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Amman
Amman is often termed the White City , and anybody who casts their eye across the cityscape will instantly know why. Low stone houses nestle in the shadow of glittering, silver skyscrapers, in a mix of the traditional and modern. A city which has one foot firmly rooted in the past, as the other steps into the modern age with a vengeance.
Built across 19 hills, current day Amman was once an ancient capital city, the central hub of the Hashemite kingdom of Jordon . Many archaeological sites and ancient artefacts date back to this period or even further back, making Amman a place of intense fascination to those who take an interest in history and culture. Arguably the most prolific of historical sites is The Citadel, a complex of fortifications which date back to the Neolithic period, as well as incorporating more recent additions constructed during the Roman and Islamic ages.
In stark contrast, the new areas of Amman pay tribute to 20 th century life in high style; the major urban areas are almost indistinguishable from their western counterparts. From the extremely busy commercial districts, to the trendy areas inhabited by Amman 's young elite, Amman is a vibrant and enthralling city in which to enjoy yourself. Modern shopping malls offering imported foodstuff and clothing, sit next to noisy souqs with street vendors selling local produce, including the spices that this area is so famous for. Five start hotels and high class eating establishments provide for the healthy tourist trade, along with a fine collection of art galleries and other establishments such as theatres and cinemas catering to the arts.
Amman is conveniently located at the centre of many of the best tourist attractions in this part of Jordan , and as such makes an excellent base of operations for any visitor. A huge selection of excursions are possible, including full day trips to Salt, an ancient town dating back to the earliest days of man. Amman is well served by an excellent public transport network, and local taxis are cheap, and the drivers friendly and helpful. International flights are served by two airports, Queen Alia Airport and Amman Civil Airport .
Whatever you require from a holiday destination, Amman is sure to provide it in fine style, typical of the developing cities in this part of the world, Amman is taking the growing tourist trade extremely seriously by providing world class service, combined with local charm and history and culture that can only be described as biblical.
Cairo
Cairo is possibly the most diverse city in the world, from its internationally famed historical sites to its modern commercial zones and everything in-between, Cairo is a city like no other. The city has earned many names over the centuries; the City of a Thousand Minarets, reflecting the fact that each morning witnesses a veritable cacophony of prayer song, The Jewel of the Orient, implying quite truthfully that Cairo can be a city of outstanding beauty, to present just a pair.
No discussion of Cairo can take place without mentioning such incredible historical sites as the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx; these two ancient sites have inspired whole generations of history lovers with their unique blend of both majesty and mystery. There are many more equally impressive places of significant historical and archaeological interest both within Cairo itself and close by in the surrounding areas.
Cairo is not all about history though; it also has a culture of its own, which it reveals to visitors who take the time to look closer. The Cairo Opera house is a magnificent building, which is equipped with a world class audio and visual system, allowing it to present top rate performances to hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The theatre complex can seat almost 3000 people within its three separate auditoriums, and presents a regular schedule of productions throughout the year.
As the day ends, Cairo begins to display a completely different side of its character. Night time is without a doubt the best time to get out into the street markets to find those local bargains. Restaurants abound, offering both traditional Middle Eastern cuisine and western favourites, many follow a theme, some can be found floating on the River Nile. Many city plazas become social meeting points once the sun goes down, with local inhabitants exchanging conversation, whilst musicians play Arabic music in the open air.
There can be no doubt that Cairo provides an experience that is like no other, a heady mixture of traditional Arabic culture fused almost seamlessly with western ideals. A fascinating city with a thousand faces and a surprise around every corner. The Melting Pot of Modern and Ancient Egyptian Civilisation is a term that has been used to describe Cairo frequently, and with good reason, no other city in the world can offer a glimpse into ancient life and culture whilst providing such a modern lifestyle.
Dubai
Long associated with business travellers and ex-patriots, Dubai has begun to re-invent itself as a world class tourist destination. The people of Dubai are keen to offer an exceptional level of hospitality, as has been their cultural tradition for many centuries. Modern Dubai has many excellent, top rate tourist facilities and a whole host of first classs hotels and resorts. Dubai is an intriguing blend of desert and modern city, and portrays an image all of its own.
As an evolving tourist destination, the government of Dubai has gone to great lengths to ensure that this growing industry is nurtured, the Department of Tourism and Commercial Marketing undertakes regular surveys and audits of new and existing hotels and resorts, meaning that Dubai is constantly monitored to ensure that tourists are provided with the best experience possible when visiting this enchanting city.
When visiting Dubai for the first time most people are delighted to find that this is a destination which exceeds their expectations. Dubai 's white sandy beaches are among some of the cleanest in the world, and when combined with the all round sunny climate, make Dubai an excellent choice of winter sun destination. Shopping in Dubai is both modern and exotic, with retail establishments and street markets to suit every taste and budget, from internationally famed boutique outlets to traditional Arabian markets, the visitor is bound to find a bargain or two.
Holiday makers looking for a little more action will be surprised to find that Dubai has a very wide range of adventure activities to offer. Most surprising of these is snow skiing, real snow in the middle of the desert, quite an experience. For something a little less strenuous but equally adventurous there are some excellent desert safaris available in a range durations from a single day to several weeks.
Dubai is a curious blend of cultures, firmly rooted in the desert history of the local population, yet moulding itself to a western take on urbanisation; it truly is a city with a charm and character unlike any other. Tourist facilities are modern and well maintained, and local transport is both inexpensive and reliable. For visitors looking for a Middle Eastern destination, that will give them a taste of Arabia yet allow them to maintain the comforts of home, then Dubai makes a great choice. A city with a long history and fine future, constantly striving to maintain its reputation as a world leading holiday destination.
Qatar
Qatar is typical of the emerging Middle Eastern travel destinations, quickly developing, expertly managed and constantly monitored and improved. Although less established than some of its counterparts, it nevertheless has the facilities on hand to make sure that every visitor finds Qatar to be a jewel in the desert.
Water sports make up a large part of the attraction of a visit to Qatar , sitting out on a peninsula, with the Arabian Gulf surrounding it; there is huge potential for excellent yachting and water sports. Several years ago a pair of artificial reefs were constructed, and allowed to establish their ecosystem before being opened as a scuba diving spot, these are now renowned as possibly the best example of a man made marine environment in the world. Sailing is also a huge sport in Qatar , with calm weather yachting the norm, on the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf . Several stunning marinas have been built, including the top rate facilities to be found in Doha Bay . Sun worshipers will not be disappointed, as the miles of white sandy beaches for which Qatar has become internationally famed, are accessible all year round due to the balmy local climate. For a little more action on the beach, there are plenty of water sports to be enjoyed including water skiing, wind surfing and kayaking.
The second face of Qatar tourism is the desert safari, many of these safaris will take an overland trip to the inland sea that makes up the central part of Qatar . Several tour operators offer day trips and longer excursions, often in the form of a four wheel drive spring across the desert, a thrilling and exciting ride in air conditioned comfort, followed by a safari style experience deep inland at one of the many nature reserves. Every safari operator is required to be licensed by local authorities, and are checked regularly to ensure that they are maintaining safety standards, which makes Qatar a great place to enjoy a desert safari in absolute safety.
For the type of visitor who enjoys bargain hunting and haggling prices, then Qatar will not disappoint. The sheer quantity of street vendors and markets makes Qatar possible the best Middle Eastern destination to purchase local handicrafts and goods. For a little more upmarket experience, all of Qatar's new shopping malls and commercial complexes offer an experiencing which parallels that of major metropolitan retails centres in the western hemisphere.
No matter the reason for visiting, people find Qatar a destination that is fascinatingly exotic, yet easily accessible, a great example of an emerging new tourist destination.
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