Travel Agency Services
Oman Self-Drive Specialist: 10 Reasons to Book with a Real Expert
If you’re searching for an Oman self-drive specialist, you’re likely weighing up your options carefully. Is Oman safe?Is it easy to drive there?Should you book it yourself? Planning a self-drive holiday in Oman is exciting — but it requires real knowledge. Here’s why...
Travelling Safely in the Arabian Peninsula: James & Emily’s Family Adventure
Ensuring Your Personal Safety in the Arabian Peninsula There's no denying that when someone mentions the Middle East, the conversation turns to safety. The fear of turmoil in what is perceived as an unstable region prompts people to turn to other countries for their...
How Safe Is the Arabian Peninsula? Myth-Busting With a Travel Expert
How James & Emily Found The Desert Diva - and What They Learned About Travelling Safely in the Arabian Peninsula When James and Emily first considered travelling to Oman or the UAE, they didn’t know anyone who had actually been. They’d spent days going round in...
Dubai
Dubai Travel Made Easy: How I Save You Time, Hassle, and Money
Why Booking Your Dubai Trip Through Me Saves You Time, Hassle, and Money Planning a trip to Dubai should be exciting, not overwhelming. But with thousands of hotels, countless restaurants, and endless activities to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of online...
Unlock the Magic of Dubai: Let Marina Plan Your Perfect Holiday
So You Would Like to Go to Dubai for a Holiday? Here's How to Start Planning! Dubai, the glittering gem of the UAE, offers an unparalleled mix of luxury, adventure, and culture, making it a top destination for travelers worldwide. Whether you're dreaming of thrilling...
Public Transport In Dubai
Navigating Dubai: Your Ultimate Public Transport Guide Dubai is a city that never ceases to amaze, with its futuristic skyline, luxury malls, and cultural gems. Getting around this vibrant metropolis is easy, thanks to its diverse and efficient public transport...
Shoof Oman
Shoof Oman: 026
شوف (arabic) shoof: look! see! (english)The Omani cap, the Kumma, is popular headwear for both young and old men there. They come in many designs and colours, and the embroidery can be hand sewn or machined, depending on your budget. When you are out and about in...
Shoof Oman: 025
شوف (arabic) shoof: look! see! (english)There are many renovated forts and villages throughout the Sultanate, but I like to go and explore abandoned buildings to try to catch a glimpse of life long ago. I chanced upon this old majlis in the town of Ibri, and couldn't...
Shoof Oman: 024
شوف (arabic) shoof: look! see! (english)Now it's not unusual (well at least not in the UAE, Oman or Saudi) to spot camels in a Toyota or Nissan pickup, however I had to do a double take when I spotted these two camels with their headgear on! It's cold in the back of a...
Oman Travels
Oman Self-Drive Specialist: 10 Reasons to Book with a Real Expert
If you’re searching for an Oman self-drive specialist, you’re likely weighing up your options carefully. Is Oman safe?Is it easy to drive there?Should you book it yourself? Planning a self-drive holiday in Oman is exciting — but it requires real knowledge. Here’s why...
Arabian Travel Guide: What I’m Taking With me this Time
🌞 What I’m Taking With Me This Time Affiliate note: This blog contains links to products I personally use and recommend. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase something — at absolutely no extra cost to you. Thank you for...
Safe, Seen, and Supported: My Life as a Solo Female Traveller in Arabia
A Scottish woman’s reflection on 15 years of solo travel across Oman, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia — where kindness, culture, and safety redefine adventure.
UAE Travels
Arabian Travel Guide: What I’m Taking With me this Time
🌞 What I’m Taking With Me This Time Affiliate note: This blog contains links to products I personally use and recommend. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase something — at absolutely no extra cost to you. Thank you for...
Safe, Seen, and Supported: My Life as a Solo Female Traveller in Arabia
A Scottish woman’s reflection on 15 years of solo travel across Oman, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia — where kindness, culture, and safety redefine adventure.
Passport Validity, ETIAS & Global Entry Rules: What Every Traveller Should Know
Essential Guide to Avoiding Travel Disasters - Passports You’d be astounded how often holidays are wrecked by a passport problem. From passengers turned away at check-in because their passports were too old, to last-minute renewals causing panic. These are the most...
Saudi Arabia Travels
Travelling in Saudi Arabia – What Western Visitors Really Need to Know
Travelling in Saudi Arabia raises a lot of questions for Western visitors. Is it safe? What are the rules? Can women travel freely? And is it really possible to explore the country independently? Saudi Arabia is one of the newest destinations to open to international...
Arabian Travel Guide: What I’m Taking With me this Time
🌞 What I’m Taking With Me This Time Affiliate note: This blog contains links to products I personally use and recommend. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase something — at absolutely no extra cost to you. Thank you for...
Safe, Seen, and Supported: My Life as a Solo Female Traveller in Arabia
A Scottish woman’s reflection on 15 years of solo travel across Oman, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia — where kindness, culture, and safety redefine adventure.
Downloadable Routes
Al Ain to White Sands (off the beaten track)
One of the Desert Diva’s more remote offroad routes. GPX and KML routes are available for download. Only suitable for experienced 4×4 owners.
Al Ain to Hameem via Al Qua’a
The Desert Diva’s route traveling mostly on tarmac roads but ending with a track only suitable for 4×4 vehicles. GPX and KML downloads available.
White Sands to Madinat Zayed: Off The Beaten Track
DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS WITH 2WD VEHICLES; SINGLE 4X4 IS FINE. THERE IS NO DUNE BASHING ON THIS ROUTE – YOU ARE ON ROAD/GATCH TRACK ALL THE TIME BUT 4×4 OR AWD/4WD IS ESSENTIAL. If you have a 4×4 there are more ways to reach Liwa than driving along the E11, and this...
Photo Blogs
Featured Photographer 4
Catherine Gibson-Poole Our trips offer photographers, both amateur and semi-professional, the opportunity to take amazing photographs! Over the next few weeks I will feature work from a few of our guests – I hope you like their pictures as much as I do. Catherine has...
Featured Photographer 1
Dawn Wadsworth Our trips offer photographers, both amateur and semi-professional, the opportunity to take amazing photographs! Over the next few weeks I will feature work from a few of our guests – I hope you like their pictures as much as I do. My first photographer,...
Featured Photographer 5
Sarah Brooks Our trips offer photographers, both amateur and semi-professional, the opportunity to take amazing photographs! Over the next few weeks I will feature work from a few of our guests - I hope you like their pictures as much as I do. Sarah has joined (and...
Ready to Explore?
Adventure awaits! Plan your escape with Arabian Cities and Sands and uncover the hidden wonders of the Arabian Peninsula. Whether it’s ancient cities, pristine beaches, or epic desert drives, our carefully curated holidays deliver authentic experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t wait—contact us today and start planning your unforgettable journey!
