Arabia
Dubai
From the timeless tranquility of the desert to the lively bustle of the souk, Dubai offers a kaleidoscope of attractions for visitors. The emirate embraces a wide variety of scenery in a very small area. In a single day, you can experience everything from rugged mountains and awe-inspiring sand dunes to sandy beaches and lush green parks, from dusty villages to luxurious residential districts and from ancient houses with wind towers to ultra-modern shopping malls.
Dubai is both a dynamic international business centre and a laid-back tourist escape; a city where the sophistication of the 21st century walks hand in hand with the simplicity of a bygone era; a cosmopolitan society with an international lifestyle combining the comfort and convenience of the Western world with the unique charm and hospitality of Arabia. Source: Definately Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, spectacular sand dunes and pulsating cosmopolitan lifestyle await every guest in Abu Dhabi.
Such idyllic setting cuddles this emirate known around the world for its massive oil reserves and majestic mosques with towering minarets. These, combined with the distinct Arabic hospitality and mystique - and world-class infrastructure - make Abu Dhabi an excellent destination both for the experienced and novice traveller.
The famous Liwa oasis in the south is home to some of the largest and most beautiful sand dunes in the world. It is also the frontier that leads to the legendary Rub Al-Khali (Empty Quarter), a vast expanse of desert that extends through Saudi Arabia and Oman, which has been the object of many explorers' conquest in the past.
Abu Dhabi city bursts with dazzling business-cum-leisure facilities ranging from state-of-the-art convention centre, luxurious hotels, spas, designer golf courses, theatres and very soon, some of the world's most famous museums particularly Guggenheim and Louvre. The palace-like shopping malls and indigenous souqs in Abu Dhabi make for a great shopping expedition, offering the best handicraft from local Bedouins to the best of Paris' or Milan's high street fashion brands, sans the ubiquitous sales tax.
The garden city of Al Ain - lying near the Oman border - is home to one of the famous peaks of the majestic Hajar Mountain and the highest point in the Emirat of Abu Dhabi (Jebel Hafeet), which rises about 1,340 metres. A world-class hotel is nestled close to the mountain's peak offering travellers a great relaxing stay and a panoramic view of the emirate. Cultural sites abound in Abu Dhabi, providing a glimpse of this emirate's storied past - reaching as far back as 5000 BC - and an understanding of its people's culture, values and aspirations. Source: Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority
Oman
Like a treasure chest waiting to be discovered, the Sultanate of Oman is the land heralded as the Jewel of Arabia. With its splendor and wealth having been acclaimed by world travelers such as Marco Polo, this breathtaking destination in the Arabian Gulf boasts a fascinating history which is imbued with rich cultural traditions spanning 5,000 years.
Oman features an intoxicating mix of modern opulence and traditional culture, vast barren deserts and rocky deepwater fjords, ancient forts and luxurious hotels. For the visitor, the result provides a rare glimpse into the romance and mystery of Arabia's heartland and its deeply hospitable people. With a civilisation dating back 12,000 years, travelers can explore more than 500 ancient forts and castles in Oman. For the ultimate Arabian experience, visit the beautiful capital city of Muscat. Perched in between mountains and the Indian Ocean and fanning around an elegant harbor, this is the location of much of the city's rich heritage. Source: Ministry of Tourism.
