I recently got back from a whirlwind trip to the Gulf countries, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. Can you believe I managed to explore all these countries in just nine days? It was a crazy adventure, with some hits and misses along the way. Let me break it down for you!
Starting off in the UAE, I found Dubai to be a bit underwhelming and artificial, with its focus on luxury shopping and tourist attractions that didn’t quite impress me. Climbing the Burj Khalifa was cool, but not as thrilling as I had hoped. However, Abu Dhabi was a different story – the Qasr Al Hosn and Grand Mosque were absolute highlights. The Grand Mosque, especially at sunset, was breathtaking, and the whole experience was unforgettable. Definitely worth a visit!
Next up was Qatar, where I spent half a day exploring Katara Village, the Corniche, Museum of Islamic Arts, and the Souq Waqif. While it was considered the most developed and modern among the Gulf countries, I found it a bit lackluster overall. The Souq Waqif was interesting, but I felt like I didn’t miss much by spending only a few hours there.
Surprisingly, Kuwait turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Despite hearing it was boring, I found the Mubaraikiya Old Market and Safat Square charming and authentic. The local vibe and delicious food made it a worthwhile stop, especially if you prefer a more genuine experience over flashy modernity.
In Saudi Arabia, I explored Jeddah and was pleasantly surprised by the vibrant atmosphere of Al Balad, the historic center. The city has opened up to tourism, and attractions like the Corniche and Al Taybat Science and History Museum offered unique insights into the country’s heritage. The Teamlab experience was a highlight, and I would recommend checking it out for a different perspective on art and technology.
Bahrain was a decent stop, with the fort and traditional Bahraini breakfast at Bab Al Bahrain being the standout experiences. It was better than Qatar, but not as memorable as some of the other countries I visited.
Now, let’s talk about Oman – the real showstopper of my trip. Oman completely stole my heart with its diverse attractions, from the Nizwa Souq and Fort to Jebel Shams, Wadi Shab, Bimmah Sinkhole, and the Ad Dimaniyat Islands.