Joe Worthington

Frankincense. The Egyptians used it in their religious rites; the Jewish Torah refers to it countless times as a purifying incense so divine that it was reserved for only the holiest of occasions; and it was one of the three gifts carried across the desert by the Magi for the baby Jesus. This most precious of resins had the power to make or break great empires. I’m in Oman, the land of frankincense, to follow the ancient caravan routes along the trail left behind by this mystical ingredient. Locals in Salalah, a city in the arid Dhofar region in the south of the country, proudly tell tales...

I wrote a supplement on Bahrain for Travel Weekly, the UK's largest travel agent magazine. The supplement included the top attractions in Bahrain, new hotel openings in 2023/24, and a section on Bahraini culture.

This book marks the first comprehensive examination of contemporary British influence in Oman and Bahrain, analysing Britain’s legacy since the official withdrawal from the Gulf in 1971. Using theories of power as a framework, the book examines the development of British economic, strategic, and political influence in the two countries post-withdrawal, a topic overlooked by academics and political observers.

Deep in the wilds of Arctic Finland, surrounded by evergreen trees as old as the Sami tribal tales that echo through the tipi-like Lavvu tents that dot the snowy forests, I sought out my nirvana.

Like the towering limestone karst of Khao Phing Kan island made famous by a 1970s film, Phuket looms large over the perception of Thailand in popular culture. No other destination is more synonymous with the Kingdom’s idyllic beaches, opulent resorts, and of course, delectable cuisine. From the fruit and vegetable sellers in the Phuket Town Morning Market to the food stalls along Kamala and Karon Beaches, Phuket’s vibrant, multi-cultural identity is a story best told through its gastronomic offerings.

The architecture of the Kazakh capital is both striking and memorable. Just two days in Astana are enough to experience modernist designs at their very best.

If you haven’t visited the Arabian Peninsula before, you would be forgiven for thinking all cities are like Dubai — towering glass skyscrapers surrounded by swaths of desert. Muscat, however, is the antithesis of this. The whole city offers a magical concoction of sparkling cultural sights and mystical fortifications taken straight out of “One Thousand and One Nights."

Oman has no shortage of traditional, picturesque villages dotted across its remote, mountainous interior. These villages have been preserved to maintain their traditional Islamic architecture and cultural heritage, many with winding streets, carved doorways and windows, and manicured courtyards. Here are five of the most charming fairy-tale villages that can be visited on a day trip from the capital, Muscat.

Nestled between endless Georgian fields and the unrecognised break-away region of South Ossetia, the city of Gori has it tough, but there are glimmers of hope among the hostility.

Oman is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best places in the world to visit for outdoor pursuits. Unspoiled and undiscovered nature makes this a spectacular adventure hot spot.

Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman, is in many ways like nearby Gulf capitals, and noted for its understated luxury scene. A strong currency and smaller tourist market ensure that you get more for your rial here than anywhere else in the region, so when money is no object, Muscat has plenty to offer.

Some of the hidden beaches in Mauritius are still a well-kept secret.
A tiny speck on the map in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is home to some of the world’s finest beaches, with powdery white sand, thriving coral reefs just feet away, and towering shaded palm trees that produce refreshing coconuts–but many of these perfect beaches are full of tourists. While luxury hotels often have their own private beaches, nothing beats having a beach all to yourself.

Emirati cuisine is emerging as both a source of national pride and a way for visitors to truly connect with their host state. Discover everything you need to know about the flavours and origins of this national cuisine of the United Arab Emirates.

The spoken word holds a special place in Emirati culture. Used throughout history as a way to tell stories, this oral tradition has reemerged recently as a competitive art form where poets battle it out to tell their tales to a modern audience.
For centuries, a small group of men were chosen to pass on tribal legends through the art of storytelling and poetry recitals to future generations.

Looking for the best hikes in Norway? Hiking is second nature to Norwegians and with the vast and varied landscapes on their doorstep, it’s easy to see why. From the white-sand beaches of the north to the dramatic mountains of the south, and the spectacular fjords in between, there’s something to suit all types of hiker.