It’s a question I hear almost daily in our Wheel & Anchor community, and I completely understand why. Turn on any news channel, and the Middle East seems perpetually engulfed in crisis. The headlines paint a picture of a region where conflict is the norm and stability the exception. But as someone who has been guiding travellers for over three decades, I’ve learned that the reality on the ground is often far more nuanced than what we see in our news feeds.
The short answer? It depends entirely on where you’re thinking of going.
The Current Reality: A Region of Contrasts
Let me be completely candid: I wouldn’t be booking a trip to Israel right now. The ongoing armed conflict, unpredictable security situation, and government travel advisories make it clear that this isn’t the time for leisure travel there. The same goes for Iran, where recent escalations have prompted countries like South Korea to recommend their nationals depart immediately. These are destinations that, under calmer circumstances, offer incredible historical and cultural experiences – but right now, the risks simply outweigh the rewards. (Not to mention that your insurance won’t cover you given the obvious Canadian government travel advisories.)
Yet here’s what the headlines often miss: the Middle East isn’t a single entity. It’s a vast, diverse region where conditions can vary dramatically from one border to the next. While conflict dominates certain areas, other parts of the region are experiencing remarkable stability and growth.
Egypt: The Phoenix Rises Again
After a decade of uncertainty following the Arab Spring, Egypt is firmly back on the tourism map – and in spectacular fashion. The country welcomed a record-breaking 15.7 million tourists in 2024, marking a 21% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. For 2025, Egypt is forecasting 16.8 million visitors, representing a 6% growth despite ongoing regional tensions.
The opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum and major infrastructure improvements have transformed the visitor experience. The Red Sea resorts are bustling, Nile cruises are back to capacity, and Cairo’s energy is infectious. Egypt has successfully demonstrated that a country can emerge stronger from political upheaval, and the tourism infrastructure that suffered during the turbulent years has been rebuilt and modernized.
Jordan: The Hidden Victim of Geography
Here’s a perfect example of how perception diverges from reality: Jordan is suffering significantly from its neighbours’ troubles, yet the country itself remains remarkably stable and safe. Tourism officials report that visitor numbers and revenue are climbing – I read that Jordan saw a 13% increase in international visitors in the beginning of this year.
The recent Gaza ceasefire has already begun to positively impact regional sentiment, and industry stakeholders are optimistic about continued recovery. Meanwhile, Petra – one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites – remains as magnificent as ever, often with fewer crowds than it would normally attract.
It’s heartbreaking to see such an incredible destination penalized for conflicts it has no part in. Jordan represents some of the finest hospitality in the Arab world and offers experiences that simply can’t be replicated elsewhere.
The Gulf States: Business as Usual
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Gulf states are actively simplifying visa processes and investing heavily in tourism infrastructure. Dubai plans on having 25 million visitors in 2025 (I like the size to tourists ratio of Oman a lot better), Saudi Arabia has made tourist visas available to citizens of 68 countries, and these destinations continue to offer world-class experiences with minimal security concerns.
The Oman Opportunity
Perhaps the most striking example of media distortion versus reality is the contrast between Yemen and its neighbor, Oman. While Yemen continues to face civil war and remains on “do not travel” lists, just across the border, Oman is experiencing a tourism renaissance.
Oman brings in around 3 million tourists a year – sounds like a lot but when you consider that the Eiffel Tower attracts more than double that number, it makes you scratch your head ! While Paris is trying to dodge its growing image as a hub of overtourism (and I would argue, it actually isn’t yet overtouristed – but that’s another story), the sultanate has launched a new e-visa program, making access to the country easier than ever. Oman is a country of incredible natural beauty – from the fjord-like landscapes of Musandam to the frankincense groves of Dhofar – yet it remains largely off most travellers’ radars.
The irony is palpable: while European destinations grapple with overtourism protests and destinations like Barcelona see locals spraying tourists with water guns, Oman offers authentic experiences, stunning landscapes, and genuine hospitality to a fraction of the visitors it could sustainably accommodate.
Beyond the Headlines: The Bigger Picture
What we’re witnessing in 2025 is a significant shift in regional power dynamics. Iran’s influence has been diminished, many of its proxy groups have been weakened, and several countries are experiencing increased stability. The fall of the Assad regime in Syria has created new opportunities for regional peace, though it’s still too early to determine long-term implications.
Yet these positive developments rarely make headlines. Good news doesn’t generate clicks the way conflict does.
The Overtourism Paradox
Here’s what strikes me as particularly ironic: while protestors across Southern Europe demand limits on tourism due to overcrowding, some of the world’s most spectacular destinations in the Middle East remain undervisited due to misperceptions about regional stability.
Countries like Oman, Jordan, and Egypt offer everything today’s conscious traveller seeks – authentic cultural experiences, stunning natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality – without the crowds that are making traditional European destinations increasingly challenging to enjoy.
The key to navigating Middle Eastern travel in 2025 is the same as it’s always been: look beyond the headlines to understand specific conditions in individual countries. Government travel advisories, while sometimes overly cautious, provide essential baseline information. But they should be supplemented with current intelligence from reliable local sources and experienced operators.
Some destinations in the region are clearly off-limits right now. Others are not only safe but are actively working to welcome visitors with improved infrastructure and simplified entry procedures.
For those willing to travel thoughtfully and stay informed, there has perhaps never been a better time to discover the incredible diversity the Middle East offers. The question isn’t whether you should travel to “the Middle East” – it’s whether you should travel to the specific country you’re considering, based on current conditions rather than regional generalizations.
After all, missing out on Petra because of troubles in Gaza, or avoiding Oman because of Yemen’s civil war, makes about as much sense as cancelling a trip to Portugal because of problems in Ukraine.
The world is always changing, but for the thoughtful traveller, remarkable experiences await those who look beyond the headlines.
Wheel & Anchor is travelling to Egypt, Oman and it’s newly released trip to Jordan next year. Click here to learn more.