Tailor-made trips for 2027 & 2028
Gay Travel in the Middle East
Tailor-made, always
Every trip built from scratch around your dates, pace and preferences.
Your own specialist
One named person and a 24-hour number while you travel.
Hundreds of five-star reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot across ten years of LGBTQ+ luxury travel.
The Middle East is one of the more complicated parts of the world to travel through. Political tensions can escalate quickly, borders and airspace can be affected with little warning, and social expectations are often considerably more conservative than in Europe or North America.
For gay travelers, there is another layer to consider. Same-sex sexual activity remains illegal in countries including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and LGBTQ+ people have far fewer legal protections across much of the region than they would in many Western countries. Jordan is different again: same-sex relations are not illegal, but public affection between same-sex couples can cause offence and may create problems under other laws.
That does not mean LGBTQ+ people do not travel to the Middle East. They do. There are also extraordinary reasons to come: Petra alone is one of the great archaeological experiences in the world, while the region contains ancient cities, desert landscapes, major religious sites and a rapidly expanding collection of luxury hotels.
The picture is extremely mixed. Saudi Arabia, for example, has opened itself much more deliberately to international tourism in recent years, with new destinations such as AlUla and the Red Sea being developed for overseas visitors. The UAE continues to invest heavily in tourism and international hospitality. That should not be confused with liberalization of LGBT law, however. Same-sex activity remains illegal in both countries.
Travel here therefore requires a little more awareness. Public displays of affection can be inappropriate or legally risky in some destinations, and in Saudi Arabia it’s advisable for all couples, straight or gay, to avoid showing affection in public.
If you are comfortable traveling with your eyes open, accepting a more conservative culture while you are there, the Middle East contains places you simply cannot experience anywhere else.
Our Most Popular Middle East Destinations
Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specializing in tailor-made vacations and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury vacations, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalized experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with traveling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveler, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalized service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ vacations?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalized itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travelers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
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Anthony S.
Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
John
I’m confident in giving Out Of Office a 5-star review! They are one of the leaders in this space without a doubt.
Tiberiu
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of traveling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first inquiry to homecoming. No call center, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.