7 hidden gems you need to explore in the Arab world

Forget about the travel agency billboards that taunt you in the middle of a traffic jam. Grab a car, invite a friend – preferably a friend with a car – and go exploring.

There are countless places across the Arab world that haven't yet received the attention they deserve. Mix that in with the upcoming spring season and you've got yourself a perfect road trip to take on over the weekend.

With its valiant athleticism and sporty looks, rest assured that nothing will take you to these destinations more lively and comfortably than a unique and exceptional BMW X2.

If you're seeking a road trip infused with relaxation, Al Ain is definitely your spot. The area is best known for its intricately structured Hafeet mountain overlooking the city of Al Ain and sits on the border with Oman.

There are a number of archaeological sites on Jebel Hafeet and the Al Hilli area to be explored. 

How to get there? 

The route to the mountain is quite smooth and simple. Leaving from Dubai, you will just have to get onto the E66 Dubai-Al Ain highway.

With its well-maintained beaches, Kuwait's Khiran district is the place to be when city life gets a bit too overwhelming. The seafront vicinity, which is located about 110 kilometers from Kuwait City, is guaranteed to offer you a true Khiran experience. 

While you're there, book yourself a chalet from one of the many available in the area. You could check out Khiran Resort and Al Bawra Chalet.

How to get there?

If you're departing from Kuwait City, head northeast on Ahmad Al Jaber Street. Stay on the left before turning onto Mubarak Al Kabeer Street.

Continue onto Cairo St, and keep left to continue toward Al Maghreb Road. You will eventually end up on King Fahad Bin Abdul Aziz Road. Keep on the path and take the exit toward 278 Road.

Love to camp? Jebel Al Jais is for you. It's the tallest mountain in the UAE, at about 1,910 m. The best time to visit is in the afternoon to do a barbecue and catch the sunset. 

Many people – especially night photographers – camp there because the sky will be full of stars and you're literally and metaphorically above the clouds when you wake up.

How to get there? 

From Dubai International Airport take the Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road towards Sharjah. Follow the Sharjah road signs until you see Ras Al Khaimah road signs and continue driving straight ahead for about 45 minutes.

The Beaufort Castle, meaning "beautiful fort" in French, is located at the highest point in Arnoun, Nabatiyeh, around 700 meters above sea level. 

Although a previous fortification already existed on the site, construction on the crusader fort began shortly after the site was captured by the King of Jerusalem in 1139 A.D. 

More recently, the fort was occupied by different militias during the Lebanese Civil War, with it eventually falling under Israeli control. The Israeli military finally withdrew from the site in 2000, as it removed its occupying troops from South Lebanon.

How to get there?

If you're departing from Beirut, take the airport road to get on the Beirut-Saida Highway. Once you reach Saida, take the seaside road to get on the highway to Tyre and Nabatiyeh. 

Once on the highway, follow the road signs that lead to Nabatiyeh. Keep left at the roundabout toward Kfar Roumanna, then immediately turn right in the direction of Nabatiyeh el-Faouqa and Arnoun. 

Oman is a haven for outdoor activities, being home to the Jebel Akhdar Mountain, which stands at 3,000 meters above sea level; the highest in the Arabian Peninsula. 

Aside from the mountain ranges, there's Musandam, aka the "Norway of Arabia" thanks to its fjords. Most people go for a cruise on a traditional Arabian dhow along the fjords of Musandam. It's a great opportunity to take a dip, snorkel, and even do some over-water rock climb.

How to get there? 

From Dubai, follow Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road through Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain. When you reach Ras Al Khaimah, follow the E11 and keep an eye on signs for Shams, and Musandam and Tibat. 

Once you’ve had your passport stamped, you can follow the coastal road to Musandam.

The Red Sand Dunes can be found in the Saudi desert, in the same area as Lake Kharrarah, located in northeastern Riyadh.

Locals tend to ride their 4x4 vehicles, with wheels slightly deflated. Those who aren't big fans of adrenaline rushes can either rent a dune buggy or hike up to the tops and sandboard down.

How to get there?

If you're in Riyadh, take the Mecca highway west from the Diplomatic Quarter. Pass the checkpoint and cross the old Mecca road until you reach the Muzamiyah area.

Shortly after you reach a town called Jauw, you should see a huge farm called Aziziyah farm. There's a road to the right where the walls of the farm end, continue straight until you see the sign for a village that turns left. You will eventually end up on a dirt road, passing a few other smaller farms until you see the Red Sand Dunes on your right.

With its impressive architecture, unique traditions, and sandy beaches, Bahrain is definitely a destination we should all have on our bucket lists.

However, there's one place in the country that would make the perfect road trip destination. That place is the Jebel Al Dukhan (Mountain of Smoke), the highest point in Bahrain.

The area is a popular destination for camping trips. While you're there, make sure to visit Al Areen Wildlife Park, Al Jazeer Beach, and the Tree of Life. 

How to get there?

Head onto Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway, keep left and merge towards Zellaq Highway. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on Zellaq Highway. 

Take a right onto Avenue 76 and follow the road signs to Jebel Al Dukhan.