Today we are bringing you to two of the most popular cities in the world for tourism: Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and a country, bigger than the United Arab Emirates but largely unknown to tourists: Oman. Sit back and enjoy as we take you on a tour through some of the most sought after travel locations of the present. Experience tradition, culture and immense riches while you enjoy your escorted tour through the Middle East with Discovery Tours.
In Dubai, you will tour and navigate the city that is world-famous for futuristic architecture and opulent buildings, hotels and skyscrapers. Dubai brilliantly shows off its mix of old and new to travelers. Visitors will see traditional houses and minarets against a backdrop of shiny glass high rises, talk about a collision of past and present! You will observe sites that you have only heard about including Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Palm Island and Dubai Creek. Abu Dhabi is a short ride down the coast of the Persian Gulf and offers a look into the capital of the United Arab Emirates. In Abu Dhabi you will visit the Falcon Hospital, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace and Louvre Abu Dhabi all while Gate 1 takes you effortlessly from location to location.
Oman welcomes you with open arms into a culturally rich country brimming with incredible experiences. Visit places including Jabreen Castle, Wahiba Sands Desert Camp and Ancient Muscat, the capital of Oman.
What UAE and Oman lack in similarities they make up for in sites to see and scenes to marvel at. Futuristic landscapes, intricate mosques and ever-changing sand dunes in the desert all await you in the Middle East with Gate 1 Travel. Just pack up your suitcase and come along with us. We will take care of all the details.
Dubai, the 5-Star City:
If you love opulence, luxury and hyper-modernity, look no further than Dubai, United Arab Emirates. One of the most futuristic cities in the world, you have truly never seen another city like Dubai. Incredible glass facades, sky-high hotels and immaculate beaches with blue waters all await you here. This city was once a tiny fishing village and Bedouin port until oil production shot this city into the stratospheres of wealth. If you would have come to visit Dubai just 100 years ago, you would have found yourself in a very different place.
Entering the old city is easy as journeying from one end of the Dubai Creek to the other. The old city includes the Dubai Museum located in the Al Fahidi Fort, a realistic replica of a desert fort, and the souks, where you will explore the narrow lanes and tiny shops for excellent finds. The souks are the perfect place to look for souvenirs as well as a fun place to explore during free time. The new city includes the Dubai Mall, one of the largest malls in the world, Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world with 160 habitable stories, the Dubai Fountain, with its delightful dancing waters with lights and music and a stop at the Burj Al Arab, the sail-shaped hotel that is a famous landmark of Dubai and boasts an astounding “7-star” rating. Take in the epitome of luxury and decadence that is Dubai and enjoy all of the entertainment it has to offer because there is no shortage of excitement in this bustling city.
Abu Dhabi, the City of Old and New:
Located about an hours drive along the coast from Dubai, is the slightly more conservative and traditional city of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. Dubai may be the more popular of the cities for tourists but Abu Dhabi is more politically significant and traditional. Dubai may be one of the most famous cities in the world but Abu Dhabi has plenty of things to see and is also ultra-modern. Abu Dhabi has a similar history to Dubai in that it became rich and developed within the last several decades because of oil discovery and is now unrecognizable from its former self.
Take a journey to the Falcon Hospital where you will visit with these intelligent birds and learn about the nurture and rescue efforts for the species. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the country and one of the largest places of worship in the entire world, housing up to 40,000 people! The mosque is stark white and looks beautiful during the day in the glow of the sun or when it is all lit up at night so charge up your camera no matter what time you stop by. Take in the art world at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first universal museum of the Arab world and enjoy a photo-stop at the Emirates Palace hotel, a very expensive, 5-star hotel that glows perfectly in the night.
Make your way to the ethereal “Garden City” of Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, located near the Omani border. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes several oasis areas, including Al Ain Oasis and Al Jimi Oasis, and archaeological forts, including Al Jahill Fort and Al Qattara Fort. The several water sources in the area mean there is much biodiversity to be found. There are also plenty of green public spaces for visitors and locals to appreciate.
Oman, Culturally Rich Oasis:
It may not be the first country on your bucket list or even one you know much about but Oman is a true “can’t miss” oasis. Referring to Oman as an oasis has two different meanings. The landscape of Oman contains a majority of desert with incredible cities popping up along the way, making these areas much like mini-oases in the middle of the dry, arid terrain. It also refers to the political oasis that Oman has become. Some of Oman’s neighbors have negative reputations in the US due to acts of violence and terrorism but the country has remained largely unaffected. Oman welcomes tourists to its country happily and with friendly faces and beautiful settings. Gate 1 Travel will navigate you around this land and take you to the must see cities and spots in this alluring country.
Jabreen:
This Omani landmark is located in the northeast part of the country and is located on your route. The Jabreen Castle was built in the 1600s as an homage to the grand European palaces of the time. The castle was constructed by the same man who expelled the Portuguese from the area in 1650, Imam Bel’arab bin Sultan Al Yarubi. Colorful paintings, impressive ceilings and intricate carvings all decorate this dreamy building. Continue on to Balha, most famous for its ancient fort with towers of unbaked bricks. This UNSECO Heritage Site is located at the foot of the Jebel Akhdar highlands and is adjacent to the Friday Mosque with decoratively sculpted prayer niche.
Wahiba Sands Desert Camp:
The wilderness of the Middle East welcomes you into its ever-changing
landscape in the deserts of Oman. You will stay overnight here and in the midst
of the desert sands. Your hotel is comfortable and has every accommodation you
could need while you sit back and relax. Perhaps decide on watching the sunset
under the stars and view the rise and fall of the red and white seas of sand
that can rise and fall to over 650 feet. A perfect way to end the day.
Muscat:
The capital of Oman and one of the oldest cities in the Middle East is located about a 2 hours drive from the Wahiba Sands. This historic capital sits on the Gulf of Oman and is surrounded by the neighboring desert and mountains. Muscat will capture your heart from the beginning with its incredible views, beautiful waters and pristine sites. This city is also extremely safe and clean so you can enjoy an evening stroll without worry. With both Arab and Islam influences, Muscat has a unique culture that is reflected in the friendly and helpful nature of its residents. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the most ornate and decorated mosques in the world. Journey to the Muttrah Quarter, a section of the city that evokes a medieval charm. Here you will find winding streets and ancient buildings while sandalwood scents fill the air around the souks.
Explore one of the most popular areas in travel today with Gate 1. We will take care of all the details and you will enjoy an unforgettable trip to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman. Explore Dubai & Oman and live the experiences that you have could have only imagined on this memorable tour through the Arabian Peninsula.
Please Note: Sightseeing varies per itinerary.
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