Embark on a personal travel journey – and get some great inspo along the way – with these must-follow Middle East travel influencers
Athwifa Saleem
Travel influencers are a great way to get ideas for upcoming trips and check out first-hand, POV accounts of travels across the world – especially when it’s one from the Middle East. Through their captivating content, these Middle East influencers reveal their personal stories, insights, and passions to their followers, who can find inspiration and motivation for our own travels. Whether you are drawn to adventure, fashion, culture, or social causes, you’ll likely find something through the eyes of these Middle East travel influencers. Here are some of the best to follow right now.
Our favourite Middle East travel influencers
Fatima Al Mattar
In the realm of Kuwaiti travel bloggers, content creators, and visionary entrepreneurs, Fatima Al Mattar has distinguished herself as one of the foremost voices in the sphere of travel. Her illustrious journey commenced over a decade ago as a travel blogger, a venture she embarked upon as a leisurely pursuit. Over the span of 12 years, what began as an avocation evolved into her vocation. With unwavering dedication and a profound passion for travel, Fatima transitioned from hobbyist to professional, fully embracing her dreams.
Fatima’s illustrious repertoire includes the establishment of travel accounts under the banners of @hello965, @hellohotelz, and @hellocuisines, each offering a unique window into the multifaceted world of travel. Furthermore, she serves as the esteemed CEO of the travel consulting company, Hello Explorer.
Sherif Fayed (@sheriffayed)
Sherif Fayed, a former professional footballer and TV host, decided to embark on a remarkable journey by leaving his successful career to explore the world. Today, he’s one of the most renowned travel influencers in the Middle East, boasting over 2.5 million followers on Instagram. Together with his partner, Becky Jefferies, a British model and actress, they’ve explored more than 23 countries across six continents. Their feed features awe-inspiring photos and videos, from exhilarating skydives in Dubai to thrilling shark encounters in South Africa. Besides sharing their adventures, they provide valuable tips and recommendations for savvy travelers.
Khalid Al Ameri (@khalidalameri)
Khalid Al Ameri, an Emirati columnist and video creator, shares his thoughts on life, family, and society through his humorous and honest videos that often go viral on social media. Alongside his wife, Salama, and their three children, Khalid embarks on journeys to different places and cultures, where they learn, grow, and have fun together. Khalid’s influence is undeniable with over 4 million Facebook followers and over 2 million Instagram followers.
Omar Samra (@omarsamra)
Omar Samra is an adventurer, speaker, writer, and entrepreneur who thrives on pushing boundaries and inspiring others to do the same. In 2007, he became the first Egyptian and the youngest Arab to conquer Mount Everest. Since then, he has shattered several records in mountaineering and skiing. Additionally, he’s the founder of Wild Guanabana, an adventure travel company offering unique and sustainable trips to far-flung destinations worldwide. Omar also dedicates his platform to raising awareness and funds for various causes, including education, environment, and health.
Haifa Beseisso (@flywithhaifa)
Haifa Beseisso, a Palestinian media personality and social activist, spreads positivity and awareness through her captivating travel vlogs. She commenced her career as a TV presenter for Disney Channel Arabia but later chose to forge her path by creating her content. Haifa traverses the globe to explore diverse cultures, cuisines, and causes, sharing her findings with her million-strong YouTube audience. She’s a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, peace, and tolerance in the Middle East.
Huda Bin Redha (@hudabinr)
Huda Bin Redha, a Dubai-based photographer and storyteller, captures the world’s beauty and diversity through her lens. With an impeccable eye for detail and composition, she takes her audience on a visual journey that spans across cultures and landscapes.
Taim Al Falasi (@taimalfalasi)
Taim Al Falasi stands as an intrepid explorer, captivating hearts and minds with her boundless passion for travel. This distinguished radio host and social media influencer has cultivated a substantial following across Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat, sharing her adventures in a manner that is as delightful as it is informative. With an impressive Instagram following of 2.6 million, Taim Al Falasi doesn’t merely document her travels; she transforms them into enchanting narratives, inviting her audience to embark on captivating journeys to far-flung destinations. Her Instagram feed is a gallery of stunning vistas, immersive cultural experiences, and a celebration of wanderlust.
Farrah Al Aydi (@farrahescapes)
Farrah Al-Aydi is a Dubai-based influencer who is captivating the region with her travel and fashion content. Since launching her influencer career in 2019, Farrah has traversed over 30 countries on six continents and showcased her experiences on her social media platforms. She captivates her audience with stunning photos and videos of her adventures, ranging from skydiving in Dubai to swimming with sharks in South Africa. She also imparts her wisdom and insights on the best destinations, activities, and travel hacks. She also partners with local brands, organizations, and causes to advocate for sustainable and responsible tourism in the region. Farrah commands a loyal fan base of over 300k followers on Instagram and over 26k followers on TikTok, who adore her style, confidence, and elegance. She also runs a YouTube channel where she shares longer videos of her travels and vlogs. She is one of the most prominent travel influencers in the Middle East, and has received recognition from several media outlets.
Rafeez Ahmed (@tableeforone)
Rafeez Ahmed, who goes by the handle @tableeforone on Instagram and TikTok, is a Dubai-based food and travel enthusiast who started his journey as an influencer in 2020. He has since visited more than 20 countries across five continents and documented his experiences on his social media platforms. Rafeez’s main focus is on the Middle East, where he was born and raised. He is passionate about showcasing the rich and diverse gastronomy, history, and nature of the region, and breaking the stereotypes and misconceptions that often surround it. On his social media platforms, he posts mouthwatering photos and videos of his food adventure as well as shares his tips and recommendations on where to eat, what to order, and how to enjoy the local flavours from the various cities he ventures to.
