Mecca
Although the Saudi authorities claim there is no evidence to confirm it, many Muslims believe this is the spot where the Prophet Muhammad was born in…
Must-see attractions in Arabian Peninsula
Kuwait City
When Kuwait City was protected by a wall, gates such as this one allowed folks to enter and exit while the wall protected the city from attack. Around a…
Bur Dubai
This colourful cluster of Lego-style buildings in Creek Park was designed for kids to playfully explore scientific concepts, the human body, space…
Jeddah
Built in the early 20th century as the British legation’s headquarters in Jeddah and serving in that role from about 1915 to the mid-1930s, Beit Al Balad…
Al Ula
A few kilometres north of old Al Ula, Umm Al Daraj (Mother of Steps) is worth a detour. Climbing the hill reveals three red-sandstone religious structures…
Manama
This large, modern mosque is named after the second caliph of Islam and has an architectural style and interior common across the city. There are no…
Kuwait City
This is the official seat of the emir’s court. The L-shaped Sief Palace that faces the roundabout is the original structure, dating from the early 20th…
Bahrain
A traditional house from the pre-oil period, Beit Seyadi once belonged to a pearl merchant. The house, located off Sheikh Isa Ave and closed for…
Al Ula
This 300m-high mountain east of Al Ula features stone settlements and caves with pre-Islamic inscriptions and drawings, but there was no access to it at…
Muscat
Marking the approach to the capital's main military camp, this attractive roundabout with its seafaring murals and proud clock tower has become a major…
Kuwait City
Back when Kuwait's main industry was pearl diving, this old city gate (around a century old) allowed traders in and out of the city's walls. While the…
Kuwait City
City gates once lined Al Soor St – one that remains is Al Jahra Gate, at the centre of where Al Soor St meets the First Ring Road. Despite the gate's…
Saudi Arabia
Built by Mohammed Bin Abdul Wahed in 1897, this historic building features a mix of Hejazi and Roman architecture with Islamic flourishes. Last occupied…
Doha
Visitors can see well-groomed Arabian horses up close at these stables not far from the Falcon Souq. You can walk around the indoor stables during the…
Manama
This iconic sculpture, most likely a homage to the classic Bahraini dhows, overlooks a busy roundabout and is featured on the BD1 note. Unfortunately, it…
Mecca
This indoor amusement park popular with Saudi families is a heady mix of lights, sounds and children's rides. There are also trampolines, arcades, air…
Kuwait City
Considerable wealth has been channelled into the nation's religious architecture, with some 60% of Kuwait’s mosques financed and built by individuals,…
Jeddah
This recreated historic gate marks the northern entrance to Al Balad, and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful historic houses, including the…
Bahrain
A few visible column stumps remain at the site of this small 3rd millennium BC temple. Protected by a crude fence on the side of a busy highway, these can…
Saudi Arabia
Built in 1943 as a summer residence for one of Mecca’s most important merchant families, Beit Kaki is among Taif’s finest buildings. The intricately…
Kuwait City
This refurbished, simple city gate once used to enter Kuwait's walled city is around a century old. Although the wall has come down, similar gates all…
Kuwait City
This pyramid-shaped mosque is another example of Kuwait's exceptional modern mosque architecture. Non-Muslims can't go inside but are free to take a look…
Mecca
According to a hadith (Prophetic tradition) of Bin Abbas – a cousin of the Prophet and an early Islamic scholar – numerous prophets prayed here. It's…
Abu Dhabi
This iconic 27-floor building, with a 'golf ball' as its crowning glory, makes an excellent landmark for navigating the city's grid system. Built in 2001,…
