Trips of a lifetime: the Middle East for adventurers

Από MO Magazine

Δεκέμβριος 29, 2022

An adventurous itinerary from Dubai to Doha, with plenty of thrills along the way.

The Middle East’s deserts and epic landscapes will delight adventurous travellers, especially those who choose to take the road less travelled.

Although they’re geographically close together, getting from Dubai to Doha makes for an exciting trip, with no direct route from the UAE to Qatar. Far from being a deterrent, it’s the chance to embark on a unique journey through the Middle East, via Oman.

Dubai for daredevils

Start your trip in glamorous Dubai, checking into the Mandarin Sea Front Suite at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. Wake up to its jaw-dropping views across the Arabian Gulf, then embrace Dubai’s thrill-seeking side.

Get a glimpse of how the city has risen from the desert by heading to Skydive Dubai, one of the most memorable jump locations in the world. The launch is in Dubai Marina, with the incredible Palm Jumeirah as its background. Tandem skydives are a safe way to experience the thrill of freefall – and if ever there was an iconic selfie op, this is it. If that’s aiming a little too high, try the world’s longest urban zipline. The Dubai XLine is a kilometre long, speeding past skyscrapers and over superyachts before touching down.

Of course, high-octane activities aren’t the only kinds of adventure. For daring dining, claim a table at Netsu, where the specialty is Japanese-style warayaki (straw fire) cooking, with mesmerising views over the grill’s leaping flames.

Get set for the next part of the trip with a visit to The Spa and a signature Nomadic Dreaming treatment – a two-hour, profoundly grounding experience, spanning singing bowls, stretches and massage.

Abu Dhabi for adventure seekers

The largest of the seven Emirates, Abu Dhabi’s vast expanses of desert stretch to the Saudi Arabian border. Experienced off-road drivers will take you dune-bashing at high speeds and unbelievable angles. For something less frenetic, head across the water to Sir Bani Yas Island.

It’s home to the Arabian Wildlife Park, whose residents run from Arabian oryx to fleet-footed cheetahs.

As the sun sets, relax back at your suite at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, before heading for dinner under the stars at Sand & Koal. The setting is sublime, as are the bold flavours: think kombu-cured Hokkaido scallops, or harissa-spiked blue crab and red prawn rice.

Muscat's marvels

Your next stop is Oman, on the tip of the Arabian Peninsula. This is a country of wonders, from the turtle-nesting sites along the east coast to the fort-dotted mountains of the north, or its famous wadis (river gorges), with their azure swimming spots. It’s also home to the dazzling Mandarin Oriental, Muscat, which opened in summer 2024. Unpack your bags in an Executive Suite with views of the Hajar Mountains, and ponder your next adventure. That might be climbing the wind-sculpted dunes of Wahiba Sands, or hiking through the spectacular Wadi Shab, with a swim in an otherworldly sinkhole.

Keen to breath the mountain air? Watch sunrise from Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest peak, overlooking the majestic Al-Nakhur Canyon.

Back at the hotel, relax in the Sawa Lounge; an elegant spot for afternoon tea, if your itinerary permits. The lobster brioche is impeccable, as are the date scones, served with raspberry and rosewater jam. Finish your last sip of tea before hitting the road; the onward flight to Doha takes just over 90 minutes.

Discover more in Doha

Once you’ve touched down, make your way to Mandarin Oriental, Doha. Book a Baraha View Suite for the best views of the town square, and supremely opulent interiors.

If you’re up early, stroll to nearby Souq Wafiq, to catch its traders opening up for the day. It’s a time-honoured spot to shop for interesting souvenirs, from spices and dates to jewellery (there’s a separate gold souk). Afterwards, head to the extraordinary Al-Zubarah Archaeological Site, just over a hour’s drive from Doha. Its mighty fort overlooks the ruins of an abandoned pearl-diving town – perfectly preserved in the desert sands, and now an evocative museum.

Talking of diving, ask the hotel’s concierge for the best scuba spots, then snorkel up to explore the Gulf’s crystalline waters, with their seagrass-grazing dugongs and impressive wrecks. Finally, toast the end of your epic journey at Ambar, with a bold La Peregrina, a sophisticated blend of Beefeater gin, Campari and sweet vermouth, with a touch of olive oil for an adventurous twist.

All offers and experiences available at time of publication. Please contact the hotel team for more information.

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