Middle East

OMAN FOR ARABIAN DAYS AND NIGHTS My fact finding mission for Hallmark Travel was to go to Oman, so I was slightly nervous! I had never visited the Middle East before and really didn’t know what to expect. It was also during ‘Ramadan’ (like our Lent). Rumours were being spread of having no food and…

ARABIA’S CITY OF GOLD  by Jo Bradley Just an eight-hour flight to the deserts of the United Arab Emirates and the azure waters of the Persian Gulf and I was in – Dubai! The cosmopolitan city has some of the most stunning architecture towering over the waterfront of the Creek. Having never been to the…

UAE AWAY FROM THE CROWDS The United Arab Emirates is made up of 7 ‘Emirates’. Dubai is the most famous of course but I was lucky to get the chance to visit a couple of the less famous, but just as beautiful, Emirates! Ajman, the smallest Emirate, is quieter than Dubai with great beach facilities…

ABU DHABI DELIGHTS Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates – a group of seven Emirates. Unlike its brash and modern neighbour, Dubai, Abu Dhabi is a very traditional Middle Eastern city. Its charm is its authenticity – the ladies in their modest dress, the evidence of their religion and its influence…

EGYPT, ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST TREASURES An exciting start to an exciting place! And Heathrow’s Terminal 2, called the Queen’s terminal was just the beginning. It was certainly a pleasure to pass through, lovely restaurants everywhere and shops – including John Lewis! Egypt Air was comfortable – they don’t serve alcohol – but with…

CAIRO THE TREASURE OF EGYPT Just 5 hours away, Cairo can easily be a long weekend destination. Although the journey is short, it will take you back to a civilisation four and a half thousand years old. The purpose of our journey was to see the Pyramids – the great pyramids of Giza in particular…

DASHING OFF TO DISCOVER DUBAI Palm Island, The Lost City of Atlantis – and the latest, most fabulous hotel in Dubai – The Atlantis! As I boarded the new Emirates A380 super jumbo I could hardly contain my excitement, I was off to Dubai! The A380 is a new league of aircraft, and Emirates have…

DO BUY IN DUBAI Dubai is a city of skyscrapers and shopping malls. Dubai changes, so quickly and so amazingly! We are all familiar with the Jumeirah Beach Hotels and the Burj al Arab. Make way for the Burj Dubai – the world’s tallest tower and the Atlantis Hotel on Palm Island! Dubai Marina is…

RAS AL KHAIMAH OR RAK  Think of all the things you need to make a great holiday: Sunshine and blue skies Warm seas and cool pools A variety of choices to eat great food A villa with a garden on the beach A beach! Long and sandy! A little bit of culture – sightseeing A…

TABA AND TABA HEIGHTS Taba and Taba Heights are two of Egypt’s Red sea resorts located on the Gulf of Aqaba. As there are no compulsory vaccinations and charter flights available from Gatwick with a flying time of only 5 hours it is a short haul destination with long haul weather! Arriving at the airport,…