September 17, 2004 -- Although the term Persian Gulf is more likely to evoke images of Desert Storm than tourists frolicking on beaches, in fact there is a growing travel industry in many parts of this region. With stunning beaches, deserts, historic attractions, legendary duty-free shopping, and world-class hotels, a vacation in the Gulf States can be wonderful, eye-opening experience.
The Gulf is a geographical term used to group together five countries: Bahrain, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. The best time of the year to visit is generally between November and April, when the weather is mildest. Let me say up-front, however, that the climate is hot. The heat can be intense at times, but it is dry and comfortable at night. There is a certain irony in the fact that your hotel will probably ice-down its swimming pool rather than heat it, to ensure a pleasant bathing experience.
It's best to avoid travel to the region during Ramadan (October-November in 2004), the Muslim month of fasting, as its observance means no eating, drinking or smoking in public from sunrise to sunset.
Getting There
Several airlines travel between the east coast of the United States and the Gulf, most notably Emirates (800/777-3999; www.emirates.com), which has direct flights and American Airlines, which in a code-share with Gulf Air (www.gulfairco.com) and British Airways (www.ba.com) has a one-stop flight.
A special introductory economy class fares on Emirates from New York to Dubai and beyond is available when you book online by September 22nd, 2004. Return fares start at $1287 to Dubai, inclusive of all taxes, fees and charges. Outbound travel must commence before October 1st, 2004.
Alternatively you can find cheaper flights through British Airways with one-stop (London or Manchester) flights to Abu Dhabi from New York starting at the low price of $748 including taxes in the fall. Flights to Bahrain are $921, to Dubai $993, all tax-inclusive.
The United Arab Emirates
The UAE is a union of seven sovereign sheikhdoms, and it features rugged mountains, tranquil beaches, deserts, oases, camel racing, Bedouin markets and sensational duty-free shopping, all in a relatively small area. Traveling to the UAE is now easier with the introduction of an onsite visa facility by UAE immigration authorities. Visitors from 33 nations, including the US, can now get a visa upon arrival.
Dubai (UAE)
There's a lot more to Dubai than duty-free shopping. Dubai is the perfect destination for year-round sporting and adventure activities. The warm waters of the Gulf are ideal for sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. You could have a round of golf at one of the several championship courses or just watch the famous Dubai Desert Golf Classic (www.dubaidesertclassic.com). The event will be held from March 3rd - 6th in 2005. Dubai is also known for horse racing. The top race of the season, and also the world's richest, is the Dubai World Cup (www.dubaiworldcup.com), held annually in March.
Locally based companies Arabian Adventures (www.arabian-adventures.com) and Alpha Tours (www.alphatoursdubai.com) can arrange some rather unique excursions in and around Dubai. These include dune-bashing, a half day of 4x4 driving through the sand dunes, and sand-skiing, which is gaining popularity with snowboarders from around the world, in the desert areas surrounding Dubai. You can combine these adventures with desert dinners in recreated Bedouin camps. For a more traditional pastime, take a half-day camel ride, which offers a totally different perspective on Dubai's desert landscapes.
For the ultimate hotel experience, visit the world's tallest and arguably most luxurious hotel -- the Burj Al Arab (www.burj-al-arab.com) -- a tourist attraction in and of itself. Even better, if you can afford it, stay there. If not, a visit to the spa, the restaurant or even afternoon tea in the Skyview bar will suffice. Designed to resemble a billowing sail, the hotel soars to a height of 1053 feet, and dominates the Dubai coastline. At night, it offers unforgettable views, surrounded by choreographed color sculptures of water and fire. With a chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce, discreet in-suite check in, private reception desk on every floor, and a brigade of highly trained butlers who provide around-the-clock attention, you can be assured of a highly personalized service throughout your stay. Prices start at approximately $400 per night.
Abu Dhabi (UAE)
For those of us who love the international shopping experience, Abu Dhabi is a shopping mecca. The annual Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival held in early March, is filled with fantastic bargains, sale and prizes in the city's multitude of shopping malls. Abu Dhabi is particularly known for its gold and jewelry. The Corniche a park-lined coastal boulevard that skirts the city, with a backdrop of modern buildings facing the sea, is one of the most picturesque sites in Abu Dhabi. Surrounding tourism areas and beaches worthy of visiting include the Liwa Oasis, Rub Al Khali, Jebel Hafit Mountains, Ain Al Fayda Resort, Hili Gardens, Al Ain Museum, and Qattarah Oasis.
As several new area resorts near completion, they are boosting tourism in Abu Dhabi. The region's first luxury boutique hotel and spa, The Al Raha Beach Hotel, will be opening its doors in late fall 2004. This complements several international hotel resorts opening on the nearby Marina Corniche in Abu Dhabi and a flagship development by the same hotel group at the beachfront Jebel Dhanna, 150 miles west of the capital. The Danat Resort in Jebel Dhanna (www.ncth.com/main.php), due to open in late 2004, is opposite the Sir Bani Yas island nature reserve. This pristine area boasts deserted desert dunes, private access to crystal-clear Gulf waters for scuba-diving and fishing, a par-36 nine hole sand golf course and a driving range.
Bahrain
The island nation of Bahrain is an exciting destination that offers a multitude of attractions. Now home to an annual Formula One Grand Prix event (www.bahraingp.com), Bahrain has world-class golf courses, white sand beaches, magnificent mosques, historic fortifications, archaeological sites dating back to 3000 BC, a grand central Souk (market), and bustling entertainment and nightlife.
No visit to Bahrain would be complete without a trip to the Souk, with its profusion of colors, sounds, and aromas. The variety of goods is endless, from colorful hand-woven fabrics and textiles to golden jewelry and a traditional array of spices and local produce.
Al Muhanna Tours (www.bahraintourism.com/muhanna) provides a wide selection of reasonably priced excursions and tours in and around Bahrain, taking in the best of the kingdom's archaeological sites, crafts, Islamic traditions, heritage and history.
US citizens must have a tourist visa. A two-week visa costs under $4 and is easily obtained on arrival at Bahrain's International Airport. For more information about events and activities in Bahrain visit www.bahraintourism.com.
