Having been brought up in Saudi Arabia, my first travel destinations were naturally within the Middle East. From Saudi Arabia to Bahrain and from Dubai to Oman, these cities/countries all boast beautiful scenery and rich histories interlaced with a unique Arabian culture.
One of my first childhood memories in Saudi Arabia
Bahrain, Dubai, and Oman, all being close to Saudi Arabia, are places that I have been fortunate enough to visit multiple times. A unique thing about Bahrain is that it's a small island country connected to Saudi Arabia by a bridge, which takes about an hour without traffic. Due to its close proximity, Bahrain was a popular weekend destination, with its numerous shopping centers, movie theatres (which were not a thing in Saudi Arabia), and Korean restaurants.
On a foggy day in downtown Bahrain
A common desert scene you can see on the outskirts of Bahrain
Dubai, a city famous for its luxurious shopping opportunities, vibrant nightlife, and the Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world, is a must-see destination for those who wish to enjoy both the traditional Middle Eastern culture and the more modern, luxurious lifestyle of city life.
A collection of photos from Dubai: the famous sail-shaped 7-star hotel, the world-renowned luxurious resort called the Atlantis, the Burj Khalifa, and shots of the city in general.
Next up is Oman, a country known for its beautiful seascapes mingled with the more traditional culture of mosques, souks (Arabian marketplaces), and of course, deserts.
A collection of photos from Oman: the beautiful seascape of Oman that captures both its vibrant sea life and the cultural landscapes that still remain on the shores.
While these pictures and descriptions are nowhere enough to capture the true beauties of these destinations, they are my earliest and some of my fondest memories of traveling as a child. To this day, I remember these trips and the unique experiences that came with each one. For a lot of people, the Middle East is not well-known, making some people reluctant to venture into the area. For those people, I wish to say one thing: You won't regret visiting :)
Some more pictures of Saudi Arabia: its iconic palm trees, food, and the country's flag.