Southern GCC Road Trip

About the destination: Riyadh is the capital and largest city in Saudi Arabia with a population of about 5 million. The city has a rapidly growing centre where you'll find new high-rise buildings, international restaurants, hotels, shopping centres, modern offices and much more. Despite being a major business destination, it has maintained a balance between culture, tradition and economic growth. The historical core of Riyadh, Al-Murabba, has some interesting sites worth visiting such as the King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre, home to the National Museum and the Murabba Palace. The centre of Riyadh, Al-Bathaa, is the oldest part of the city. Al Bathaa is home to the bus station, post office and Batha souk. Faisaliya Tower is one of the two iconic towers of the city of Riyadh. It contains a variety of attractions, including a viewing platform, a small photography gallery and a café known as the Top. Riyadh is a luxurious and prosperous city in the heart of the Arabic world. The city’s unique urban landscape makes it a true modern wonder.

About the destination: Muscat is the capital of Oman and the country's largest city. Muscat as a city has played a prominent historical role due to its strategic location. Perhaps what is striking about Muscat Governorate and its states is the breathtaking intermingling of ancient cultural heritage and modern style. You will see houses, gates, old markets, small shops, and winding roads redolent of authentic history, side by side with modern markets, shops, buildings, and streets stamped with modern architecture. This allows Oman to preserve its historic character, and at the same time enjoying its contemporary spirit. Muscat is renowned as one of the cleanest Arab capitals, and has gained the honour of winning the Cleanest Arab City Contest several consecutive times.

About the destination: Shalala, príomhchathair réigiún Dhofar. Is cathair ildathach, fo-chuimsitheach í a bhfuil a lán dá carachtar ag brath ar na críocha ársa in Oman ar thoir na hAfraice. Ar feadh na bliana, cuireann tránna agus plandáilte bananaí, papai agus coconuts Salalah blas de Zanzibar ar fáil i gcroílár an Fhásach Arabach. Tá port mór nua ann a thug saibhreas don chathair agus anois is é ceann de na háiteanna is mó a mheallann pasáistí cuairte. I measc na n-áiteanna áitiúla tá trá Shalala, tuama Nabi Ayoub nó masjid aboos sultan a bhfuil áilleacht ailtireachta le moladh. Gan dabht, is áit iontach í le cuairt a thabhairt air agus taitneamh a bhaint as an nádúr agus gach rud eile a bhfuil ag fanacht in áit rúnda.

About the destination: Jeddah is located on the Red Sea in the west of Saudi Arabia. It's the second largest city and a major commercial hub in the country. Jeddah is the main gateway to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, which all able-bodied Muslims are obliged to visit at least once in their lifetime. It's also a gateway to Medina, the second holiest place in Islam. The city that never sleeps won't let you sleep with all the variety it offers. To explore Jeddah, you'll need to sail its wild coasts, visit the luxurious Corniche, savour popular seafood dishes, enjoy majestic palaces, and historical and archaeological landmarks. The Khuzam Palace is a landmark that showcases the beauty of modern architecture. It was named Khuzam after all the lavender (Khuzama in Arabic) that surrounds it. The construction of the palace began in 1928 and was completed in 1932. It's the first building to be constructed using cement and iron in Jeddah. King Abdulaziz ordered its construction during his stay at the Nassif House for a period of time. Today, Khuzam Palace is one of the most important museums in Saudi Arabia. Tahaliyah Street is one of the most prestigious and vital main streets in Jeddah. It's a commercial hub of shopping centres due to the many brand name shopping centres lining its sides, as well as the finest restaurants, multiple shopping centres and lavish offices, not to mention its beauty and strategic location, divided into two sections.