Futuristic skylines, the world's great aviation hubs and, in Oman, some of Arabia's most beautiful and traditional landscapes — the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Futuristic skylines rising from the desert, the world's great aviation hubs, and — in Oman — some of Arabia's most beautiful and traditional landscapes.
The six Gulf Cooperation Council countries — the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia — have transformed in a generation from pearling coasts into some of the world's most modern, connected and ambitious destinations. Dubai and Doha are gateways between hemispheres; Abu Dhabi blends culture with glamour; Oman keeps the older, quieter magic of forts, wadis and frankincense; and Saudi Arabia has thrown open extraordinary sites like AlUla to visitors for the first time.
Family-run since 1974, Cooee builds Gulf trips that balance the spectacle of the cities with the desert and coast beyond — and make the most of the region's unbeatable stopover position.
Glittering cities, dramatic mountains and empty deserts — combine a few on one easy trip.
Dubai · Abu Dhabi · 7 emirates
The Burj Khalifa, desert safaris, the Grand Mosque and world-class beaches — the region's most popular destination.
Muscat · Nizwa · the Empty Quarter
Doha · Museum of Islamic Art
AlUla · Diriyah · the Red Sea
Manama · pearling heritage
Grand Mosque · Louvre · Yas Island
The moments that define a journey through the Arabian Gulf.
Dune-bashing, camels and a starlit dinner in the sands outside Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Oman's Wahiba.
Oct – AprSwim emerald wadi pools, explore Nizwa's fort and souk, and drive into the Hajar Mountains.
Oct – AprAbu Dhabi's dazzling white-marble mosque — one of the most beautiful buildings on Earth.
Year-roundThe Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif and the futuristic National Museum — a perfect 2-day stopover.
Year-roundThe UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) is the easiest and most popular first Gulf trip, with world-class hotels, attractions and connections. Oman is the choice for travellers wanting natural beauty and traditional Arabia, while Qatar makes a superb short stopover. See our Dubai & the UAE guide.
Mostly no advance visa: the UAE and Qatar give a free visa on arrival (~30 days); Bahrain offers an e-visa or visa on arrival; Oman needs a low-cost e-visa; and Saudi Arabia now issues a tourist e-visa. See our getting there & visas guide.
October to April — warm, sunny and comfortable. Summer (June–August) regularly tops 45°C, though it brings sharply lower hotel rates and the UAE's indoor-resort scene stays busy. See our best time to visit guide.
Absolutely — Oman is the Gulf's most scenic and traditional country: Muscat's grand mosque and souk, the fjords of Musandam, the wadis and forts of the interior, and the vast dunes of the Empty Quarter. It pairs beautifully with the UAE. See our desert & adventure guide.