Saturday July 5th, 2025
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MENA’s Most Pawsome Vacation Spots for You & Your Furry Plus One

From Marrakech to Riyadh, these spots treat you and your furball like royalty—culture, snacks, and belly rubs included.

Ahmed Amin Mohamed


Travel isn’t just for humans anymore — it’s a full-on family affair, and yes, that includes your four-legged sidekick. But let’s be real: not every place gets the memo about pets being VIPs. Some cities are sticklers for rules, and others treat your pooch like royalty. Lucky for you (and your pup, cat, or even that rebellious bunny), the Middle East is packed with cities and secret gems that roll out the red carpet for furry travellers.

Whether you’re chasing sunset strolls in historic alleys or mountain hikes with a view, here’s your insider’s guide to where pets are not just tolerated—they’re celebrated.

Hatta, UAE

If your pet dreams of fresh mountain air and lakeside adventures, Hatta is basically paradise on earth with over 60% of its hotels welcoming pets, inviting you to explore landscapes that feel like nature’s own playground.

Hotels: JA Hatta Fort Hotel, Albert Lodge
Cafes: Hatta Coffee Shop, Mountain View Café
Activities: Trek scenic trails with your dog, rent a kayak or paddleboard at Hatta Dam, or wander through the charming Hatta Heritage Village to soak up history and fresh mountain vibes.


Doha, Qatar

Doha’s coastal charm and sleek modern vibe make it a surprising hotspot for pet lovers. About one in four hotels roll out the welcome mat for your furry companion, while sprawling parks and waterfront paths offer plenty of sniff-and-stroll opportunities.

Hotels: Marsa Malaz Kempinski, W Doha
Cafes: Rosewater Café, Café Ceramique
Activities: Stretch your legs on the breezy Corniche, explore the wide green lawns of Aspire Park, or dive into culture at Katara Cultural Village with your pet by your side.


Salalah, Oman

Lush, green, and cool—Salalah is a breath of fresh air for pets who like to explore without melting. With plenty of pet-friendly resorts and nature spots bursting with life, this coastal city is perfect for two- and four-legged adventurers alike.

Hotels: Al Baleed Resort Salalah, Salalah Rotana Resort
Cafes: T Bar, Blue Fish
Activities: Run along the windswept Mughsail Beach, hike around the cascading waterfalls of Wadi Darbat, or chill out at Salalah Gardens Mall while your pet enjoys a cool break.


Marrakech, Morocco

Think Marrakech is just chaotic markets? Think again. Nearly a third of its hotels welcome pets, and its peaceful gardens and riads offer perfect retreats where tails wag and humans unwind.

Hotels: La Mamounia, Riad Dar Anika
Cafes: Cafe des Epices, Nomad
Activities: Stroll through the serene Jardin Majorelle, relax in Menara Gardens, or embark on a desert adventure where your pet can roam the wide-open sands (permit required).


Dahab, Egypt

A laid-back beach town with endless outdoor fun, Dahab is a hidden gem for pets and their humans alike. Open spaces, pet-friendly lodges, and adventurous activities make it easy to escape the city and dive into nature together.

Hotels: Dahab Paradise, Diving Lodge Dahab
Cafes: Shark Restaurant, Blue Beach Bar
Activities: Snorkel the famous Blue Hole, hike the Canyon trails with your dog, or climb Mount Sinai and camp under the stars with your furry buddy.


Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Riyadh is rapidly transforming, and pets are now part of the city's story. More than 31% of hotels welcome furry guests, plus pet-friendly cafés and sprawling parks mean you don’t have to leave your pet behind for good food or fresh air.

Hotels: The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, Narcissus Hotel and Residence
Cafes: Luca Land, The Roastery
Activities: Explore the wide green spaces of King Abdullah Park, hike Wadi Hanifah’s natural beauty, or take a peaceful stroll through the Diplomatic Quarter gardens with your best friend.


Aqaba, Jordan



Warm seas, sandy beaches, and a pet-friendly vibe—Aqaba is a coastal escape that welcomes pets with open paws, with breathtaking resorts and pristine shorelines for you and your furry pal to explore. 

Hotels: Kempinski Aqaba, DoubleTree by Hilton Aqaba
Cafes: Books@Cafe, Ali Baba Restaurant
Activities: Splash in the Red Sea at Coral Beach, explore marine park trails, or sip a cold drink at Tala Bay while your pet soaks in the breeze.


Dubai, UAE

Dubai dazzles not just with glitz, but with a surprising number of pet-friendly spots. Stylish hotels, dedicated pet cafés, and lush parks mean your pet can enjoy the city’s sun and sand in style.

Hotels: The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Jumeirah Al Naseem
Cafes: Barkleys Pet Café, The Hamptons Café
Activities: Let your dog splash at JBR Dog Beach, sniff out new adventures at Al Barsha Pond Park, or wander through the indoor jungle of The Green Planet.


Muscat, Oman

Muscat’s relaxed coastal charm makes it a dreamy getaway for pets and their humans alike. With luxury hotels welcoming furry guests and beaches stretching for miles, this city invites you to slow down and savor the moment together.

Hotels: The Chedi Muscat, Al Bustan Palace
Activities: Walk soft sands at Qurum Beach, explore Riyam Park’s shaded trails, or catch a sunset stroll along Mutrah Corniche with your pet.


Cairo, Egypt

Bustling, historic, and surprisingly pet-friendly—Cairo offers more than just pyramids and spice markets. Around 30% of hotels cater to pets, while parks and open spaces provide perfect playgrounds for furry explorers.

Hotels: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at First Residence, City View Hotel
Cafes: Qahwa Khan, Beanos Cafe
Activities: Wander the trails of Wadi Degla Protectorate, cruise calm waters at The Waterway, or catch the sunset at Al Azhar Park—your pet’s tail will be wagging all day.


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