MIDDLE EAST
Saudi Arabia & Bahrain – Desert Treasures and Island Pearls
In Saudi Arabia, ancient stories are carved into desert stone, echoing through the mudbrick walls of Diriyah. Riyadh’s souks hum with spices and craft, while Jeddah’s coral-stone houses open towards the Red Sea. In the highlands of Taif, roses bloom across fragrant fields, and in Hail, petroglyphs thousands of years old whisper of long-vanished civilisations.
Across the Gulf lies Bahrain – small in size, rich in spirit. In Manama, futuristic towers rise beside busy souks, while Qal’at al-Bahrain reveals 4,000 years of history. Together, the two countries form a journey of contrasts – desert and sea, tradition and innovation.
United Arab Emirates – Tradition Meets the Future
In the United Arab Emirates, desert sands meet futuristic skylines – Bedouin heritage and bold innovation side by side. In Dubai, the Burj Khalifa pierces the sky above fragrant souks, while Abu Dhabi pairs grandeur and grace at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the Louvre.
Beyond the cities, the dunes of the Empty Quarter glow at sunset, and star-filled camps recall ancient desert journeys. The Emirates are a meeting point of worlds – past and future, tradition and modernity.
Syria – A Crossroads of History and Resilience
From the Mediterranean coast to desert fortresses, Syria holds layers of civilisation that shaped the Middle East over millennia. Damascus, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, is a living museum of souks and mosques.
To the east, Palmyra rises from the desert, its colonnades recalling the splendour of a caravan city. Despite modern challenges, Syria remains a land of deep heritage and unshakeable spirit.
Lebanon – Mountains, Mediterranean and Memory
Between the Mediterranean and the rugged peaks of the Lebanon Mountains lies a country where cultures have blended for thousands of years. Beirut pulses with energy – a city of contrasts, where nightlife and art rise beside Roman ruins.
In the mountains, cedar forests stand as ancient symbols, while the Bekaa Valley holds vineyards and the Roman temples of Baalbek. Lebanon is a land of flavour and memory – small in size, immense in history.