Perched on a cluster of rolling hills, this small country´s capital (pop. 4 million) is a city of contrasts — ancient and modern, relaxed yet electric, a place where Roman ruins meet rooftop lounges and where the call to prayer drifts over art galleries, cafés, and sun-warmed stone. Often overshadowed by Jordan’s showstoppers like Petra and Wadi Rum, "the White Pigeon" quietly reveals itself to those who linger: a city rich in hospitality, heritage, and surprising sophistication.
One of
The “City of Sheikhs” is of course famed worldwide for its glitz, glamour, and (often over-the-top) luxury, and this goes as much for its lodgings as anywhere else - with exhibit A being the "seven-star" Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (where room rates start north of US$1,000 a night). But bargain seekers do have a suprising menu of options, and without having to resorts to fleabags or hostels. Here are five three-star properties which provide a modicum of luxury at very accessible
The female security guard discreetly slips me through a side door and gestures for me to sit at the table in the corner. The Arabic music is pulsating and the room is reverberating with the nervous energy of 400 women. Suddenly, the lights dim and everyone turns to watch. A bride, dressed in a Western-style long white wedding gown with matching trailing veil has a death grip on her bouquet of roses as she takes very slow measured steps down the center aisle towards the “Bride’s Love Seat.” Her
In the United Arab Emirates Islam is of course the main religion, but Dubai especially is a world city, with many non-Muslim residents, and has embraced the more secular trappings of the Yuletide season making them a vibrant part of Dubai in December. Here are 15 excellent examples:
Christmas Grottos
Revolve around kids visiting Santa and his elves, these colorful grottos can be found in places including Al Habtoor Polo Resort, Dubai Mall, Expo City, Media City, and Ski Dubai.
Chris
This oil-rich little emirate (pop. just under nine million) on the Persian Gulf was last big in the news as the object of invasion by Sadam Hussein´s Iraq just next door. And though its far less touristed than most of its Gulf neighbors, Kuwait does offer a nice selection of travel experiences both traditional and modern, as well as cultural and outdoorsy; many – but far from all – are to be found in the capital, Kuwait City (pop. 3.4 million). Here are its top eight musts:
In southern Jordan, just under three hours from capital Amman, one of the most recognisable ancient sites in the MIddle East - and indeed, the world - was rediscovered by archaeologists in 1812. But it dates back to at least the 2nd century BCE and probably earlier, settled by an ancient Bedouin Arab tribe called the Nabataeans, who spoke Aramaic rather than Arabic and grew into a wealthy, powerful kingdom which at its height - and until it was absorbed by the Roman Empire in the
Dubai is a city of lights, as well as a city of spectacle, and larger than life. So naturally you can expect to be able to ring in the New Year in spectacular fashion, and here are my top five suggestions:
Take in the Fireworks at Jumeirah
(Top) To see the fireworks, you will have to go to Jumeirah Beach Residence. The show starts at 8:30 pm and lasts for 30 minutes.The best way to get there is by taxi or your own car. You can also take public transportation there as well, but it's not recomme
After arriving on a Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul, as we drove in from the airport to Muscat's Mutrah district to begin our Oman tour, it struck us that this city of 1.7 million was everything we'd expected as the capital of a wealthy Gulf sultanate in the 21st century - modern highways in perfect condition, lavish buildings, decorative lighting - in addition to the streetlights from the road which give way to the old houses with a European flair (Oman was occupied by
Sean Pavone
by Marcia Levin
Legendary Jerusalem! The ancient city holy to Christians, Jews and Muslims alike is also an irresistible magnet for history, archaeology, and culture vultures the world over. Furthermore, it’s a fascinating and highly photogenic mix of ancient, merely old, and cutting-edge, with world-class hotels, myriad dining options and life-changing sights and experiences around every corner.
The first step in exploring Jerusalem is a visit to the Old City, where the Western
