Arabian nights
The dramatic landscapes of the Middle East are a great playground for families. Camping out with the Bedouin, exploring ancient castles or riding across the desert on camels will keep even the tetchiest teenager amused. Families Worldwide (0845 051 4567; familiesworldwide.co.uk) has launched a new nine-day tour of Egypt for 2010. Called Sinai and Desert, it combines visiting the pyramids, snorkelling in the Red Sea and camping with the Bedouin. The cost is from £1,099 for adults, £999 for children, including flights and accommodation.
Sea fans in Saudi
The Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia has some impressive dive sites, but until now they have not been easily accessible for Western tourists. New holidays from Regaldive (01353 659999; regaldive.co.uk) will change that, with accommodation at the Al Alham resort in the coastal town of Al Lith. Days will be spent exploring virgin dive sites and reefs that are rich in coral and sea fans, and spotting turtles and pelicans nesting on nearby islands. A week's trip costs from £1,349, including flights and transfers.
Sand and snow
Spend a couple of days lazing by the sea before slipping into ski gear and whizzing down the slopes on a new combination break to Lebanon with Black Tomato (020 7426 9888; blacktomato.co.uk). There is still snow on Lebanon's peaks even when it's warm enough to sunbathe on the beach, and the four-day itinerary includes time for both, along with visits to the ancient sites at Baalbeck and Byblos.
Flight bargains
Good news for independent travellers: the launch of Dubai's first low-cost airline this summer has made a multi-country trip to the region easy and affordable. Flydubai has routes between Beirut, Damascus, Alexandria, Amman, Aleppo and Dubai with fares from about £60 one-way, although there are extra charges for checked-in baggage and booking a specific seat. Book at flydubai.com.
Empty promise
Due to open in November, the Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Resort in Abu Dhabi will be the first hotel in the vast empty wastes of the Empty Quarter - the largest uninterrupted stretch of desert in the world. The 196-room resort is designed to resemble an old desert fortress, but comes complete with state-of-the-art spa, children's club and a huge freeform pool. The desert itself can be explored by dune bike, 4x4 tours or on camping trips, all bookable through the hotel. A four-night break including breakfast costs from £929, including flights from Heathrow through Destinology (0800 634 2866; destinology.co.uk).
A turn with a turtle
The Middle East may be undergoing a building boom, but there are areas where conservation issues are at the forefront of tourist development. The Ras Al-Jinz conservation area in Oman is located at the head of the Arabian peninsula and houses one of the largest nesting areas of green turtles in the Indian Ocean, with around 30,000 nesting in the 120km stretch of protected area. The Visitor Centre adjoins the Carapace Lodge, offering luxury accommodation from where guests can join tours of the nesting areas. Book on 00 968 96 550606; rasaljinz.org.