Covering; Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The main focus of diving in the Middle East is most certainly the Egyptian Red Sea. With world class hotels and an interesting culture it is worth considering if your holiday is to consist of more than just scuba diving.

With very little rain and a large portion of this region being desert you will need to take care to avoid sun stroke and heat exhaustion. During the hottest months deserts should be avoided by the independent traveller unless you have survival skills. Rain falls between March and November. Floods can occur due from March to May. Along the Mediterranean coast the summers are long and hot and the winters mild and wet. The coastal areas can be humid but this is usually counteracted by a steady breeze.

During the summer temperatures tend to be scorching, so we suggest Spring, Autumn or Winter as the best time to visit.

Diving in the region on the whole is reasonably good, with some countries bordering the Red Sea. With the jewel in the crown being the Egyptian Red Sea and its excellent reefs and marine life. Alongside the other countries bordering the Arabian Sea, Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf which also provide coral reefs and in some places the chance to see; manta rays, whale sharks, seahorses, turtles and shoals of tropical fish.

Flights  from most locations can be purchased at a reasonable price

• Petra (Jordan)
• Zubara Fort (Qatar)
• Worlds Tallest Building (UAE)
• Pyramids (Egypt)

A number of the countries in this region are known more for conflict than anything else and we would not suggest visiting them at the current time.