Middle East Reflections

By June Ramli

It has been just over a month since my return from the Middle East.
The Middle East trip revealed culture, safety, and reflections on life. originally planned for June, but due to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel and the bombings occurring at the time, I cancelled my flight, received a full refund from Etihad Airways, and rebooked for later in the year instead.
This journey took me through Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman, and it became much more than a standard holiday. It was a chance to slow down, observe, and experience a part of the world that many Australians often overlook or only pass through in transit.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi quickly became one of my favourite cities.
The food scene is excellent, with plenty of delicious options and generally high-quality restaurants.
It is, however, on the expensive side, so having a reasonable financial runway definitely helps in enjoying what the city has to offer.
I stayed in an apartment on Al Reem Island and relied mainly on Uber to get around.
Transport was convenient, safe and predictable, even at night.
There is a slight haze over parts of the city, which is to be expected given the scale of ongoing development and construction, but daily life still feels calm and very liveable.

During my stay I visited several major sights, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Mall, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
My media visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi was sponsored, which prompted this article.
This was my second visit to the museum in two years. I last visited the Louvre in Paris in 2023 and, although the Abu Dhabi museum is smaller to its counterpart in Paris, France, its current layout feels refined and elegant.

There are more artefacts on display now, and the surrounding precinct has become livelier with new attractions. I also returned to the museum café just to try their pho again — still as satisfying, although this time without the roasted chicken.
This piece includes a photo essay from my visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, capturing both the architecture and the stillness of the space.

Dubai

Dubai offered a strong contrast to Abu Dhabi. It is a city built around shopping and opulence, with gleaming malls, dramatic skylines and a constant sense of spectacle.
I didn’t go up to the top of the Burj Khalifa on this trip; my goal wasn’t to chase every landmark but to simply get a feel of the city — to walk, observe and take it in.
Dubai felt very safe to explore, even alone.
Like Abu Dhabi, it has a noticeable haze hanging over the skyline, a reminder of both climate conditions and rapid development.

Instead of rushing through attractions, I opted for slower days, chilled experiences, cafés and plenty of people-watching.
Taken at that pace, the city feels less overwhelming and more theatrical — as though you’re watching an ever-changing stage from the front row.

Oman

Oman was the destination that surprised me the most — and the one I loved deeply.
It felt quieter and more traditional than the UAE, with dramatic landscapes and a slower rhythm of life.
One of the highlights of the trip was driving to Nizwa, a beautiful historic town surrounded by mountains and forts.

The journey itself was scenic, and Nizwa’s blend of heritage, markets and architecture made it one of the most memorable parts of my travels.
Oman felt like a place designed for longer, more reflective stays — somewhere you could happily return to just to think, write and wander without hurry.
Those intending to visit Oman must be warned that the currency is rather high and that they only allow tourists to visit for 14 days with no charge, anything beyond that timeframe needs a paid visa.

Cost and Financial Runway

It’s worth being upfront: the Middle East is not cheap, particularly Oman and the UAE. Accommodation, transport and eating out can add up quickly.
If you are considering a similar trip, it helps to go in with a clear budget, realistic expectations and enough financial runway so you can enjoy the experience rather than stress over every dirham spent.

Getting Around and Safety

I used ride-share apps such as Uber and Talabat throughout my stay, which made getting around efficient and ordering takeaway easy. As a solo female traveller, I generally felt safe in Abu Dhabi, Oman and Dubai.
Drivers were professional and interactions were respectful, which helped me relax and experience the cities on my own terms.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, I’m grateful the trip unfolded the way it did. It allowed me to slow down, reflect, and see a side of the Middle East that isn’t often shown in the headlines, partly due to stricter media control.

For travellers willing to budget carefully, take their time and move beyond stereotypes, this region offers far more than expected: warmth, flavour, breathtaking architecture and quiet reflective moments amidst rapid development.
Despite regional tensions within the Middle East, the UAE is considered safe for business.

Strong security measures are in place, surveillance is widespread, and WhatsApp calling is restricted to messages only so that one can do business in the UAE with confidence.

Disclosure: This trip and article were fully funded and sponsored by the author. Travel for this story took place from 24 October to 15 November 2025.