Winter 2026–27 Travel Highlights Across Jordan, Lebanon, UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia
Six Middle Eastern destinations launch new winter 2026–27 tourism offerings, featuring desert adventures, snow‑covered mountains, Red Sea diving and luxury island stays. The programmes run from November through March and target leisure travellers seeking cooler weather and outdoor activities.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- New winter tourism packages introduced across five countries
- Timing
- Winter season November to March 2026–27
- Who is affected
- Leisure travellers planning trips to the region
The details
Regional Overview
Jordan, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are promoting six distinct winter destinations for the 2026–27 season. The offerings include desert excursions in Jordan’s Wadi Rum, ski activities at Lebanon’s Zaarour resort, mountain glamping in the UAE’s Hatta, Red Sea diving in Egypt’s Dahab and luxury island stays on Saudi Arabia’s Sheybarah Island.
Key Destinations
Jordan’s Wadi Rum provides guided four‑wheel‑drive tours, camel rides and stargazing with daytime temperatures around 15–20 °C. Lebanon’s Zaarour ski resort operates from December to spring, offering slopes between 1,650 and 2,005 m. UAE’s Hatta launches upgraded glamping and adventure facilities from 28 September 2026. Egypt’s Dahab offers winter diving with water temperatures of 21–24 °C, while Luxor and Aswan highlight archaeological sites and Nile cruises. Saudi Arabia’s Sheybarah Island delivers solar‑powered luxury villas with marine activities.
- Wadi Rum: desert camps and luxury retreats
- Zaarour: ski, snowboarding and snow tubing
- Hatta: restored heritage trailers and private plunge pools
- Dahab: Blue Hole diving and snorkeling
- Sheybarah Island: 73 solar‑powered villas
Travel Practicalities
Cooler daytime conditions between November and March make longer excursions and outdoor recreation more comfortable across the region. Operators advise confirming heating, insulation and hot‑water arrangements for desert stays and checking lift and snow conditions for mountain resorts. Travel to Sheybarah Island typically involves a flight to Red Sea International Airport followed by a boat or seaplane transfer.
- Check accommodation heating before booking winter stays
- Verify ski lift schedules at Zaarour
- Confirm activity availability at Hatta based on weather
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with existing bookings should verify that heating and insulation are provided for desert accommodations
- Winter ski enthusiasts should confirm Zaarour’s lift operation dates before finalising travel dates
- Divers heading to Dahab need to plan for thicker wetsuits due to cooler water temperatures
Cost and documents
- No new fees are mentioned for the winter programmes across the highlighted destinations
- Travelers should ensure standard visa and passport requirements for each country remain satisfied
What you need to do
- Check accommodation amenities such as heating for desert stays in Wadi Rum
- Monitor lift and snow reports for Zaarour before confirming ski trips
- Arrange transfer logistics to Sheybarah Island via boat or seaplane after arriving at Red Sea International Airport
Who this affects
-
Leisure travellers to Jordan
Jordan promotes winter desert experiences in Wadi Rum with upgraded facilities
What to do Confirm heating and hot‑water provisions before booking
-
Ski tourists to Lebanon
Zaarour ski resort opens for the winter season with snow‑dependent operations
What to do Verify lift schedules and snow conditions before travel
-
Adventure seekers in the UAE
Hatta introduces upgraded glamping and outdoor activities for winter 2026–27
What to do Check activity availability and weather‑dependent schedules
-
Divers in Egypt
Dahab offers winter diving with cooler Red Sea water temperatures
What to do Plan for appropriate wetsuit thickness and dive certifications
-
Luxury holidaymakers to Saudi Arabia
Sheybarah Island launches a solar‑powered luxury resort for winter visitors
What to do Arrange transfer from Red Sea International Airport to the island
Frequently asked questions
When does the winter tourism season start in the Middle East for 2026‑27?
The winter season runs from November through March 2026–27, covering all six highlighted destinations.
What activities are available in Jordan’s Wadi Rum during winter?
Winter visitors can enjoy guided four‑wheel‑drive tours, camel rides, canyon walks and stargazing, with daytime temperatures around 15–20 °C.
Is skiing possible at Lebanon’s Zaarour resort in December?
Yes, Zaarour’s ski operations typically develop during December and continue into spring, depending on snowfall.
What should divers pack for winter trips to Dahab, Egypt?
Divers should bring thicker wetsuits to cope with Red Sea water temperatures of 21–24 °C, especially between December and February.
How do guests reach Saudi Arabia’s Sheybarah Island?
Guests usually fly into Red Sea International Airport and then transfer by boat (30–45 minutes) or seaplane (about 30 minutes) to the island.
