jordan & Israel, breathtaking sites & fascinating history
Lebanon vacation
Discover Phoenician history, sublime ruins & fine wine
Israel vacations, small group tour
Israel, a Hidden gem this 8 day tour hits all the main spots
Tailor made tours of Oman
Privately escorted mystical trip of stunning Oman
Jordan self drive vacation
Be independent & explore Jordan at your own pace
Jordan highlights & camel safari, small group
Taste the real life of Bedouin at Mars on Earth, Wadi Rum!
Jordan vacation, a week in Jordan
A week to explore the spectacular sites and scenery of Jordan
Jordan vacation on a shoestring
Great value tour covering all Jordan's major sites
Oman small group tour
Ancient spice trails, Wahiba Sands, superb coastal scenery
Family culture & adventure vacation to Egypt
An Egyptian adventure the whole family will remember
Exciting family vacation in Jordan
A fabulous family vacation including the best of Jordan
Iran vacation
Discover the rich culture and famed hospitality of Iran
Jordan and Egypt budget vacation
Adventure through historical landscapes of Jordan & Egypt.
Petra and Wadi Rum by bike, Jordan
Cycling trip through stunning desert scenery
Jordan vacation, small group
Visit Jordan from cities to mystic desert landscapes
Red Sea diving vacations
Best shore diving @ Dahab, super private with our 4-1 ratio
Learn to scuba dive in the Red Sea
Learn to dive, safely, in the warm waters of the Red Sea.
Iran vacations, small group tours
Trace the magnificent legacies of the Persian Empires
Highlights of Jordan, small group tour
The most amazing highlights of Jordan in one go!
Iran cultural vacation
A captivating land dripping with history and culture
Nile cruise vacation in Egypt
Discover ancient temples & tombs & travel by Nile cruise boat
Oman vacation, Forts and Deserts of Oman
Explore the dramatic mountains and deserts of Oman
Walking vacation in Jordan
Walk through some of the world's most iconic historic sites
The Middle East: Wildlife and environment
Water
What you can do
Don’t stay in vast accommodations with gleaming golf courses and manicured gardens that feed into the inequality of water access in the country. Staying in a locally run guesthouse or small hotel, a homestay or kibbutz, for example, means that you are supporting community run enterprises that are already switched on to the sustainable consumption of water. And adhere to basic common sense, using quick showers instead of baths, turning off taps when brushing teeth, flushing the toilet only when necessary, and so on.
Pollution
Waste disposal is a massive issue across the Middle East with little efforts made towards recycling - and the sheer level of waste has a devastating impact on agriculture, marine environments and freshwater supplies. Urban air pollution is also a concern, with the people of the Gulf States breathing some of the most toxic air on the planet according to international agencies and Cairo often making headlines as one of the world’s most polluted cities, where rates of cancer, asthma and emphysema have shot up due to the levels of smoke, soot and fuel in the air.What you can do
Many people drink bottled water in the Middle East, despite the tap water quality being excellent in Israel, Iran, Oman and the UAE. However policies on the recycling of plastic are neither widespread, nor coherent. So if you must buy water, buy the biggest size of bottle you can, therefore minimising the amount of plastic you are disposing of.
Marine conservation
Many people enjoy sea turtle watching when in the Middle East, and Oman and Egypt are particular hotspots. Hundreds of green and hawksbill turtles come back year after year to lay their eggs on the beaches of the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea, where their existence has been put at risk predominantly by the overdevelopment of the coastline. There are certain rules to stick to when viewing them. Try to go with an expert wildlife guide, never drive on beaches where they are known to nest, don’t use flash photography or bright torches, and don't get any closer than 10m to 15m to any turtle.If you’re going dolphin watching, ensure your operator is an expert at practising safe dolphin watching and in recognising different kinds of dolphin; the best way to approach them differs according to the species. If you want to swim with dolphins, it’s crucial that the time spent with them and the number of swimmers is strictly limited – no one should enter the water until the dolphins are at ease. Most importantly, never approach a dolphin, and do not touch them.
People & culture in the Middle East
Nomads & indigenous peoples
What you can do
The best thing you can do is support their tourist initiatives. Buy souvenirs from artisan businesses and learn more about their lifestyles and traditions, for example by staying in Bedouin camps in Jordan and Oman, or taking a Nubian-run felucca cruise in Egypt – allowing them to receive an income as well as giving younger members pride in their culture and lifestyle.
Religion
Religious traditions hold great sway in the Middle East, even in countries such as Israel, which has liberal attitudes towards fashion, sexuality and popular culture. Therefore, it’s important to dress appropriately in places of worship as well as in conservative areas. These dress codes apply to men and women, with the rule of thumb being to keep as covered as possible. At holy sites women, be they Muslim, Jewish or Christian, must cover their heads, so travel with a light scarf, that isn’t too hot, to use when visiting temples, mosques and other religious places. In Iran, women will have to dress modestly and have their heads covered at all times, while at Israel's Jewish sites, men may also need to cover their heads with a yarmulke cap.Shabbat
Religious traditions hold great sway in the Middle East, even in countries such as Israel, which has liberal attitudes towards fashion, sexuality and popular culture. Therefore, it’s important to dress appropriately in places of worship as well as in conservative areas. These dress codes apply to men and women, with the rule of thumb being to keep as covered as possible. At holy sites women, be they Muslim, Jewish or Christian, must cover their heads, so travel with a light scarf, that isn’t too hot, to use when visiting temples, mosques and other religious places. In Iran, women will have to dress modestly and have their heads covered at all times, while at Israel's Jewish sites, men may also need to cover their heads with a yarmulke cap.
Ramadan
Ramadan falls during the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and in some countries life changes dramatically, with the faithful abstaining from food, drink, tobacco and sex during daylight hours. This will, of course, affect your schedule, with many businesses closed, or offering limited hours, though some restaurants in international hotels often remain open.
On the plus side this means that the evenings can be great fun, and you might find yourself invited to late night feasts and parties. As a foreign tourist you won’t be expected to fast yourself, but it would be bad form to eat or drink in front of someone who is; and in some countries you could even be fined for eating in public during the fast. You should also dress more conservatively during this time. Make sure you read up on local laws before you go.