Middle EastSights

Entertainment sights in Middle East

  1. A

    Theatre

    Palmyra's theatre, lies on the south side of the street accessed between two arches in the colonnade. Until the 1950s it was buried beneath sand but since then has been extensively restored.

    Beneath the platforms on many of the columns are inscriptions with names for the statues that once stood there: representations of prominent people including emperors, princes of Palmyra, magistrates, officials, high-ranking priests and caravan chiefs.

    The freestanding stage façade of the theatre itself is designed along the lines of a palace entrance, complete with a royal door and smaller doors on either side. From the rear of the theatre, a pillared way once led south to a gate in t…

    reviewed

  2. B

    Heritage & Diving Villages

    On the Shindagha waterfront, the Heritage and Diving Villages are outdoor museums intended to acquaint tourists with the region’s traditional arts, customs and architecture. This is where you can nibble on piping-hot dosas (paper-thin lentil-flour pancakes) made by burka-clad women, pose with a falconer, hop on a camel or browse around touristy souqs. Alas, the villages are usually pretty quiet year-round, except during Eid celebrations and the Dubai Shopping Festival, when unusual traditional activities such as rifle-throwing competitions bring in the curious.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Kids Kingdom

    An amusement park called Kids Kingdom has a few rides if nearby construction work isn't off-putting, and you'll find plenty of information about what's on for children in the media; in particular, the 'Teens & Kids' section in the magazine Bahrain this Month has heaps of information on fun activities including lessons in hip hop and salsa.

    reviewed

  4. Aladdin's Kingdom

    Aladdin's Kingdom, an outdoor entertainment park, has a roller coaster, dodgem cars and go-karts (for which you need a driving licence!). Some days are allocated for women or families only, so ring first - or do as the locals do, and listen for the screams. Admission is free but you pay a small fee for each ride.

    reviewed

  5. D

    Qanat al-Qasba

    South of the Khalid Lagoon, popular Qanat al-Qasba is a car-free, lively mix of restaurants, cafes and family-friendly entertainment venues along a canal. Diversions include a Ferris wheel and abra (water taxi) rides.

    reviewed

  6. Rumeilah (Al-Bidda) Park

    Midway along the corniche, the unfenced Rumeilah (Al-Bidda) Park has some fun attractions for children, including a Ferris wheel, boats and the only train in Arabia since Lawrence (albeit a miniature one).

    reviewed

  7. Shaab Leisure Park

    Occupying a large, open area, this landscaped park offers rides, bungee jumping and pony riding. For a unique souvenir, try the video cinema, where visitors can make their own music video.

    reviewed

  8. E

    Al-Riyam Park

    Beyond the Mutrah Fort, the corniche leads to the leafy Al-Riyam Park , with fine views of the harbour from the giant, ornamental incense burner and small fun fair.

    reviewed

  9. F

    Qurm Park

    Attractively landscaped park, with ponds, shade for picnics, a model village (active during Muscat Festival) and a small funfair with a Ferris wheel.

    reviewed

  10. G

    Centre of Arts

    The impressive building with the fountain in front, just west of the museum, is the Centre of Arts, home to the Israeli Opera company.

    reviewed

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  12. Showbiz

    For a less-crowded experience than Shaab Leisure Park, try Showbiz, which offers the same kind of activities but on a smaller scale.

    reviewed

  13. H

    Aqua Park

    The centrally located Aqua Park is managed by the same people who run Messilah Water Village. Call first, as it is not always open.

    reviewed

  14. I

    2 Lilienblum St

    The Neve Tzedek quarter is well worth a casual wander; while there check out 2 Lilienblum St, home of the first cinema in Israel.

    reviewed

  15. Luna Park

    A small amusement park with roller coasters and rides in northern Tel Aviv. Opening hours change by the month, so call ahead.

    reviewed

  16. Jungle Zone

    Jungle Zone offers 3500 sq m of animal-themed children's attractions.

    reviewed

  17. J

    Dodgem cars

    Children and the young at heart can enjoy these.

    reviewed

  18. K

    King's City

    It took four years and US$40 million to build this biblical theme park. King's City is an opulent showcase for the stories of King Solomon and Queen Sheba among other monarchs. The attractions are high-tech and interactive featuring mazes, kaleidescopes, 3D films and a heart-thumping water ride. There are no less than six fast-food outlets on hand if all those Bible stories are making you hungry.

    reviewed