Take a Hike Through the Middle East's Most Stunning Landscapes
Ready to lace up your boots and take in some of the most breathtaking scenery around?
Whether you're a hiking pro or just looking for a reason to wear those fancy new boots, the Middle East is full of trails that'll leave you speechless (and maybe a little out of breath).
From the dizzying heights of the UAE to the secret valleys of Jordan, these hikes are your ticket to a bit of nature therapy, some epic views, and a whole lot of adventure.
So, grab your gear, leave the city behind, and get ready for a journey that's as breathtaking as your Instagram feed—just maybe don't forget the snacks.
Wadi Shab
📍Al Sharqiyah Region, Oman
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Wadi Shab is a beautiful canyon featuring turquoise waters, rocky terrain, and lush palm trees. The hike leads to a secluded waterfall, perfect for a refreshing swim after a rewarding trek. Edge of the World
📍Near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Best Time to Visit: November to March
The Edge of the World is one of Saudi Arabia's most impressive geological features. This trek offers awe-inspiring views of cliffs overlooking a vast, arid expanse and is a must-do for adventure seekers. The Lost Valley
📍Near Petra, Jordan
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
A hidden gem near Petra, this hike offers spectacular views of dramatic sandstone cliffs and the unique landscape of the Petra desert. It's a great option for those seeking to explore the wonders of Jordan without the crowds. Mount Sinai
📍Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to November Climbing Mount Sinai is a spiritual journey for many, offering panoramic views from the summit, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments. The hike is popular at sunrise or sunset. Jebel Akhdar
📍Al Hajar Mountains, Oman
Difficulty: Challenging
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
A mountain hike that takes you through terraces, ancient villages, and scenic views of the valley below. This trek offers an unforgettable experience amidst Oman's rugged highlands. Al-Baha Mountains
📍Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to November
The Al-Baha mountains are known for their diverse flora and fauna, with winding trails that pass through valleys, forests, and traditional villages, offering a peaceful escape into nature. Wadi Rum
📍Wadi Rum, Jordan
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November
Known as the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum offers a variety of trails across towering sandstone mountains and vast deserts, known for its stunning rock formations and petroglyphs. Jabal Jais
📍Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Difficulty: Challenging
Best Time to Visit: October to April
The highest mountain in the UAE, Jebel Jais offers breathtaking views of the Hajar Mountain Range, with an extensive trail system that ranges in difficulty and features cliffside views and steep ascents.
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Take a Hike Through the Middle East's Most Stunning Landscapes
Ready to lace up your boots and take in some of the most breathtaking scenery around? Whether you're a hiking pro or just looking for a reason to wear those fancy new boots, the Middle East is full of trails that'll leave you speechless (and maybe a little out of breath). From the dizzying heights of the UAE to the secret valleys of Jordan, these hikes are your ticket to a bit of nature therapy, some epic views, and a whole lot of adventure. So, grab your gear, leave the city behind, and get ready for a journey that's as breathtaking as your Instagram feed—just maybe don't forget the snacks. Wadi Shab 📍Al Sharqiyah Region, Oman Difficulty: Moderate Best Time to Visit: October to April Wadi Shab is a beautiful canyon featuring turquoise waters, rocky terrain, and lush palm trees. The hike leads to a secluded waterfall, perfect for a refreshing swim after a rewarding trek. Edge of the World 📍Near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging Best Time to Visit: November to March The Edge of the World is one of Saudi Arabia's most impressive geological features. This trek offers awe-inspiring views of cliffs overlooking a vast, arid expanse and is a must-do for adventure seekers. The Lost Valley 📍Near Petra, Jordan Difficulty: Moderate Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November A hidden gem near Petra, this hike offers spectacular views of dramatic sandstone cliffs and the unique landscape of the Petra desert. It's a great option for those seeking to explore the wonders of Jordan without the crowds. Mount Sinai 📍Sinai Peninsula, Egypt Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to November Climbing Mount Sinai is a spiritual journey for many, offering panoramic views from the summit, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments. The hike is popular at sunrise or sunset. Jebel Akhdar 📍Al Hajar Mountains, Oman Difficulty: Challenging Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November A mountain hike that takes you through terraces, ancient villages, and scenic views of the valley below. This trek offers an unforgettable experience amidst Oman's rugged highlands. Al-Baha Mountains 📍Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia Difficulty: Moderate Best Time to Visit: March to May, October to November The Al-Baha mountains are known for their diverse flora and fauna, with winding trails that pass through valleys, forests, and traditional villages, offering a peaceful escape into nature. Wadi Rum 📍Wadi Rum, Jordan Difficulty: Moderate Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November Known as the Valley of the Moon, Wadi Rum offers a variety of trails across towering sandstone mountains and vast deserts, known for its stunning rock formations and petroglyphs. Jabal Jais 📍Ras Al Khaimah, UAE Difficulty: Challenging Best Time to Visit: October to April The highest mountain in the UAE, Jebel Jais offers breathtaking views of the Hajar Mountain Range, with an extensive trail system that ranges in difficulty and features cliffside views and steep ascents.
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IFC and Orascom Development Partner to Boost Green Tourism in Egypt - Middle East Business News and Information
IFC today announced a partnership with Orascom Development Holding's (ODH) largest subsidiary, Orascom Development Egypt (ODE), to support the leading Egypt-based tourism and real estate developer to improve energy and water efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across several of its hotels in its flagship destination, El Gouna, Egypt. IFC is providing ODE with a Sustainability Linked Loan (SLL) of total equivalent $155 million, which comprises tranches of $96 million and EUR55 million. The SLL will support green improvements and growth opportunities for the developer in El Gouna, a popular coastal town on the Red Sea, including renovations of its Mövenpick Resort and Spa El Gouna. 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