The Middle East - continents at the crossroads

Dubai is a city of contrasts that give it a unique personality – it’s a cosmopolitan society with an international lifestyle, yet has a culture deeply rooted in the Islamic tradition. The Creek, a natural sea-water inlet which cuts through the centre of the city, is the focus for life in Dubai. Skyscrapers dominate the seafront, and at its inland end is a shallow lagoon, now a haven for thousands of migrating birds. The old Bastakiya district, with its narrow lanes and high wind-towers illustrate the character of old Dubai. Al Fahidi Fort is home of the Dubai Museum, and is close to the largest concentration of traditional courtyard houses with wind-towers. But the big draw of Dubai is of course as a shopper’s paradise. There is even a month-long Shoppers’ Festival every January.

An exotic blend of modernity and tradition, Saudi Arabia is truly a magical kingdom. While embracing the modern world, it is also devoted to maintaining tradition. Damman boasts fabulous shopping malls as well as a host of traditional stores selling handmade silk and woolen carpets, Bedouin henna pots, silver handcrafts, and handmade furnishings. Local food is also to be experienced, with authentic tabouleh and kebabs, and unbeatable dates. Being on the coast, Damman is well placed for weekend getaways. The cities of Riyadh and Jeddah are a fascinating mix of the ancient - mosques and minarets, traditional garments, mud brick houses and Bedouin tents - and the modern - skyscrapers, shopping malls and electronic gadgets galore. Bahrain, with its own shopping and dining adventures, is a relatively short drive across the causeway from Al-Khobar.

The transformation from a nation of pearl divers and spice merchants to one of the world’s largest oil exporters makes Kuwait a fascinating place to visit. The truly cosmopolitan society nevertheless remains true to its heritage and tradition. The 372-metre Liberation Tower, one of the tallest telecommunications towers in the world, is a strong symbol of the country’s resurgence and was named after the multinational liberation force after Iraqi occupation during the Gulf War. Kuwait Towers have a revolving observation area 187 meters high, complete with restaurant. The pyramid-shaped mosque in Ras Salmiya and the Fatima Mosque in Abdullah Al-Salem are outstanding examples of modern architecture. Contrast this with the traditional style Grand Mosque, opposite the Seif Palace. In spite of being in the desert, Kuwait also boasts many public parks and amusement centers with children’s play facilities.

Founded in 1909 during the Ottoman rule over Palestine, Tel Aviv is considered the first Hebrew city in the new land of Israel. It is now Israel’s largest city and main commercial centre. Unmistakable from afar with its seafront skyscrapers and exclusive hotels, Tel-Aviv offers entertainment venues, shopping malls, exotic markets, non-stop nightlife, golden beaches and top-class restaurants. In 2003, the White City of Tel Aviv was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The buildings were designed by Jewish architects, who had studied in Europe before their immigration to Palestine, later the State of Israel. The Rubin Museum, named after Israel’s most famous painter, is housed in his former home. The neighborhood of Neve Tzedek with its narrow winding lanes, recalls a Mediterranean village. Galleries and restaurants abound amid smaller cafes and artists’ studios.