Offbeat Places in the Middle East You Must Visit in 2025

The Middle East often brings to mind towering minarets, bustling souks, and sweeping desert dunes. But beyond the well-trodden cities and iconic landmarks lies a lesser-known side of this diverse region. There are extraordinary places waiting to be discovered in the valleys, mountain folds, and remote coastlines.

In this Middle East travel guide, we explore offbeat places in the Middle East that promise unique experiences steeped in history, natural beauty, and local culture. These hidden gems in the Middle East are perfect for travellers seeking something truly different.

In this blog

• Top Offbeat Places in the Middle East
• FAQs About Offbeat Travel in the Middle East

Top Offbeat Places in the Middle East

Saudi Arabia: A Land of Forgotten Cities and Golden Sands

AlUla- A Journey Through Time at Hegra

AlUla is one of the most unique places to visit in the Middle East. This ancient city is home to Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock-cut tombs carved by the Nabataeans. The entire valley of AlUla is an open-air museum, surrounded by towering golden cliffs, dramatic rock formations, and vast, silent deserts that whisper tales of millennia.

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit AlUla is between October and March
• How to Reach: Indian travellers require a Saudi eVisa, which is easily available online for tourism purposes. The nearest airport is Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz Airport in AlUla, with connections via Riyadh or Jeddah.

Things to do:

• Visit Hegra and marvel at the intricate tomb facades
• Walk through AlUla Old Town and its heritage mud-brick lanes
• Explore the Elephant Rock at sunset
• Attend the Winter at Tantora Festival for music and cultural performances
• Go hiking in the nearby canyons or enjoy a stargazing experience in the desert

Asir Province- Cool Climates and Cultural Adventures

Asir Province is one of the hidden gems in the Middle East, known for its lush green mountains, misty valleys, and unique cultural traditions. Tucked away in the southwest of Saudi Arabia, this region offers a refreshing contrast to the desert landscape that defines much of the country.

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit Asir Province is from June to September, when the cool climate and monsoon showers create a scenic and comfortable setting for exploration.
• How to reach: Indian citizens need a Saudi eVisa, available online. The nearest major airport is Abha International Airport, which is well-connected via Riyadh and Jeddah.

Things to do:

• Stroll through the colourful villages of Rijal Almaa with their stone houses and murals
• Take a cable car ride in Al-Soudah and enjoy panoramic mountain views
• Hike in Asir National Park and enjoy rare flora and fauna
• Experience local hospitality and traditional folk music
• Visit Abha’s vibrant markets for local crafts and honey

The Empty Quarter- The Silence of Rub' al Khali

The Empty Quarter, or Rub' al Khali, is the largest continuous sand desert in the world. It offers one of the most surreal and unexplored Middle East destinations, with endless dunes, dramatic sunsets, and deep-rooted Bedouin culture. It is a place of solitude, silence, and striking natural beauty.

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Empty Quarter is from November to February, when daytime temperatures are milder.
• How to reach: Indian travellers need a Saudi eVisa. The nearest access points are from Riyadh or Najran via road, with guided desert tours arranged through local operators.

Things to do:

• Take a 4x4 desert safari across towering sand dunes
• Experience traditional Bedouin hospitality in desert camps
• Watch sunset and sunrise over an endless ocean of sand
• Try sandboarding and camel trekking
• Camp overnight under a canopy of stars in total silence

Oman- Nature’s Untouched Masterpiece

Musandam Peninsula- The Fjords of Arabia

The Musandam Peninsula is one of the most offbeat Oman experiences, often called the “Norway of Arabia” for its dramatic fjords and rugged coastline. Isolated from mainland Oman, this region is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Musandam Peninsula is between October and April, when the weather is pleasant for water-based activities.
• How to reach: Indian passport holders can get an Oman visa online. Fly into Dubai or Sharjah, then drive to Khasab via Ras Al Khaimah (approx. 3 hours by road).

Things to do:

• Take a dhow cruise through the stunning fjords of Khor Ash Sham
• Spot dolphins swimming alongside the boat
• Go kayaking through turquoise waters and sea caves
• Visit remote fishing villages along the coast
• Hike the rocky trails with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Oman

Salalah- Where the Monsoon Meets the Desert

Salalah is one of the most unique places to visit in the Middle East, especially during the Khareef season when the dry desert transforms into a lush, green wonderland. Located in southern Oman, Salalah surprises travellers with waterfalls, mist-covered hills, and tropical charm.

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit Salalah is from July to September, during the monsoon season known as Khareef.
• How to reach: Indian travellers can apply for an eVisa to Oman. The nearest airport is Salalah International Airport, which has direct and connecting flights from Muscat and Dubai.

Things to do:

• Visit the seasonal waterfalls of Ayn Khor and Ayn Athum
• Explore the green hills of Wadi Darbat and enjoy boating
• Stroll through the Frankincense Land Museum and UNESCO sites
• Relax on the coconut-lined beaches of Al Mughsail
• Shop for perfumes and spices at the Haffa Souq

Misfat Al Abriyeen- A Traditional Mountain Village

Misfat Al Abriyeen is one of the hidden gems in the Middle East, offering a glimpse into Oman’s timeless rural charm. This ancient village is known for its mud-brick houses, winding stone alleys, and traditional falaj irrigation system, all nestled against terraced hillsides.

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit Misfat Al Abriyeen is from October to April, when the weather is ideal for walking and sightseeing.
• How to reach: Indian citizens can apply for an eVisa to Oman. The nearest airport is Muscat International Airport, followed by a 2.5-hour drive to Al Hamra, the base village for Misfat.

Things to do:

• Walk through the narrow lanes and admire the ancient architecture
• Hike along the terraced farms and irrigation channels
• Enjoy panoramic views from the village lookout
• Visit the nearby Al Hamra and Bait Al Safah museum
• Stay in eco-lodges run by local families

Jebel Akhdar- The Green Mountain

Jebel Akhdar, or the Green Mountain, is one of Oman’s best nature spots. Perched high in the Al Hajar Mountains, it offers terraced farms, rose gardens, and a cool alpine climate rare in the region. It's a haven for hikers, photographers, and those seeking mountain air.

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit Jebel Akhdar is from March to May, especially during the rose blooming season, or September to November for pleasant hiking weather.
• How to reach: Indian travellers can fly into Muscat and hire a 4x4 vehicle to reach Jebel Akhdar, about 2.5 hours away. An Oman eVisa is required.

Things to do:

• Hike the famous Diana’s Point trail for panoramic views
• Explore ancient villages like Al Ayn and Wadi Bani Habib
• Visit the rose terraces and distilleries in spring
• Enjoy traditional Omani food at a cliffside resort
• Go cycling or canyoning with local adventure guides

Jordan- The Cinematic Desert Wilderness

Wadi Rum- The Valley of the Moon

Wadi Rum is one of the most iconic yet offbeat places in the Middle East, known for its towering sandstone cliffs, red sand dunes, and vast desert scenery. This cinematic landscape has hosted films like ‘The Martian’ and ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, making it both surreal and historic.

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit Wadi Rum is from October to April, when the desert heat is bearable and the skies are clear.
• How to reach: Indian tourists can obtain a Jordan Pass, which includes a visa and entry to major sites. The nearest airport is King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to Wadi Rum.

Things to do:

• Take a 4 x 4 jeep tour through canyons and sand dunes
• Camp overnight in a Bedouin-style tent
• Watch the stars under some of the clearest desert skies
• Try rock climbing or sandboarding
• Visit ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions

Egypt- Beyond the Pyramids

Black and White Deserts- Egypt’s Surreal Landscapes

The Black and White Deserts of Egypt are among the most hidden gems in the Middle East. Located in the Western Desert near Farafra, these regions showcase a dramatic contrast with the Black Desert’s volcanic rock mounds and the White Desert’s chalky formations sculpted by wind.

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Black and White Deserts is from October to March, when temperatures are suitable for camping and exploration.
• How to reach: Indian citizens can obtain a tourist visa for Egypt. The closest airport is Cairo International Airport. From Cairo, it’s a 5–6 hour drive or guided tour to the desert areas.

Things to do:

• Camp overnight in the White Desert under the stars
• Explore the mushroom and iceberg-shaped chalk formations
• Visit Crystal Mountain and its shimmering quartz
• Take a desert safari through the Black Desert’s volcanic hills
• Bathe in natural hot springs near Bahariya Oasis

Iraq (Kurdistan Region)- Culture at the Top of the World

Amadiya- A Mountain-top Kurdish Gem

Amadiya is a picturesque town perched atop a flat mountain in Iraqi Kurdistan. Surrounded by valleys and hills, this peaceful village has a history that spans the Assyrian, Persian, and Ottoman eras. It is one of the most culturally rich and unexplored Middle East destinations.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Amadiya is from April to June and September to October, when the climate is mild and the landscape is green.

How to reach: Indian travellers need a visa for Iraq (Kurdistan Region has a separate entry process). The nearest airport is Erbil International Airport, with onward travel to Amadiya via Dohuk by car.

Things to do:

• Walk through the ancient stone gate into the historic town
• Visit the 12th-century minaret and tombs
• Enjoy panoramic views from the mountain plateau
• Explore nearby waterfalls and valleys in the region
• Learn about Kurdish culture and local hospitality

Libya- The Silent Beauty of Ghadames

Ghadames- North Africa’s Ancient Desert Pearl

Ghadames is one of the most historically significant and offbeat places in the Middle East and North Africa. Known as the “Pearl of the Desert,” this ancient caravan city lies at the edge of the Sahara and features unique whitewashed mud architecture and a labyrinthine old town.

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit Ghadames is from November to February, when daytime temperatures are cooler and ideal for walking tours.
• How to reach: Indian travellers require a Libyan visa and prior travel clearance, which can be arranged through licensed tour operators. The nearest airport is Tripoli International Airport, followed by a domestic flight or road trip to Ghadames.

Things to do:

• Explore the UNESCO-listed old town with its rooftop walkways
• Visit the traditional mud-brick houses and courtyards
• Learn about Ghadames’ role in ancient Saharan trade routes
• Attend local festivals showcasing Berber music and crafts
• Take a desert tour to nearby sand dunes and oasis landscapes

Conclusion

The Middle East is full of surprises, and these offbeat places reveal a side of the region that many travellers miss. From lush mountain retreats in Oman to the golden silence of Saudi Arabia’s deserts and ancient caravan cities in Libya, each destination offers something unforgettable.

Let this Middle East travel guide inspire your next journey. These unexplored Middle East destinations are more than just points on a map- they are stories carved in stone, sung by the wind, and kept alive by culture. With Club Mahindra as your companion, you can discover hidden gems in the Middle East that leave a lasting impression.