Best Persian Gulf Travel Guides of 2026

National Geographic A Diver's Guide to the World: Remarkable Dive Travel Destinations Above and Beneath the Surface is an exceptional guidebook for divers and ocean lovers. It features 50 breathtaking dive locations worldwide, accompanied by stunning National Geographic photography, practical tips, and conservation efforts. The authors, Carrie Miller and Chris Taylor, spent more than 250 hours underwater to bring this comprehensive guidebook to life. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to explore the beauty of the underwater world while learning about conservation efforts. Overall, it is an inspiring and informative read.

The Monk of Mokha is an inspiring and gripping true story that follows Mokhtar Alkhanshali, a young Yemeni American man who embarks on a journey to revive the ancient art of Yemeni coffee amidst the country's civil war. The book offers a vivid portrayal of Mokhtar's ancestral homeland and the challenges he faces in his pursuit to save the coffee industry while navigating through war-torn Yemen. This book stands out for its exceptional storytelling and its ability to offer hope in the midst of adversity. The Monk of Mokha is a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure story.

The book “Osman's Dream: The History of the Ottoman Empire” by Caroline Finkel is a definitive account of the Ottoman Empire's epic story from its origins in the 13th century to its destruction in the 20th century. Finkel, a renowned scholar and journalist, has produced a scholarly, lucid, judicious and enjoyable account of over 600 years of history in a single volume. The book is a revelation and a vital corrective to the wrong-headed readings of the flagbearers of intellectual Islamophobia. This book is a treasure for anyone who wants to know precisely what happened in the Ottoman Empire and takes into account the writings of the Ottomans themselves.

The Lonely Planet Dubai & Abu Dhabi 10 (Travel Guide) is a comprehensive guide for exploring the region. It offers up-to-date information on businesses, highlights, and itineraries, as well as insider tips to save time and money. The guide also provides honest reviews for all budgets, cultural insights, and over 32 maps. With color images and maps throughout, it covers Deira, Bur Dubai, Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah & Around, Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, and UAE East Coast. Overall, this guide is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

It's Good to Be Queen by Liz Curtis Higgs is a captivating book that sheds new light on the ancient biblical role model, the queen of Sheba. Higgs unveils timeless wisdom for all who aspire to please the king of Kings through the journey of the queen of Sheba's quest for wisdom. The book offers practical applications and challenges the reader to live boldly, seek after truth, ask the right questions, encourage others, receive graciously, and honor the Lord above all. Overall, this book is highly recommended for those who want to learn from the wise queen of Sheba and apply her wisdom to their lives.

The book "Arabs: A 3,000-Year History of Peoples, Tribes and Empires" by Tim Mackintosh-Smith is a masterful and brilliant work that covers nearly three millennia of Arab history. The author traces the origins of the Arabic language and how it served as a source of cultural identity for the Arab peoples and tribes who conquered vast territories. Mackintosh-Smith explores how linguistic developments have influenced Arab history, from pre-Islamic poetry to the challenges of printing Arabic. Despite the current political fragmentation, Arabic still represents a source of unity and disunity. This sweeping book is a must-read for anyone interested in Arab culture, history, and identity.

Lonely Planet Oman, UAE & Arabian Peninsula 6 (Travel Guide) is a comprehensive guidebook that provides up-to-date advice on what to see, skip, and what hidden discoveries await in the region. The book includes insider tips to save time and money, essential information at your fingertips, and honest reviews for all budgets. The cultural insights provided in the book offer a richer and more rewarding travel experience. This book is perfect for discovering popular and off-the-beaten-path experiences in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and more. Overall, Lonely Planet's Oman, UAE & Arabian Peninsula 6 is an excellent guidebook that offers a wealth of information for every kind of traveler.

The DK Eyewitness Top 10 Dubai and Abu Dhabi (Pocket Travel Guide) is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to the Persian Gulf. This travel guide offers a comprehensive breakdown of the best places to visit in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including detailed descriptions of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Creek, and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. It also provides practical advice on how to get around and stay safe, making it an ideal companion for any traveler. The laminated pull-out map of Dubai and Abu Dhabi is a handy addition. Overall, this guide is well-illustrated and easy to navigate, making it a great resource for both first-time and seasoned visitors.

The Falcon Thief by Joshua Hammer is a thrilling true story about a wildlife detective, Andy McWilliam, who is on a mission to stop a notorious smuggler, Jeffrey Lendrum, who has been stealing rare birds and their eggs for over two decades. The book takes readers on a journey across the world, from the Arctic Circle to the deserts of Dubai, in pursuit of Lendrum. The author masterfully constructs the narrative, making it both entertaining and illuminating. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in wildlife conservation and true-crime stories.

"UAE - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture" is a comprehensive guidebook that explores the unique culture and customs of the UAE. The author, John Walsh, provides valuable insight into the country's history, religion, and social systems, as well as its modern developments. The book is an excellent resource for travelers who want to understand and respect the local customs and traditions. The author's extensive research and personal experience make this book an informative and engaging read. Overall, "UAE - Culture Smart!" is a must-read for anyone planning to visit or do business in the UAE, and it stands out for its practical and insightful approach to the subject.