Expert travel guides and holiday advice

Whether you’re exploring pyramids in Egypt, eating authentic cuisine in Morocco or embracing sandy adventures in the Sahara Desert, North Africa and the Middle East offers an abundance of activities for all types of travellers. From relaxing beach resorts for the family in Dubai to backpacking in countries rich in culture and heritage like Saudi Arabia, you won't be disappointed with the offerings in North Africa and the Middle Eastern.

Egypt

From traditional ancient sights in Luxor and spectacular pyramids near Cairo to scuba diving in Ras Mohammed National Park's coral reefs and relaxing in the hot springs of Siwa Oasis, Egypt offers a range of activities to suit all types of travellers. The Independent’s travel experts have picked their favourite experiences and reviewed hotels to suit all budgets.

• Cairo city guide

Morocco

Morocco is a country full of colourful cities like Marrakesh, Fez and Meknes and golden seaside towns of Essaouira and Asilah. Morocco boasts adventure-galore for explorers, from camel treks through the natural beauty of the Sahara Desert to climbs up North Africa's highest peak. Read our travel expert-led guides on the best hotels and how to embrace Morocco's culture and cuisine to its finest.

• Morocco travel guide

Dubai

Flashier than most countries, Dubai is rich in flavour and flare. While both futuristic and deeply traditional, UAE’s pleasure capital offers brilliantly bizarre experiences for its visitors. From swimming with sharks to skiing in a shopping mall, it's no surprise Dubai is a winter-sun favourite. Read our travel experts have written guides to luxury, budget and family-friendly hotels in the heart of the city, along with recommendations on where to eat and shop.

• Dubai city guide

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a dynamic holiday destination, offering travellers the opportunity to explore wildlife sanctuaries, picturesque mountaintops, the coral-filled Red Sea coast and endless sand dunes. The cosmopolitan cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam are rich in culture, heritage and cuisine. When visiting, be sure to uncover history in museums and treat yourself to a shopping spree. Our travel experts have reviewed hotels and recommended their top holiday picks you can't miss.

Isreal

Explore world-class museums and religious sites, raise your adrenaline in craters and ride camels in the desert during your next trip to Isreal. A landscape rich in diversity, the country offers tourists the chance to hike nature reserves, soak in mineral-rich mud, float in the salty Dead Sea and embrace picturesque views of lakes backdropped against green mountains. For some downtime, relax on Tel Aviv's beaches along Isreal's Mediterranean coast. To help you plan your holiday, our experts have found the best hotels to stay and have found the top places to eat and drink so that you can enjoy the best of Isreal's fresh, local produce.

• Isreal travel guide

Jordan

Read expert travel guides ahead of your next trip to Jordan.