Abu Dhabi

The shining capital of the UAE

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE and the largest of the seven emirates has seen great transformation in the last few years. Despite its humble and quiet stature, the emirate has now launched itself into the international tourism market with its wealth of quality infrastructure and breathtaking offerings.

The bustling city lies on a T-shaped island in the Persian Gulf, with an estimated population of one million people – 80% of which are from the expatriate community. The city prides itself in being the largest and richest of the seven emirates, while still holding on to its rich Arabian culture and history.

Al Ain

The Garden City of the Gulf

Al Ain is an oasis city and the second largest in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Having a history dating back to the 4th millennium BC, Sheikh Zayed's vision and commitment has seen Al Ain grow into the modern city and one of the greenest in Arabia it is today. Planned as a garden city, the visitor is taken by the multitude of roundabouts, each offering a unique display of water, landscaping and sculpture. Boulevards are tree lined and there are no high rise buildings. Al Ain is the home of the UAE University, the country's largest museum and the biggest zoo, parks, gardens and guest houses. It is also one of the nations leading agricultural centres and is now serviced by a new international airport.

Beirut

Still vibrant as ever! A place you always remember

Lebanon, a small, roughly rectangular rugged land in the central eastern Levant, has its toes in the warm waters of the Mediterranean and its snowy head high above the clouds. Perhaps no other land has as many contrasts and contradictions. Civilised since before 3,000 BCE by the sea-faring Phoenicians, it was a link between the trade-routes through the eastern hinterland and those that crossed the sea to the west. Home to approximately 3.5 million people of seventeen different faiths, its past has not been tranquil. But today Lebanon is looking to the future: rebuilding its shattered cities and economy; encouraging the rebirth of the banking and business industries that made it a Middle Eastern hub; and welcoming tourists to its resorts, natural attractions, and glittering urban scene.


Damascus

"Every person has two homelands His own and Syria"

Archaeologists have demonstrated that Syria was the centre of one of the most ancient civilizations on earth. Around the excavated city of Ebla in northern Syria, discovered in 1975, a great Semitic empire spread from the Red Sea north to Turkey and east to Mesopotamia from 2500 to 2400 B.C. The city of Ebla alone during that time had a population estimated at 260,000. Scholars believe the language of Ebla to be the oldest Semitic language.

Dubai

How everything started

Known as the Pearl of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is strategically located on a 10 kilometre long creek. It began its remarkable transformation from a fishing settlement when it was taken over in 1830 by the current rulers of Dubai, the Maktoum family. The 19th century and early 20th century saw Dubai build itself as a commercial and business centre with a thriving pearling and trade industry. The discovery of oil in the 1960’s led to a boom and the emirate used its resources to diversify into a wide scope of industries and economic sectors with some bold initiatives such as the offshore Jebel Ali Free Zone.

Fujairah

Emirate of Fujairah, one of the seven emirates forming the United Arab Emirates, witnessed a rapid rate of economic and social development and tourism activities under the wise guidance of H.H.Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Supreme Council member and ruler of Fujairah.

Fujairah, with a breathtaking coastline of more than 90km, is the only emirate situated entirely along the Gulf of Oman. The emirate occupies an area equal to 1.5 per cent of the country’s total landmass.

Hurghada

Egypt's Venice

Hurghada was founded in the early 20th century, and until a few years ago, remained a small fishing village. But today, it has gone on to become the foremost tourist resort of the Red Sea coast and an international centre for aquatic sports. If it takes place in or on the water you can do it here: windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, swimming, but, above all, snorkelling and diving. The unique underwater gardens offshore are some of the finest in the world, justifiably famous amongst divers. The warm waters here are ideal for many varieties of rare fish and coral reefs, which may also be observed through glass bottom boats. This area has many fine accommodations, usually offering warm and efficient service. Restaurants are mostly along the main road. While in Hurghada, don't miss the museum and aquarium, with their complete collections of flora and fauna of the Red Sea.

Khartoum

A Diamond In The Rough - Uncover the Natural Charms of Sudan

Once described as the bread basket of the Arab world, Sudan is a country etched by time and tide; an unknown treat of hidden depth, character, and history.

Bordered by Egypt, the Red Sea, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Chad, and Libya, Sudan is as geographically rich as it diverse. Within its terrain you can find Napatan pyramids entombing the ancient kings of Kush, one of the world’s largest national parks, Red Sea coastal havens, and savannahs, as well as, rainforests, mountains, and coral reefs.

Kuwait

A Dutch map from the mid-17th century mark’s Kuwait’s debut to the West. Originally called Al-qurain, by the middle of the following century the roughly 18,000 square kilometres at the head of the Persian Gulf had become an oligarchic merchant principality, its wealth based on the trade of frankincense, dates, gems, spices and fabrics, on pearling, and fishing. To counter Ottoman territorial ambitions in the area, the ruling Sabah family came to an agreement during the nineteenth century with Great Britain whereby Britain assumed responsibility for Kuwait’s security and foreign relations. Full independence from Britain came in 1961, and two years later, Kuwait became a member of the United Nations.

Latakia

Latakia is Syria's main sea-port on the Mediterranean (186 km southwest of Aleppo). It has retained its importance since ancient times. Latakia was one of the five cities built by Saluqos Nikator in the 2nd century B.C. He named it after his mother, Laudetia. Not many ancient remains have survived in Latakia, but there are four columns and a Roman arch from the time of Septimus Severus (circa 200 A.D.), in addition to a beautiful Ottoman construction called "Khan al-Dukhan", which is now a museum.

Latakia is the sea-gate to Syria. There is beaches, mountains, archaeological sites and many relics of the Crusaders, all within a few hours from each other.

Sharjah

Cultural capital of the UAE

Historically, Sharjah was one of the wealthiest towns in this region with a settlement in existence for over 5000 years. In the early 18th century the Qawasim clan (Huwayla tribe) established itself in Sharjah, c.1727 declaring Sharjah independent.

On 8 January 1820 Sheikh Sultan I signed the General Maritime Treaty with Britain, accepting a protectorate to keep the Ottoman Turks out. Like four of its neighbours, Ajman, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Qaiwain, its position on the route to India made it important enough to be recognized as a salute state

Sharm El Sheikh

The City of Peace

Situated in the National Park region of Ras Mohamed in the Southern Sinai, Sharm el-Sheikh is the ideal mix of sun, sea and sand. A coastal resort, the area is spread along the coast of Nabq, covering the areas of Na’ama Bay, Ras um Sidd and Sharm town, and offers the luxury of five-star hotels, water sports, shopping and entertainment for all ages.