* M I D D L E E A S T *

Once synonymous with heat, dust, political uncertainty the Middle East is now the most happening place in the world. Driven by oil and urge to change, the region has become a major hub of trade, commerce and tourism. The change, while not universal, has been literally beyond imagination. The landscape of some is marked by ultra modern attractions in the form of piercing skyscrapers, gorgeous shopping malls, super luxurious self-designated 7-star hotels, artificially created islands and modern museums among its highlights. While these are true for places like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Muscat, etc, the traditional destinations in the region such as Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Syria and Yemen remain a favourite among the intrepid travellers. Even Saudi Arabia is now being looked up as a travel spot. In short, the region is becoming a popular destination for individuals, families and corporate retreats.

The Middle East comprises of countries extending from the eastern Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. The north is marked by Turkey and the Caspian Sea while the southern shores are washed by the Arabian Sea. Ordinarily the following countries are regarded as part of the region - United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, Jordan, Kuwait, Israel, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Qatar and Bahrain. Along the Arabian Gulf coast are offshore islands, coral reefs, salt marshes, gravel plain and barren desert characterising the inland region. To the east stand the Hajar mountains in the vicinity of the Gulf of Oman which reach north into the Musandam peninsula at the mouth of the Arabian Gulf. The western part of the UAE (most of which is Abu Dhabi territory), consists mainly of desert interspersed with oasis where one of the largest oasis is Al Liwa, beyond which is the vast Rub al-Khali desert, or Empty Quarter. The southern most portion of the Arabian Peninsula forms the lively and ancient country of Yemen. While the Middle-East actually forms a part of the Asian Continent, we devoted a section by itself because of its importance as a separate geo-tourism and cultural placement.

Leave aside the news making headlines and go to the region for an unique travellers experience. These regions, with deep-rooted cultural heritage, once identified with traditional sports such as falconry, camel-racing and horse-racing has now transformed into a great attraction for tourists for other reasons. The UAE – apart from its importance as a centre for international conferences & exhibitions now holds world class events such as the Dubai World Cup, the Dubai Desert Classic Golf Tournament, Grand Prixs, Formula 1 Racing, polo and cricket competitions. It is now a happy combination of a modern world with the age-old traditions of Arabian hospitality... it is a cheerful combination of the most ultra-modern, most lavish, most extravagant shopping malls to the exotic, interesting souks and bazaars from the Arabian Nights... From the dazzling dealerships of Ferraris and Rolls Royces, to the centuries old fishing villages of Alladin and the Forty Thieves. Cities that once adorned a traditional look have now progressed beyond imagination. The UAE is today the most popular shopping destination of the world, shopping being duty free. Today, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are among the most modern cities in the world and as regards to the travel facilities, it is no different from the cities of Europe and America. Dubai is building unique artificial islands for tourists. Also coming up is the world’s first Dynamic Rotating tower– the 80-story structure where each floor rotates independently to create a constantly changing shape resulting in an unique, ever evolving twisting tower. An indoor “skiing resort” and an underwater hotel is already popular with many visitors. Then there’s the tallest hotels to the most expensive... architectural marvels from the mundane to the arcane... A new, $30 billion museum & luxury tourist complex is being built as part of Saadiyat Island (Island of Happiness), which will have marinas, shops and five art centres including the world's largest Guggenheim, designed by Frank Gehry. They will also have The Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel. The complex, under a patterned dome shedding dappled light inside, is due to open in 2012. France has also agreed to set up an Abu Dhabi branch of its 13th century Sorbonne, Paris's main university. The region is doing its best to spend its oil revenues. Stately pleasure domes are springing up all along the coast. Even Saudi Arabia has announced several new economic cities. Add to all these excellent sports and leisure facilities, fabulous convention centres and financial institutions, uncrowded beaches, spectacular desert and mountain scenery and a culture that dates back centuries. It is therefore easy to see why the region has become such a popular destination amongst discerning travellers. A “hot” destination— both figuratively and literally. Ardent travellers want to go there. This is where it is all happening. Each of the seven Arab Emirates has its own individual characteristics. Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer all the sophistication of contemporary living; Sharjah is renowned for its souks; at Ajman and Umm Al Quwain are quiet fishing villages; Ras Al Khaimah, in the north, is hemmed in between the sea and the mountains; and Fujairah, on the east coast, is more peaceful still. Leaving behind these modern callings, travel back in time and visit the traditional destinations of the region: Yemen, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon or Saudi Arabia.

Yemen, with its varied landscapes of high mountains, breathtaking canyons, hundreds of miles of coastlines along the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, islands, steppe, stony and sand deserts where animals and plants have adopted themselves to the various types of landscapes. Be it history, culture or the natural phenomena, the country practically begs to be explored. Camel or donkey trekking, hiking, diving, classical cultural tours, bird watching (unique to Yemen); medieval villages, architectural (world’s earliest “kycrapers,”) well-preserved ruins showing that Yemen too had advanced civilizations at the time when Pharaohs were at the climax of their might. Coupled with this, the Yemeni are keen to treat you with their special brand of hospitality. It is one of the best kept secrets of the Middle East. Saudi Arabia may remind you of oil and the undulating sands, but there's archeology and technology too. Arabia has intrigued travellers for centuries. Its vast swathes of desert were the swaddling clothes of infant Islam, the Arab race and of Arabic, a language considered holy by Muslims. It's also home to Islam's two holiest cities and a host of modern, thriving, oil-rich metropolises. The deserted village of Habalah is a fascinating remnant of old Arabia whereas Madain Saleh is a place which rises up from the sands in a landscape of rare beauty. Home to over 130 tombs, many of them carry the ancient inscriptions in the late Aramaic script. The Nabataeans, who carved the astonishing city of Petra (in Jordan) chose Madain Saleh as their second city. Although less spectacular– but in excellent condition– the landscape of sweeping sand and wonderful rock formations is stunningly beautiful.

Almost every traveller dreams of visiting Israel at least once in a lifetime. This is the land at the very center of the Western civilization– the cradle of Judaism and Christianity... the land of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and Solomon and of the birthplace of Jesus. At the crossroads of the Middle East, ancient and modern, it is filled with historical and archeological treasure chests. It also has pristine beaches and nature reserves with varied flora and fauna. Established after the WWII specifically for the Jewish people, the land is considered a part of the Holy Land (together with Jordan, Egypt and the Palestinian Territories). As such it has historical ties with Judaism, Christianity and Islam. As you travel you will find layers of meaning everywhere you turn. One moment you are in a haunting desertscape near the Dear Sea spotting Ibexes on sheer cliffs dotted with caves (just like those where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were found), then within minutes you can transport yourself to the labyrinth of a medieval Arab bazaar with ancient church bells and calls to prayer from the city’s minarets. Steps away, wander around the downtown streets of Tel Aviv or Jerusalem and be amidst a world of gleaming skyscrapers. Go along the shores of the Mediterranean and you will have to sport your bikinis and carry a surfboard or bring along your diving gear for the crystal waters of the Red Sea. Looking for something green? A couple of hours away are the lush forests of the Galilee mountains. The country is amazingly dramatic and diverse. A trip to Israel is certainly much more than a religious and historical experience... most add an extension to the fabulously rich and breathtaking archaeological treasures of the nearby kingdom of Jordan. Roman ruins, Moslem mosques and Crusader fortresses, mark the kingdom and then there is the one of the Seven Wonders of the New World – the rose-red city of Petra – the much-anticipated destination on Jordan itineraries. After traversing a narrow gorge, you'll come upon the structures that were carved into the soaring sandstone walls by the Nabataean civilization in the third century B.C. The well-hidden ruins found only in 1812 include temples, tombs, baths, markets, the treasury and an amphitheater. Combine your adventure with Jerash, (a well-preserved Greco-Roman city considered the Pompei of the Middle East) and Madaba, where the mosaic map in St. George's church dates to A.D. 560; and the Dead Sea – the lowest point on the world (1,286ft below sea level!) Other stops on Jordan tours can include the second-century Roman amphitheater in Amman, the Crusader Castle in Kerak, and Wadi Rum, where much of "Lawrence of Arabia" was filmed.

Then there is the “Pearl of the Mystic Arabia”, the Sultanate of Oman and one of the oldest civilizations of the Arabian Peninsula. A region with diverse population, they are friendly, hospitable, joyous and polite. The sultanate will captivate you with stunning landscapes, contrasting mountains, vast deserts, pristine white sand beaches, natural springs and lush green oases. It is also rich in historic and Islamic culture evidence of which are found in the hundreds of exotic and regal forts, castles, towers and mosques. Its capital city is awash with cosmopolitan malls and well-equipped western facilities with antiquity and tradition not too far. It is a beautiful, unspoiled country and a perfect destination for those seeking an unique and fascinating travel experience...

For the really adventurous, plan a trip to Lebanon – a country in the news, it seems, all the time. With an incredible physical and spiritual beauty it is a “small country with a big heart,” and in the not-too-distant past, the country was the playground of the rich and famous. It is a blend of the present and the past... fast cities.. old towns... historical sites... authentic hotels... ski resorts... stunning mountain ranges... world heritage sites... spectacular Mediterranean coastline and friendly and warm-hearted people. However, it is the history of the nation that is the most spectacular. The Lebanese are direct descendants of the sea-faring Phoenicians considered to be one of the great races of the ancient world. Not only were the Phoenicians outstanding sailors and traders, they are also famous for two major achievements: they were among the first to explore and colonize areas in the Mediterranean beyond the Straits of Gibraltar; and they left their alphabet to the Western world. But even this great race fell to many conquerors starting with the Chaldeans followed by the Persians in the sixth century B.C. Then came the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders and the Ottomans. The recent past saw the European powers intervene. All these countries left an indelible mark on the lands and so much the richer.

To us, Syria may be a perilous place, where terrorists are welcome and democracy is not. But for many in the nearby countries (living under more authoritarian governments), it is a nation of relative tolerance with beautiful beaches, mighty mountains, good food and cheap shopping. It has become a vacation spot for more and more visitors from elsewhere in the Middle East. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Umayyads and even the French, passed through Syria leaving behind their footprints.. Its old capital Damascus is considered the oldest inhabited city in the world... The ruins at Palmyra is one of the archeological sites dating back 4,000BC... Once dubbed the "Bride of the Desert," it was an important stop for caravans crossing the Syrian desert. The Oasis (mentioned in the Old Testament as being fortified by Solomon) flourished in Roman times. There is still much to see here today, including several temples dedicated to Aramean, Babylonian and Mesopotamian deities. The ancient ruins are a World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Syria. If the tale of past tickles your interest then visit this “cradle of civilization.”

One of the places gradually re-gaining its popularity is Iran. Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979 after the ruling shah was forced into exile. Almost the size of Saudia Arabia, its geographical expanse ranges from subtropical to subpolar, with some of the lowest points on earth to location of over 6,500ft in altitude. Here you can ski in the mountain snow in one place and water ski within a two hour drive the same day. With a variety of archeological sites and relics, the country is considered one of the ten most important countries in the world. It is hard to find such a variety of historical architecture, covering so many eras in other civilizations. Tehran, the capital, is essentially a modern city, but the best of the old has been preserved – its Bazaar is one of the world's largest. More traditional towns, such as Rey, Varamin, Qazvin and Shemshak are within easy reach of Tehran. The town of Tabriz is known for its restored blue mosque built in 1465. The covered Qaisariyeh Bazaar dates back to the 15th century. The Golden Triangle is the name popularly given to the region enclosed by the ancient cities of Hamadan, Kermanshahan and Khorrambabad. For centuries the Silk Road passed through the pleasant rolling countryside of the region. One of the cultural highlights of Iran is the ancient city of Persepolis – a massive and magnificent palace complex built from about 512 BC and completed over the next 150 years and then burnt to the ground during Alexander the Great's time, in 331 BC . One cannot talk of middle-eastern civilization without visiting this ancient land of Persia.

Another ancient country, much in the news, is Iraq. Known for violent insurgency, kidnappings and religious intolerance persuading tourists to visit Iraq has to be one of the toughest jobs around. But the artistic, literary, and scientific splendours of the country have remained a legend in Arab history and until recent times, it was a favourite among many visitors. It has (or had) some of the finest archaeological sites in the world and some of the holiest places in Islam. Regarded by many experts as the birthplace of civilization it is where humanity at its most tremendous once lived. The heart of the country was Mesopotamia. It was accented by the empires of the Sumerian, Babylonian and Assyrian dating between the 7th century BC and AD 100. Several important civilizations were cradled here amidst huge and unforgiving desert terrain and stupendous rivers such as the Euphrates and Tigris. This was the land that supposedly hosted the glorious Garden of Eden and Babylon’s bountiful Hanging Gardens. Ancient Baghdad was a focal point of learning, a major stop along the ancient Silk Route. The museums of Iraq were once a testament to these cultural learnings, filled with astonishing artifacts and relics, but sadly many of these were damaged or looted following the conflict!

Let Travel Interlink plan your trip to the Middle East – a land of ancient religions, civilizations and heritage: here each and every one of you will find your history.