Your Ultimate Guide to Accessible Travel in the Middle East

The Middle East is a region of breathtaking landscapes, ancient wonders, and vibrant cultures—and now, more than ever, it’s becoming an inclusive destination for travellers of all abilities. From historic sites with improved accessibility to adaptive outdoor adventures, the region is making strides toward ensuring everyone can experience its magic without barriers.

Imagine venturing into Oman’s mystical underground caves, rolling through the majestic ruins of Petra, or diving into the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea with adaptive equipment. Cities like Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi lead the way in accessibility, offering wheelchair-friendly public transport, sensory-inclusive attractions, and barrier-free cultural landmarks. Meanwhile, efforts to improve access to historical and natural sites mean that more places—like Egypt’s Giza Pyramids or Turkey’s Hagia Sophia—are opening up to all travellers.

Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, this guide will help you navigate the best accessible experiences the Middle East has to offer.

Oman

Accessible Nature Experiences

Wadi Shab features adaptive trekking routes and boat transport for people with mobility challenges. Meanwhile, Al Hoota Cave offers a wheelchair-accessible tour through Oman’s stunning underground caves.

Muscat’s Inclusive Attractions

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque has wheelchair-accessible pathways and guided audio tours, while the Royal Opera House Muscat offers assistive listening devices and accessible seating.

Jordan

Wheelchair-Accessible Pathways at Petra

Petra, one of the world’s most famous historical sites, offers a wheelchair-accessible pathway covering the first section of the Siq. Special off-road wheelchairs are also available for deeper exploration, with assistance from trained guides.

Dead Sea Accessible Resorts

Luxury resorts around the Dead Sea, including Mövenpick and Kempinski, offer accessible boardwalks, beach wheelchairs, and spa treatments for visitors with disabilities.

Egypt

Wheelchair-Friendly Tours

Egypt’s historical sites are gradually becoming more accessible, with the Giza Pyramids now featuring wheelchair-friendly pathways that allow closer access to the grand structures.

Additionally, the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo is equipped with ramps and elevators, and Al-Azhar Park offers paved paths and accessible restrooms.

Bahrain

Bahrain National Museum

This museum is designed for inclusivity, featuring wheelchair ramps, accessible exhibition halls, and guided tours with sign language interpretation.

Al Dar Islands Accessible Beach Resort

Al Dar Islands offers accessible boat transfers and beach-friendly wheelchairs, allowing visitors with disabilities to enjoy the island’s clear waters and relaxed atmosphere.

United Arab Emirates

Dubai’s Accessible Attractions

Dubai is recognized as a leader in accessibility, with well-equipped airports, hotels, and public spaces.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) provides priority check-in, dedicated wheelchair assistance, and accessible lounges, while Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall are equipped with ramps, elevators, and sensory guides for visitors with hearing or visual impairments.

Finally, Dubai Miracle Garden and Yas Waterworld offer wheelchair-friendly paths and facilities.

Saudi Arabia

Adaptive Diving & Water Activities

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea region is setting new standards for accessible tourism by providing adaptive equipment and trained instructors for sailing, kayaking, and scuba diving.

The development follows the UN-backed ISO 21902 standard for Accessible Tourism for All, making it one of the most disability-friendly locations in the region.

Accessible Transportation Services

Saudi Railways (SAR) offers assistance for customers with disabilities, including accessibility equipment at stations and on trains.

Additionally, Saudia Airlines provides wheelchair services upon request and discounts for travellers with disabilities on domestic flights.

Finally, wheelchair-friendly taxis are available in cities like Jeddah and Riyadh through private rental services and apps, such as Careem One, Janah Al Aman, and Meysra.

Qatar

Aspire Zone: Inclusive Sports Hub

Aspire Zone, also known as Doha Sports City, features world-class training facilities that are fully accessible. Visitors can engage in wheelchair basketball and adaptive athletics at Aspire Dome, inclusive swimming programmes at Hamad Aquatic Center, and accessible walking trails within Aspire Park.

Accessible Cultural Sites

The Museum of Islamic Art features wheelchair ramps and guided tactile tours for visually impaired visitors, while Souq Waqif has paved walkways and accessible seating areas.