Middle East

Although there are places in the Middle East that travelers avoid because of the hotbed of strife, there are many more where you will find everything geared to your comfort with a wealth of things to see and do. Experience the ancient cultures or immerse yourself in the conveniences of modern city life. Many choices are yours to make when you visit the countries of the Middle East.

Egypt

A visit to Africa has to include Egypt to see the Pyramids. Take a walk through the Egyptian Museum in Cairo with an Egyptologist as your guide and see the centuries of Egyptian civilization. Travel to Memphis to see the 40-foot statue of Ramses 11 and the Sphinx. In Cairo you can see buildings dating back to the 12th century. The resort town of Aswan features sandstone temples and you can take a cruise along the Nile. Try a horse drawn carriage ride through Edfu to see the Temple of Horus and see the Valley of Kings and the Valley of Queens in Lorax.

Bahrain

Bahrain will provide you with an excellent introduction to the lifestyle of the Middle East. This city is very liberal when it comes to manner of dress and westerners will feel quite comfortable here. As it was the major site of the trading posts of the ancient times, this country still holds many reminders that will take you back in time. There are more than 80,000 burial mounds in this country, the most impressive of which is the Royal Tombs. They are located in the village of Al'i and are believed to be the burial tombs of Kings.

When in Bahrain, you have to visit the southern part of the country. The markets here offer cloth of every imaginable color and bartering is expected. Visit the Siyadi House, built by the 18th century merchant, where you will find ornate ceilings, stained glass windows and carved screens. The Al-Khamis Mosque is the oldest Islamic mosque in the country and its twin towers are visible from a distance. Visit the archaeological sites of the Barbar Temple and the Museum of Pearl Diving. The Arad Fort is an impressive structure and when illuminated at night it is truly an awesome sight.

Kuwait

Wander through the mosques, souks (markets) and the sand of Kuwait to explore the traditional values of the Middle East. Visit the Red Fort, which is a low structure built around an open courtyard. The name comes from the red color of its walls. Visit Sadi House, which now houses many of the cultural and historical artefacts of this country. Take a ferry ride to Failakai Island, where you will see many Bronze Age and Greek archaeological sites as well as the traditional boats that are used for fishing.

Oman

Visit the Samali, the fourth and oldest mosque in the country. Constructed from blocks of stone, this mosque is hidden in the plantations and features stained glass windows and wooden lintels. However, entry inside any of the mosques in this country is forbidden to non- Muslims. Muscat is the main city and it is here you will see the Sultan's Palace. There are two well-preserved Portuguese forts guarding the entrance to the town and the narrow streets and old buildings provide a very picturesque setting.

Saladah seems almost tropical with its groves of coconut trees, banana plantations and sandy beaches. Visit the Al-Badid ruins, where the ancient city of Zafar once stood. Sur is a fishing village and market place all in one and the souk at Sohar is a must see, with its imposing four-story fort overlooking the town.

Some of the other countries of the Middle East include Iraq, Iran, Israel and Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Quatar and the United Arab Emirates. Before you choose to travel, you need to check out the political situation. Of great issues as well is having two passports if you wish to visit Israel, as some Muslim countries will not let you in if you have visited Israeal (and vice versa).

When you do find the countries you feel comfortable visit, you can be assured of being amazed at the level of service and the wealth of attractions and amenities that are available for you.

Saudi Arabia ( 1 Articles )

Saudi Arabia is an enchanted land of deserts and oasis. Here you will find the oil sheiks and people dressed in long flowing robes. The country consists of four main regions and many of the cities are considered to be holy cities of Islam. Entrance to these cities may be restricted to Muslims only.
Attractions
Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital city and features many scenic and historic sites. See the spearhead embedded in the door of the Musmat Fort, believed to be the one that killed the Turkish governor in 1902. The National Museum houses 10 galleries, a courtyard and a section where you will see fancy cars and other things associated with the founding King of the country. Old Dir?aiyah is the site of the old city of Riyadh and there are restored walls, houses and palaces, which will give you a glimpse of what Saudi Arabia was like in the past.
The Masmark Citadel looks like a giant sandcastle. This renovated 19th century mud castle contains many different costumes, handicrafts and a sitting room to give you a look of the past lives of some of the people. The Saudi Arabia Zoo is the largest in the country with more than 40 different species of animals. Either the mother or father can accompany the children, but whole families are not permitted to enter together.
Hasa
This part of Saudi Arabia is located in the Eastern Region and is home to the Shia minority. Here you will find the scenic beauty of fertile lowlands where the people dive for pearls and earn their living by fishing and farming. Most of the foreign oil workers also live in this area. This is the site of many picturesque villages where you can visit many different historic sites.
Visit Hofuf, an oasis, where you will find a large camel market. At Jebel- al-Qura, the elaborate pottery has been worked by 8 generations of the same family. There is a 5000 year old salt mine in Abqaig and buy some dates at the markets.
Travel to Saudi Arabia
There are three major airports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and there are direst flights to and from these airports to major cities all over the world. For travelling around the country, you should have prior arrangements for a car to pick you up at the airport, but there are rental car agencies at the airport with reasonable prices. There is also rail service between Riyadh and the larger cities within the country.
Food and Drinks
The local food is often liberally flavoured with spices. Pita bread accompanies every meal and rice, cracked wheat, lentils and chick peas are commonly used foods. Lamb and chicken are the main meats, because pork is prohibited and beef is very rare. The main meal of the day is at lunchtime and kebabs are often the preferred food.
In the larger towns, you may be able to find restaurants with foreign foods on the menus, but they are few and far between.
There are no bars or nightclubs in the country, except in the hotels. You cannot buy alcoholic drinks because it is forbidden under Muslim law. The main drinks are fruit juices and Arabic coffee.
Language
Arabic is the main language. English is mainly used in business circles but some of the larger hotels in Riyadh have staff that can speak English.
Visas
Visas are required for all visitors to Saudi Arabia. You have to apply for the visa in your home country and when you arrive you have to go through customs. In order to gain entry into the country, you must have a letter of invitation for either business or employment.
Along with the visa, you also need a valid passport and a money order for $108.00 for business or $15 for employment made out to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. For business reasons, you can stay in the country for up to 3 months and for employment, you must be 22 years of age or older. A person working in Saudi Arabia can bring his/her family for a visit. The family has to have an invitation and each person needs a passport and the money order for $108.00.
Visitors are not permitted to bring alcohol, firearms, foods containing pork, religious items or pornographic materials with them when they enter the country. Any prescription drugs must be in their original containers.
Safety
Because of the increased terrorist attacks in larger centers, such as Riyadh, there has been some concern about the safety of visitors to Saudi Arabia. With the events in the world as they are today, this country is just as safe as any other country in the Middle East.
Shopping
Shopping in Saudi Arabia means visiting the souks (markets). Here you can buy just about anything you want or need ? jewellery, elaborate swords and even brass chests. Bargaining is an expected part of the buying process.

Egypt

Bahrain

Kuwait

Oman

Attractions

Travel to Saudi Arabia

Food and Drinks

Language

Visas

Safety

Shopping