Qatar, Oman & UAE: Doha, Muscat & Abu Dhabi

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.

About the destination: Muscat is the capital of Oman and the country's largest city. Muscat as a city has played a prominent historical role due to its strategic location. Perhaps what is striking about Muscat Governorate and its states is the breathtaking intermingling of ancient cultural heritage and modern style. You will see houses, gates, old markets, small shops, and winding roads redolent of authentic history, side by side with modern markets, shops, buildings, and streets stamped with modern architecture. This allows Oman to preserve its historic character, and at the same time enjoying its contemporary spirit. Muscat is renowned as one of the cleanest Arab capitals, and has gained the honor of winning the Cleanest Arab City Contest several consecutive times.

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.