MIDDLE EAST
United Arab Emirates – tradition meets tomorrow
In the UAE, desert sands meet futuristic skylines – a land where Bedouin heritage and bold innovation live side by side. In Dubai, the Burj Khalifa pierces the sky above souks and spice-scented alleys, while Abu Dhabi balances grandeur with grace at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the Louvre by the sea.
Beyond the cities, rolling dunes of the Empty Quarter glow at sunset, and starlit camps recall ancient desert journeys. Along the Arabian Gulf, coral reefs, dolphins and whale sharks bring the waters alive, from Ras Al Khaimah’s beaches to Fujairah’s hidden coves.
The Emirates are a meeting of worlds – past and future, tradition and modernity – offering travellers both wonder and welcome.
Saudi Arabia & Bahrain – desert treasures and island pearls
In Saudi Arabia, ancient stories are carved in desert stone and echoed in the mudbrick walls of Diriyah. Riyadh’s souks hum with spice and craft, while Jeddah’s coral-stone houses open onto the Red Sea. Across the highlands of Taif, roses bloom in fragrant fields, and in Hail, petroglyphs etched thousands of years ago whisper of civilizations long gone.
Across the Gulf lies Bahrain – small in size, rich in spirit. In Manama, futuristic towers rise beside bustling souks, while Qal’at al-Bahrain reveals 4,000 years of history. On the Amwaj Islands, white sands and turquoise waters offer modern luxury and serene escape.
Together, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain form a journey of contrasts – desert and sea, past and future, tradition and innovation – an Arabian kaleidoscope waiting to be explored.
Syria – crossroads of history and resilience
From the Mediterranean coast to desert fortresses, Syria holds layers of civilization that have shaped the Middle East for millennia. Damascus, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, is a living museum where ancient souks, mosques and caravanserais still hum with daily life. Aleppo’s mighty citadel towers above a city long famed for its markets and cuisine.
To the east, Palmyra rises from the desert, its colonnades recalling the grandeur of a caravan city that once linked Rome with Persia. Crac des Chevaliers, a Crusader castle, still dominates the hills, while Roman theatres and Byzantine mosaics testify to Syria’s rich past.
Despite modern trials, Syria remains a land of deep heritage, warm hospitality and enduring spirit – where history’s echoes still resonate in stone and story.
Lebanon – mountains, Mediterranean and memory
Between the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged peaks of Mount Lebanon lies a country where cultures have mingled for thousands of years. Beirut, the capital, pulses with energy – a city of contrasts where vibrant nightlife and contemporary art rise beside Roman ruins and Ottoman facades.
In the mountains, cedar forests stand as ancient symbols, while the Bekaa Valley shelters vineyards and the monumental Roman temples of Baalbek. On the coast, Byblos – one of the world’s oldest ports – whispers stories of Phoenician sailors and centuries of trade.
Lebanon is a land of flavour and memory – small in size, but immense in history and heart.