Another vote here for Oman (not dull if you like gorgeous scenery) and also for Beirut (not dull in any way!) The two places are more or less polar opposites, but they are both great in their own way.

I didn't feel unsafe in Beirut, although there are a lot of security guards walking around with automatic weapons, which can be unnerving if you're not used to it. Overall it is a super vibrant, interesting, highly cosmopolitan place.

I was in Oman just for a long weekend, based in Muscat and staying at the Intercontinental. I rented a 4x4 to drive around, with only the Lonely Planet's atrocious road map as a guide. I had a great time. The landscape is beautiful in many places, and I stumbled on what had to be one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. Muscat itself can pretty much be done in 4 hours (it's very small), but there are good day/2-day trip opportunities.