Category Archives: The Middle East

Historical attractions can add educational experiences to tours in UAE

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While the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) most well-known city is lauded for its glitzy hotels, super-sized shopping malls and multitude of dining options, Dubai also has a few destinations for history buffs looking to add educational stops to their tours in the Middle East.

Located near the city's waterfront, the Bastakiya Quarter district offers a distinctive glimpse into Dubai's past. Featuring a number of narrow roadways and wall wind-towers, the houses demonstrate what life was like in the UAE hundreds of years ago. For example, according to Dubai.com, the notable wind-towers that many visitors stop to see were once used to cool the homes before electricity came to the region.

For a more awe-inspiring sight, visitors may want to head over to the Grand Mosque. Rebuilt in 1998, the attraction has 45 domes and unique stained-glass panels. But, while it remains a distinguishing landmark in the area due to its bright nighttime lighting, visitors aren't permitted to enter this sacred area.

In addition, the Dubai Museum is also a notable attraction. Located inside the Al Fahidi Fort, which was built in 1787, this location is the oldest known building in Dubai. The fort features a number of interesting sites, such as a large traditional boat – known as a dhow – for display, and ancient bronze cannons that were used for its defense. The museum is renowned for its collection of antique weaponry and musical instruments. Gallery exhibits also include exposes on traditional Arab houses, mosques and examples of the local desert and marine life.

Due to these interesting sites, the Dubai museum sees nearly 2,000 visitors a day. According to Gulf News, the museum sees the heaviest traffic from August to April. As a result, those booking custom vacations in UAE hotel destinations may want to schedule their trip around the busy season.

Nazareth has much to offer those taking tours in Israel

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For those taking tours in the Middle East, a visit to Nazareth is easy – the destination is located less than two hours away from Jerusalem.

The city contains a number of religious sites that are a must-see for those looking to make a pilgrimage to strengthen their faith as well as those who simply want to take in the historical significance of the region.

Among the top places for visitors to see is one of the city's newer churches, the Basilica of the Annunciation, which is the largest Christian church in the Middle East. The current structure was designed in the 1960s and placed on top of the ruins of earlier churches that date back as far as the 300 A.D. The land on which the church is built has always held significance to those of faith, as according to many religious scholars, the church lies on the very ground where the angel Gabriel descended from heaven to tell Mary she would become the mother of Jesus.

Inside the church, visitors can find the Grotto of the Annunciation, which contains the remains of what many theologians say is the childhood home of Mary. Also inside, visitors can behold the work of artists from around the world that have tried to depict the Annunciation, as well as the remains of the earlier churches that were built on the grounds.

Since this is only one of the major stops travellers can make when taking vacations in Israel, interested individuals may want to speak with a custom tour provider that could help them plan a once-in-a-lifetime visit to the country. 

Take a custom tour to Sultan Qaboos’ Grand Mosque

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While travellers taking tours to the Middle East will be rewarded with interesting sights no matter where they choose to travel, vacations in Oman may have the most to offer fans of architecture.

Commissioned in the early 1990s, the Sultan Qaboos' Grand Mosque in Muscat, Oman, is only a short drive from the city's airport. The mosque was built using more than 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone, and the facade of the building is so opulent local officials refuse to discuss how much the undertaking cost, according to Frommer's.

This effort shows in the careful sculpting of the mosque's five minarets – the distinctive spires that mark this type of religious building – and its golden dome. While visitors can spend time observing the architectural feat from afar, more treasures await inside. Sightseers can get up close to the 14-metre chandelier, which was crafted entirely from crystal and gold, and a handwoven prayer rug that is capable of fitting more than 6,000 attendees.

The rug in particular displays 28 colours and took more than four years to complete. It is now known as the world's second largest hand-woven carpet. Day trips can offer sightseers the ability to view the mosque's ornate interior, but at night the destination truly comes alive. To see the mosque in its full beauty, visitors may want to come to the mosque at night when all its features are brightly lit in yellows, greens and reds.

Near the city's harbor, visitors can barter for souvenirs such as pendants, bracelets and clothing at the souq. One notable item that can be purchased is the kuma, Muscat's hat of choice. The city itself also contains more landmarks travellers can enjoy. Sculptures dot the area's hillsides that are perfect for fun photo opportunities or up-close viewing.

Before booking tours in Oman, travellers will want to conduct research on the local culture. Omanis are hesitant to pose in pictures, and the dress code of the region is expected to be observed even by foreigners. To ensure these concerns are addressed by knowledgeable staff that help make the most of the trip, ambitious adventurers may want to take a custom tour from Tourcan Vacations.