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The Middle East evokes mystical thoughts from the hustle and bustle of the many souks to timeless tranquillity in the desert and mountains. Whilst Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, provide a mixture of tourist attractions for visitors Oman embraces mountain scenery, sand dunes and beaches to offer an exclusive awe-inspiring holiday.
General Information
Dubai truly is a hot destination not just for the year round temperatures but visitors can experience natural scenery from breathtaking sand dunes in the desert to rocky mountains then relax by the tranquil turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf all in one day!
This once dusty village has been transformed into undoubtedly the one of the most modern and upcoming holiday destination in the world. Dubai offers everything from shopping in colourful souks to ultra modern shopping malls and as open port with low import duties prices are extremely reasonable.
The more adventurous traveller can try the four by four sand dune safaris, snowboarding in the 3rd largest snow dome in the world or playing golf on Championship Golf Courses. In Dubai you could simply rest and relax in the most opulent and luxurious hotels or gaze at the fast paced engineering wonders from man made islands to record breaking skyscrapers.
Since the discovery of oil Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates capital, has become a sleek and modern city with skyscrapers, shopping malls and luxury hotels. There are still traces and remnants of the fishing and pearl gathering village but today it is not surrounded by modern urbanisation and tourist attractions. The city is located on an island linked by two bridges and its most picturesque place is indisputably the Batin, or old town, where you will see fisherman carrying out their daily duties with the catch of the day from the fishing dhows in the small harbours.
Oman is a stunning and enigmatic country that offers an intimate and luxurious retreat. Its outstanding natural beauty of rugged mountains and canyon walls and desert sand dunes are some of the images that Oman can boast. The country’s resurgence is distinctive in the Middle East owing to a tasteful appreciation of traditional values and thus there are very few high-rise buildings. Instead Muscat, Oman’s capital, hosts a heritage of forts that have been painstakingly restored coupled with traditional Arabian values offer visitors the real Islamic experience.
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Best Time To Visit
The Middle East enjoys a subtropical climate with year-round sunshine making it a prefect destination. Average temperatures are at their lowest in January ranging from 14 to 24 degrees to their highest July ranging from 30 to 45 degrees and therefore rainfall is very low in this region.
The best months to visit are from October to May but bear in mind tourist attractions will be limited during the religious weeks of Ramadan.
Insider Tips
Dubai: Good buys in Dubai include gold and jewellery, designer fashions, carpets and electronics in particular computers.
Abu Dhabi: Alcohol is available in hotels and certain designated bars. Modest dress is expected outside beach resorts and it is rude to eat, drink or smoke in public places during Ramadan.
Oman: While photography is permitted, and there is beautiful scenery everywhere, photography of government and military installations are not allowed.
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Map
5 Reasons to Visit
Desert Experiences: Impressive desert landscapes are easily accessible from all three destinations. Take to the dune by 4 by 4 or by camel and spend an evening under the stars at a Bedouin encampment.
Shopping: Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer tax free shopping and huge discounts during the annual Dubai Shopping Festival. For a more rustic appeal Muscat’s myriad of markets boasts an exhaustive selection of gift ideas.
Adventure: Dubai’s multi faceted city offers visitors summer and winter adventures from camel riding or 4 by 4 sand safaris to snowboarding and ice skating. In addition, the Persian Gulf’s crystal clear waters offer snorkellers and divers an aquatic adventure.
Ultimate Luxury: Hosting some of the world’s most luxurious hotels Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman boast five star plus resorts that will satisfy honeymooners, singles or families.
International Sport: Several top sporting events are held annually in Dubai, among them the Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament, the Dubai Rugby Sevens and horse racing in Dubai’s World Cup.
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