A Journey from Shimmering
Skylines to the Gulf's
Hidden Gems

Dubai

Set against the backdrop of the Arabian Desert, Dubai has grown
rapidly into a futuristic landscape of skyscrapers, man-made
islands, shopping malls and beach resorts. There is a sense of
outlandish possibility about this modern and progressive city.

Dubai has become a truly global city and influential business
hub, growing particularly fast in areas such as aviation, tourism
and real estate. Standing as testament to its success are
architectural marvels such as the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest
building, the Burj Al Arab, widely billed as the world's only seven
star hotel, and the iconic Palm Jumeirah island, to name just a
few.

Dubai is a city of superlatives, home to the highest
skyscrapers, the fastest cars, the most luxurious hotels and the
biggest shopping malls. The enormous expatriate population, as well
as millions of tourists each year, can enjoy shopping, partying,
sunbathing and fine dining. From within these high standards of
luxury, visitors can also experience exotic Arabia in the bustling
souks of the Deira district, or a night in a Bedouin tent with
belly dancing under the starlit desert skies.

Dubai's attraction lies in the contrast between the ultra modern
and the enchantingly traditional, which gives the city a
personality like no other. From desert oases and unspoiled beaches,
camel races and old wind towers, to top-class shopping
opportunities and the finest international cuisine, Dubai has more
than enough depth to satisfy even the most seasoned of
explorers.

Abu Dhabi

The brash, bold city of Abu Dhabi is a modern marvel, capital of
the wealthy United Arab Emirates and headquarters of the world's
richest oil operating companies. The pulsating city, with
futuristic skyscrapers and wide tree-lined boulevards, is
capitalising on its sophistication, amazing duty-free shopping
zone, luxury hotels and top-class transport and communication
infrastructure to attract tourists. They come not only for the
'retail therapy' and glitz, but also to explore the fascinating
culture of the vast Abu Dhabi Emirate itself (it is the largest of
the seven Emirates), with its miles of desert and interesting
oases.

The city juts out into the Persian Gulf, with land having been
reclaimed from the sea to make way for a long seafront Corniche
lined with lush gardens and gushing fountains. It is a relatively
young city, the area having been first settled by nomadic tribesmen
in the mid-18th century. It remained little more than a fishing
village until oil was discovered in the 1950s and the financial and
trading boom began.

Today the international airport and deep water port bring in
visitors from around the world, most clutching credit cards and
cash, set on spending as much as possible in the enticing shopping
malls and buzzing souk (market). Limousines are a common sight in
the congested streets, and restaurants that offer the cuisine of
many nations do a roaring trade, especially along the waterfront.
Shopping fever is at its height during the annual Shopping
Festival. Those taking a break from modern luxury can escape to the
desert for a Bedouin feast under the stars, or a camel ride through
the dunes.

Bahrain

Sophisticated, modern, and cosmopolitan, Bahrain is a kingdom of 33 islands in the Arabian Gulf. It welcomes an increasing number of international tourists who come to experience the country's fascinating blend of eastern and western cultures.

On the main island, Manama boasts excellent hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, an intriguing (bazaar), and all the other facilities visitors need for a great holiday. In addition, there are decent beaches, perennially hot and sunny weather, English is spoken and understood everywhere, and the kingdom has the remnants of more than 5,000 years of civilisation to be explored.

Bahrain is attached to the Arabian Peninsula via a 16-mile (25km) long causeway. During its construction, the islands' archaeological significance came to light with the discovery of thousands of burial mounds dating from the third millennium BC, part of the well-ordered ancient city of Dilmun that existed where a forest of skyscrapers now reaches for the sky.

Throughout its history, Bahrain has been prosperous, first on the strength of its good position for trade and fishing, and the abundance and quality of the pearls found in its waters, and more latterly because of its oil resources.

Though the government is less stable than in years past, Bahrain is still growing as a popular tourist destination in the Middle East. A visit to Bahrain, whether on business or pleasure, is an interesting, relaxing, and rewarding experience.

Doha

Doha is the beautiful capital of Qatar,
located on the Persian Gulf and home to the majority of the
country's population. In 2006, the city hosted the world's largest
Asian Games yet and has since continued to thrive and grow, now
preparing for the prestigious FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Doha has a surprisingly laid-back
atmosphere and is a good base from which to explore the rest of the
country. The city is also renowned to be safe, clean and
accommodating of foreigners, which is not surprising considering
the huge amount of expats that call Doha home.

As a cultural and commercial centre, Doha
offers plenty to see and do. Topping the list of popular activities
is shopping, an obsession fuelled by both mammoth modern malls and
exotic traditional markets (souqs). Many of the travellers who
visit Doha are primarily visiting on business, but the glitzy
hotels, quality museums and booming restaurant scene keep everyone
entertained.

Doha's modern seaport, busy airport and
great infrastructure make it exceedingly accessible to visitors,
and Qatar is pouring wealth into an already sophisticated city in
order to transform it into a cultural and economic powerhouse to
rival the likes of Dubai.

The skyline becomes more impressive and
attractive every year and more and more travellers are discovering
the wonders the city has to offer. A stroll along the Doha
Corniche, ocean on the one side and glamorous cityscape on the
other, should leave nobody in any doubt as to why Doha is emerging
as a hugely desirable travel destination.

Ad Dammam

Dubai

Set against the backdrop of the Arabian Desert, Dubai has grown
rapidly into a futuristic landscape of skyscrapers, man-made
islands, shopping malls and beach resorts. There is a sense of
outlandish possibility about this modern and progressive city.

Dubai has become a truly global city and influential business
hub, growing particularly fast in areas such as aviation, tourism
and real estate. Standing as testament to its success are
architectural marvels such as the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest
building, the Burj Al Arab, widely billed as the world's only seven
star hotel, and the iconic Palm Jumeirah island, to name just a
few.

Dubai is a city of superlatives, home to the highest
skyscrapers, the fastest cars, the most luxurious hotels and the
biggest shopping malls. The enormous expatriate population, as well
as millions of tourists each year, can enjoy shopping, partying,
sunbathing and fine dining. From within these high standards of
luxury, visitors can also experience exotic Arabia in the bustling
souks of the Deira district, or a night in a Bedouin tent with
belly dancing under the starlit desert skies.

Dubai's attraction lies in the contrast between the ultra modern
and the enchantingly traditional, which gives the city a
personality like no other. From desert oases and unspoiled beaches,
camel races and old wind towers, to top-class shopping
opportunities and the finest international cuisine, Dubai has more
than enough depth to satisfy even the most seasoned of
explorers.