Arabia

Cosmopolitan cities, luxury accommodation, friendly people, beautiful beaches and year round sunshine Arabia offers something for everyone.

Overview

Arabia’s year-long sunshine attracts those who love the beach or lounging around the pool, and the region’s mega malls keep shopaholics happy too. However, this fascinating part of the world, that is at the crossroads of East and West, has so much more to offer.

Arabia for culture

With the Louvre already opened and the Guggenheim being built in Abu Dhabi, this city’s Cultural District is on well on track to become a world leader in the arts, while the beautiful Royal Opera House Muscat has a reputation for its renowned European and Arabian classical performances.

In Dubai, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, with the Dubai Museum and the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, offers visitor a chance to experience local arts, crafts, history and social traditions.

Arabia for wildlife

The largest desert in the world borders one of the globe’s most beautiful oceans, creating amazing bio diversity that includes Arabian Oryx, gazelles, vultures, buzzards and falcon. Resorts such as Desert Island Resort & Spa by Anantara and Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa invite visitors to discover the desert's flora and fauna on walking trails, on horseback or by 4x4 jeep.

Luxurious resorts such as the Shangri La’s Barr al Jissah in Oman make great efforts in nurturing the environment – carefully protecting the local nesting sites of Hawksbill Turtles and inviting guests to learn more about this protected species.

Arabia for events

A now well-established highlight of the F1 season, the Eithad F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is at the end of the season and is often the race where the championship is won (or lost). The city goes to great lengths to ensure that this weekend is an entertaining festival for all of the family.

Top performers always include Dubai on their world tours, and this year the city will be entertained by big names like Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran, while the major hotels regularly host world-class DJ events.

Arabia for activities

Skydive over the Palm Jumeirah, hang-glide to check-in Six Senses Zighy Bay or explore Abu Dhabi’s mangroves and the Musandam’s fjords by boat or by canoe – there are options for everyone.

Resort hotels such as One&Only Royal Mirage and JA Jebel Ali Beach have their own private beaches with a selection of water sports on offer - from hobie-cats and paddle-boards to jet-skis and kayaks.

Away from the coastline and high in the mountains, there are opportunities for rock-climbing, caving and abseiling – many of which are available at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort.

Arabia for indulgence

5 Star resorts mean 5 Star spas, and Arabia is fast becoming the preferred spa destination for those in the know. Locally sourced ingredients are used with Western and Eastern wellness therapies and philosophies to deliver treatments that are guaranteed to relax and rejuvenate.

Guerlain Spa at One&Only The Palm has nine private spa suites, including one couples suite, that offer comprehensive treatments and wellness journeys, while the secluded CHI, The Spa at Shangri La's Barr al Jissah features a vitality hydro pool, a steam room, tundra and tropical showers, an ice fountain and a relaxation area.

Arabia