We are in the middle of an RTW. We plan to be in Dubai Feb/March 2007 and are very much interested in making side trips from there to some of the other countries in the neighborhood. We would appreciate any specific ideas some of you experienced travelers may have. We love to use this informative and helpful forum.
Ken

Um, unless you have special interests in the region, Dubai is "it" for the region. There are lots of ways to indulge yourself. I'll bet you've never seen girls in wet full-veil burkas in a pool next to really cute (imo) bikini-clad middle-eastern girls, nor snow-skied in a desert.

Also, it's more expensive to fly *from* DXB to most other places in the region than vice versa, since it's a rich country with many less well-off neighbors.

And finally, acknowledging that we all travel for different reasons, some of us find the Maldives a very pleasant spot, but it's much, much cheaper and quicker from CMB if you'll also be there. Otherwise, perhaps a hop over to Kuwait, to tell the folks back home you were "almost" in the Iraqi war zone?

Muscat, Oman without a doubt.

I second the vote for Oman. Mr Canuck and I had a wonderful holiday there last spring. Check out our (incomplete) trip report on fodors: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=34824204

It's incomplete because I didn't get around to writing about our two days, one in Sur and a glorious 26 hours at the newly opened Shangri-La Resort (I recommend both).

One region we couldn't get to (but which you could visit more easily from Dubai) is the Musandam Peninsula, which is separated from the rest of Oman by the UAE.

Also a vote for Oman. You can drive. Dubai to Muscat is around 4 to 5 hours. Roads are good. Flew into Muscat about two years ago. spent some time in Oman and then took a Taxi (some offer special prices) to Dubai.

Thanks to all those who took the trouble of responding. Muscat, Oman sounds excellent.
Ken Kotecha

There is also a bus from Dubai Airport to Muscat. If in Muscat visit the harbour area and the souk. If you have some time make a visit to the 16th century (?) fort at Nizwa.

You will probably need a visa for Oman. I believe these days you can get one on entry (for a small fee).

You might try Kish Island. There are cheap "visa change" packages that can get you to trhis small part of Iran. I actually visited Kish as a tourist - a real novelty for Kish Air!

You can get Visa On Arrival on the road between Dubai and Muscat. It costs nothing for most Westerners. I got 21 days. There are daily buses from Dubai to Muscat for around US$ 20 round trip. These can be ticketed at DNATA and some agencies nearby.

Is there any recent experience regarding admittance to Dubai when one has Israeli stamps in one's passport? I assume they won't permit it but would like to know if anyone has a different story. Thx.