JORDAN
Essential Information
Capital: Amman
Area: 92 300 sq km (About a third the size the UK)
Population: 6 million (A tenth the size of the UK’s)
Religions: Majority Sunni Muslim (92%) but also Christian (6% majority Greek Orthodox, but some Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), other (2%) (small Shi'a Muslim and Druze populations)
Languages: Arabic, though English is widely understood among upper and middle classes and in tourist areas
Time: +2/3 hrs (GMT)
When to go
The best time to travel to Jordan is March through to May, and September through to November. During these months the temperatures are most pleasant, with warm days and cool nights. As expected summer can be extremely hot, though this is a good time to travel if you want to avoid the crowds! Winter in Jordan can be cold, especially the nights in the desert. Snow fall in certain areas (including Petra) is not unheard of.
Getting there
Direct flights are available on Royal Jordanian Airlines and BMI, taking about 5hrs. Indirect options are also possible on Emirates or Qatar Airways or via Europe.
Internal travel
Air Travel
Internal flights link Amman with Aqaba and there are also good connections to other parts of the Middle East.
Boat Travel
Ferries sail from Aqaba to the Sinai Peninsula
Road Travel
Jordan has a superb network of internal roads, and the conditions are generally good. However, when going off the beaten track the roads can be a lot rougher.
Private transfers and sightseeing
All our itineraries in Jordan are based on private cars, vans or 4x4s with an experienced driver.
OMAN
Essential Information
Capital: City of Muscat
Area: 309,500 square kilometres (a quarter larger than the UK)
Population: 2,509,000 (4% of the UK)
Religions: Majority Ibadi Muslim (75%), Sunni and Shia Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs (25%)
Languages: Arabic is the official language of Oman, with English widely spoken and German known in tourist locations (namely hotels)
Time: +4 hours (GMT)
When to Go
The best time to travel to Oman is from November to mid-March, when the average temperature is around 25 degrees. It is best to avoid southern Oman during its rainy season of mid-June to late August. Naturally, the summer months can be incredibly hot. For those wanting to glimpse the endangered green turtle, it is possible to see them both laying and hatching eggs from September to November.
Getting there
Oman Air flies direct to Muscat from London Gatwick, which takes 8 hours. British Airways fly from London Heathrow, with a stopover en route. Gulf Air via Manama, Emirates via Dubai, Qatar via Doha. Indirect flights take approximately 10 hours.
Internal Travel
Air Travel
While domestic flight options are very limited, Oman air connects Muscat with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait and many other destinations in the Middle East. Plans are in place to build more domestic airports.
Boat Travel
Boat travel is an option when travelling from the mainland to surrounding islands, as well as when participating in the many water sports and sea excursions on offer.
Road Travel
Driving in Oman requires a four-wheel drive, due to varied road conditions.
Private Transfers and Sightseeing
All our itineraries in Oman are based on private cars, vans or 4x4s, with an experienced driver.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Essential Information
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Area: 83,600 square kilometres (just over one third of the UK)
Population: 4 million (one fifteenth of the UK)
Religions: 57% Muslim (44% Sunnis, 10% Shias, 3% Ibadi), Christian (24% Roman Catholics, 6% Protestants), 11% Hindu, 1.5% Baha’i
Languages: Arabic is the national language, though English, Hindi and Urdu are all widely spoken
Time: +4 hours (GMT)
When to Go
The best time to travel to the UAE is between October and May, with daytime temperatures in November, December, January and February reaching about 25º. The temperatures reach the low 30s in March and April, and the high 30s in May and October. June to September can be particularly hot, with temperatures soaring to the high 40s.
Getting there
The UAE is served from the UK by the internationally acclaimed Emirates Airline, along with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and the UAE’s national carrier, Etihad Airways. Both Emirates and Etihad offer convenient onward flights to many destinations in Asia, Australasia and Africa, along with other countries in the Middle East
Internal Travel
Air Travel
There are no internal flights, but regional flights link the UAE’s major airports to neighbouring states.
Road Travel
The UAE has a good network of internal roads. When going off the beaten track the roads can be a lot rougher.
Private Transfers and Sightseeing
Our transfers in the UAE are based on private chauffeur-driven vehicles, with a representative to meet you on arrival at the airport. Sightseeing and excursions are in a chauffeur-driven vehicle (a shared 4x4 is used for desert safaris).
