13 Days Middle East Highlights

About the destination: Dubai is the most populous city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is a hive of activity and a cosmopolitan and modern city. The city of Dubai is split by a creek, with Deira on one side and Bur Dubai, the historical district, on the other. The luxury beach hotels are situated on the outskirts of the busy city center, in the area of Jumeirah. Dubai already exhibits some stunning architecture and it has the only 7-star hotel in the world, the highest building in the world, amazing beaches and luxury shopping centers. The Bastakiya Quarter, in the core of Dubai’s Old Town, is still traditional and evocative of Dubai’s past. Here you’ll find traditional Emirati houses, bustling souks, museums, galleries, and the only remaining piece of the old Dubai city wall. Another major attraction in Dubai is the Jumeirah Mosque, that although outside the Old Town, it is a wonderful example of traditional Islamic architecture. Dubai is forward-looking city in constant development yet it has managed to retain its traditions and culture. So it's fair to say that Dubai is one of the most exciting places in the world.

About the destination: Abu Dhabi is the federal capital and center of government in the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi is one of the most modern cities in the world. The architecture of its modern buildings and skyscrapers is the finest in the Middle East. Large gardens and parks, green boulevards lining all the streets and roads, sophisticated high-rise buildings, the presence of all the international luxury hotel chains, opulent shopping malls, cultural centers and events provide tourists a one-of-a-kind experience all year round. Abu Dhabi has a wide range of restaurants to eat in, many shopping possibilities, a nice Corniche to walk along, some good hotels and several beach clubs. There is a Heritage Village, a fort, a good library, a fish market, the dhow building yard and many other sights for the visitor to see. One of the main attractions is the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. This mosque is truly stunning. The structure is simply marvelous and the decoration inside one of the most sophisticated. Built on an island off the main coast of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is a compact, modern, organized, and civilized city.

About the destination: Doha is the capital of Qatar. Qatar's capital is developing into a big metropolis and it is becoming a major business center. Doha is a delightful mix of traditional and modern Arab life. The city skyline still under construction, is very unique and are quite fascinating to look at. Each building is very distinct and yet doesn't seem to leave the Arabian feel too far behind. Life in Doha revolves along the Corniche, the long seaside promenade along Doha Bay, a perfect place to relax and enjoy the pretty views of Palm Tree Island and the city's skyscrapers. The north contains most of the historic sites, including Umm Salal Mohammed, a relatively large village dominated by the ruins of a 19th-century fort. Particularly interesting are the Grand Mosque with its many domes and the Abu Bakir al-Siddiq Mosque. On the west coast there are fine beaches at Umm Bab, Dukhan and Salwah near the Saudi border. The south is a region of sand dunes and beaches, offering opportunities to go pearl hunting, or to practice a variety of watersports. If you should tire of city life, the rest of Qatar is virtually on the doorstep, offering some splendid scenery and interesting historical attractions to those with a taste for adventure.

行き先について: マスカットはオマーンの首都であり、国内最大の都市です。都市としてのマスカットは、その戦略的な立地により、歴史的に重要な役割を果たしてきました。おそらく、マスカット県とその州で印象的なのは、古代の文化遺産と現代的なスタイルが息を呑むほど混ざり合っていることです。家、門、古い市場、小さなお店、そして本物の歴史を彷彿とさせる曲がりくねった道が、近代的な市場、商店、建物、そして近代建築が刻印された通りと並んでいます。これにより、オマーンはその歴史的な特徴を維持し、同時にその現代的な精神を楽しむことができます。マスカットは、最もクリーンなアラブの首都の1つとして有名であり、最もクリーンなアラブの都市コンテストで数回連続して優勝するという栄誉を獲得しています。