Middle East

An eclectic blend of ancient and modern civilization, The Middle East is a potpourri of rich culture, fascinating structures both ancient well as modern, vibrant cities, interesting history, landscapes of outstanding beauty and warm friendly locals. A trip to the Middle East widens your views into various Middle Eastern lifestyles as well as provides a multitude of unique and stunning experiences. Although the region has gone through difficult times and social tension, the Middle East presents to you some of the most astounding places in the world. If you plan to explore Middle East, here’s a list of 5 Middle Eastern cities that should be on your travel list for 2016.

1. Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

The second most visited city in United Arab Emirates after Dubai, Abu Dhabi has certainly geared up to challenge Dubai’s monopoly on the best attractions of the world. The UAE’s capital is a captivating destination showcasing impressive mosques, manicured waterfront arenas and luxury retreats, and offers its visitors with a combination of plush leisure and adventurous experiences. The city is home to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque which is an architectural marvel in itself featuring 82 domes, over a 1,000 columns. The city is grand on motorsport scene and has a plush racetrack that holds the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix annually. The Ferrari World is another main highlight of the city, which is the world’s first Ferrari themed park offering some thrilling rides including the world’s fastest rollercoaster, the biggest Ferrari Store and a range of exquisite shopping and dining experience. The Abu Dhabi Corniche is a striking waterfront arena which includes the Corniche beach, plenty of water activities, children’s play area, cafés and restaurants.

2. Dubai – United Arab Emirates

The modern hub of Dubai is an all time favourite destination of travellers and is no surprise that it has to be on the list due to its classy lifestyle, quaint charismatic heritage and plethora of attractions to entertain all ages. Home to the some of world’s firsts, Dubai takes you through extraordinary experiences, be it on Burj Khalifa, Dubai fountain or the Aquaventure and Lost Chambers of Atlantis. A shopper’s paradise, Dubai opens up a world of fashion and retail outlets through extravagant malls as well as gives you a glimpse of past traditions in trade at its well preserved Souks. The city is brilliant when it comes to accessibility and travel procedures are far simplified through online portals. For Dubai Visa requirements, all you need to do is fill up an online form and provide a passport size photograph, original passport valid for 6 months and onward and return confirmed air tickets for verification process.

3. Muscat – Oman

The pulsating heart of Oman, Muscat is a breathtaking combination of bygone era and modern face of Oman. The city is set between brown rugged mountain terrains on one side and a beautiful stretch of coastline lapped by the Gulf of Oman and covered with lush greenery. The city is crowded with posh historic buildings, beautiful mosques and Portuguese forts. The Corniche is where you get all touristy stuff with its promenade brimming with markets, beautiful sidewalks and sculptured arts. The Batinah Coast is a charming land teeming with traditional fishing villages, beautiful beaches and rugged cliffs. This picturesque charming city has caught up the attention of leisure travellers and has a choice of stunning luxury hotels at your service.

4. Petra – Jordan

A historical wonder, Petra in Jordan is famed for its half carved structures, famous archaeological marvels and gorgeous pink tinged mountains which gave it its nickname “The Red Rose City of Jordan”. One of the most remarkable cities ever built, this UNESCO heritage site is renowned for its charm and cultural heritage and is a reminiscent of ancient civilization. Petra changes its hues as the day passes and is a stunning sight to watch as night falls. The Siq is another grand spectacle to experience as you journey through a mile-long tunnel of rock cut formation that leads into the city of Petra. The famous Monastery with its 822 carved steps and intricately engraved facades with splendid views once you reach the top is one of the main highlights of the city.

5. Doha – Qatar

Projecting out into the waters, Qatar is prominently surrounded by the gulf waters and is desert laden country. Keeping its traditions intact and propelling into the new age dimensions of world tourism, Qatar has a lot to offer to its travellers. All set to showcase on the world map as a major tourist destination and in process of coming up as a future metropolis comprising of grand hotels, stunning architecture and many exiting attractions, Qatar’s capital Doha is fast gaining recognition as the “next Dubai” with its futuristic style of architecture, sleek designs and impressive innovative projects. With a splendid waterfront stretch, the Doha Corniche is popular among tourists giving spectacular views of the city skyline. The modern masterpiece, Museum of Islamic Arts charms its visitors with minimalistic yet sleek designs along with a diverse collection of finest arts and relics from the Islam world. Step into Doha and experience serene cruising, thrilling desert adventures, delve into its culture and art s and indulge in luxury and sensational entertainment and nightlife.

Middle Eastern countries have a flair of preserving its traditional roots while keeping a vision towards the future. An exciting kaleidoscope of traditional culture with a twist of modernity along with the promise to put forth some of the best attractions the world is yet to see is what makes Middle East an enticing destination for wanderers around the world. So start packing for a whole new year of extraordinary travel experiences in the Middle East.

It is hot outside. Very hot! I have never experienced 48 degrees Celsius before and I don’t like it. My wife and I are in Muscat the capital of Oman, an Arab state on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Despite the heat we are out and about sightseeing because the weather forecast is for this weather to last another two or three months.

Muscat is a spread-out city of mainly low-level white buildings. The port-district with its waterfront road and harbour forms the north-eastern periphery of the city. This is probably the most interesting area for visitors although most of the better accommodation is elsewhere. It is where you find most of the following attractions.

Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace

The Qasr Al Alam Palace is the ceremonial palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, ruler of Oman. It was built by Imam Sultan bin Ahmed over 200 years ago and the current Sultan is a direct descendent. The gold and blue palace was rebuilt as a royal residence in 1972. Visitors are not allowed inside even though the Sultan normally lives elsewhere in Oman but you are allowed to take photographs from the outside. The Palace is used for official functions and receiving distinguished visitors.

Fort al-Jalal

This is a fort in the harbor of the old city. It was built by the Portuguese in the 1580’s to protect the harbor after Muscat had twice been sacked by foreign forces. Until the 1970s it was used as Oman’s main prison, then was restored in 1983 and converted into a private museum of Omani cultural history, that is accessible only to dignitaries. The fort consists of two towers connected by a wall punctuated by holes for cannons. The building is completely isolated and cannot be accessed from its rocky façade; instead there is a small bridge and stairway

Al-Mirani Fort

This was built at the same time as Al-Jalali Fort. Looking down over Muscat’s Old Town from its cliff top perch, it is one of Oman’s most striking landmarks, guarding the entrance to Muscat Bay. Unfortunately it is not open to the public but at night the spotlighted citadel appears like a fairy-tale castle. It can be reached by climbing a flight of stairs carved into the rock. There are two circular towers at the ends of the fort and another tower, almost semi-circular in shape, which rises above the rest of the fort and dominates the surrounding landscape.

Mutrah Fort

Overlooking the town is this imposing fort which merges into the cliff on which it sits. The fort was built by the Portuguese during their occupation in the 1580’s.If you are adventurous it is possible to scale the steps that wind up the side of the cliff edge and from the top there are some great views.

Mutrah Corniche

With its promenade, markets, cafés and restaurants, this is one of the highlights of the city. The Corniche stretches for three kilometres overlooking the port and clear blue sea. There are gardens and fountains along its length, while at the western end there is a fruit and vegetable market, a fish market and a fishing dhow port.

Towards the east you can see the Mutrah Fort raised high upon the rocks, explore a maze of narrow streets and traditional souks, or visit the Bait Al Baranda Museum.

Fish market

The main fish hall is full of traders in traditional dress selling everything from shell fish to gigantic tuna. The sellers are very friendly and happy to answer questions and they generally allow photos if you ask first. You can see the boats coming in, the fish spread out on benches and in tubs, and people buying fish for their families.

Mutrah Souq

One of the oldest markets in Oman, dating back about two hundred years is also one of its most interesting. You don’t get a good impression from the outside, as it is hidden behind other development and stretches from a gate facing the Sea of Oman and Mutrah Corniche, to another gate in the city’s old quarter, but inside it is marvellous.

Mutrah Souq is a modern interpretation of old Eastern markets, with narrow winding roofed alleys and central plazas filled with activity. The souq has many shops selling jewellery, traditional Omani handicrafts, clothes and several cafes selling Omani food at reasonable prices. Some shops accept credit cards.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

This is the third largest mosque in the world and non-Muslims may visit from 8AM to 11AM every day except Friday. Ladies are expected to keep their heads, ankles and wrists covered while visiting the mosque. This is the only attraction in this post which is not in or near the old city.

The whole complex is stunning. Highlights are the gigantic Swarovski crystal chandelier, the enormous hand-made Persian carpet which took 600 women three years to make, and the marble panelling.

Elsewhere in the city sandy Qurum beach is one of Muscat’s most popular beaches and is a good place for a swim or just to relax under the palm trees on a sun-lounger. It is an open public beach with coffee shops and cafes close by for refreshments.

The Worlds Foremost Travel Blogs | Travelfore

Tag Archives: Middle East

5 Middle East Cities You Should Visit In 2016

Exploring Muscat

Best Travel Guides to Destinations Around the World