Your Complete Guide to Travelling in the Middle East: Health, Vaccines, and Expert Advice
The Middle East combines ancient history, vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes—from the souks of Marrakech to the deserts of Oman, and the modern skylines of Dubai. Whether you’re on a family holiday, business trip or cultural tour, preparing your health is as vital as booking your flights. At Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy, we specialise in travel health, ensuring you have the vaccines, medications and expert advice you need before you depart.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about health risks, essential vaccines, malaria prevention, kit essentials and more for your trip to the Middle East.
Contents
Why Visit the Middle East? Highlights & Experiences
Health Risks in the Middle East: What to Watch For
Malaria Prevention & Regional Considerations
Travel Health Kit Essentials
Local Medical Care & Emergency Services
Further Resources
Why Visit the Middle East? Highlights & Experiences
The Middle East offers a rich tapestry of experiences:
Historic Wonders: Explore the Pyramids of Giza, Petra’s rose-red city, and the ancient souks of Istanbul.
Desert Adventures: Enjoy dune bashing in the Arabian Desert, camel treks in Wadi Rum, or stargazing in Oman’s Wahiba Sands.
Modern Metropolises: Discover Dubai’s futuristic architecture, Abu Dhabi’s cultural districts and Doha’s Corniche.
Culinary Journeys: Savour mezze in Lebanon, fragrant spices in Iran and street food in Jerusalem.
Coastal Retreats: Relax on the Red Sea beaches of Sharm El-Sheikh or the Mediterranean coast of Antalya.
Before you go, ensure you’re medically prepared for both city and remote environments.
Health Risks in the Middle East: What to Watch For
Travelling in the Middle East can expose you to specific health risks:
Mosquito-borne diseases: Dengue (in some Gulf regions), limited malaria risk in border areas of Yemen and Oman.
Water- and food-borne illnesses: Traveller’s diarrhoea, Typhoid, Hepatitis A.
Animal exposures: Rabies in rural areas and stray dogs.
Environmental hazards: Heat exhaustion, sunburn, sandstorms.
Respiratory issues: Dust and air pollution in urban and desert environments.
A tailored travel health consultation will assess your exact itinerary—city stays, desert tours or rural visits—and recommend appropriate measures.
Essential Vaccines for the Middle East
Depending on your destinations and activities, the following vaccines are commonly advised:
Typhoid: Protects against typhoid fever from contaminated food and water. See Typhoid vaccine.
Hepatitis A & B: Hepatitis A transmits via food and water; Hepatitis B via blood and bodily fluids. A combined vaccine simplifies scheduling. See Hepatitis A & B vaccine.
Tetanus Booster: A 10-year booster (often combined with diphtheria and polio) is essential if you’ve not had one recently. See Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio booster.
Rabies: Pre-exposure vaccination advised if you’ll be in close contact with animals, such as on rural tours. See Rabies vaccine.
Japanese Encephalitis: Rare but possible in rural agricultural regions; recommended for long stays. See Japanese Encephalitis vaccine.
Yellow Fever: Not required for most Middle Eastern countries, but mandatory if arriving from endemic areas. See Yellow Fever vaccine.
Consult our clinicians to tailor your vaccination schedule to your exact plans.
Malaria Prevention & Regional Considerations
Malaria is generally rare in the Middle East but exists in parts of:
Yemen: Coastal and rural areas
Oman: Remote southern provinces
Prevention measures:
Chemoprophylaxis: Malarone® or Doxycycline—prescribed based on your health profile.
Mosquito avoidance:
Wear long-sleeved clothing and use repellent containing DEET or Picaridin.
Sleep in air-conditioned or well-screened accommodation.
Awareness: Seek rapid medical care if fever develops.
Discuss your malaria plan when you book your appointment.
Travel Health Kit Essentials
Pack a health kit suited to Middle Eastern travel:
Prescription medicines: anti-malarials (if required), antibiotics for traveller’s diarrhoea, pain relief.
Rehydration: oral rehydration salts and probiotics.
First aid: plasters, antiseptic wipes, wound-care dressings.
Heat and sun protection: high-SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, after-sun balm.
Respiratory protection: dust masks for sandstorms.
Hand sanitiser and water purification tablets.
Printed vaccination record for airline or border checks.
Our clinic can recommend trusted brands and assemble a bespoke kit.
Local Medical Care & Emergency Services
Healthcare standards vary by country:
United Arab Emirates: World-class hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (e.g. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi).
Qatar: Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra Medicine.
Saudi Arabia: International hospitals in Riyadh and Jeddah.
Jordan: Modern facilities in Amman; good care in Petra region.
Remote areas: Basic clinics; consider medical evacuation plans.
Keep travel insurance, local emergency numbers and our contact details on hand.
Why Choose Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy
When preparing for the Middle East, trust our specialist team:
GPhC-registered travel health specialists with expertise in Middle Eastern health risks
Same-day and next-day appointments for urgent travellers
Comprehensive service: personalised vaccine schedules, malaria prophylaxis, bespoke health advice
Family-friendly environment: experienced in paediatric and adult vaccinations
Transparent pricing: view all fees on Pricing with no hidden charges
Central location: 56 Mill Rd, Petersfield, Cambridge CB1 2AS—minutes from the city centre
Learn more about our team and clinic on About Us.
How to Book Your Consultation
Visit Booking to select your preferred slot.
Call 01223 354383 for same-day or urgent appointments.
Prepare your travel details: destinations, duration, activities.
Attend your appointment for personalised planning and vaccination.
Further Resources
TravelHealthPro (UK travel health guidance)
Fit for Travel (NHS)
NHS Travel Vaccination Advice
Embark on your Middle East adventure with confidence. Book your travel health consultation today at Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy via Booking or call 01223 354383.
More information check out the following resources where we source information from:
Fit for Travel
Travel Health Pro
NHS Travel Advice