DUBAI (UAE) – The City of Superlatives
Dubai is not just a city; it’s a collection of world records.
1. Downtown Dubai (The Centre of Now)
Burj Khalifa: Don’t just go to the 124th floor.
Rengha Insider Tip: Book the "At The Top SKY" ticket (Level 148) for a VIP lounge experience without crowds. Best time is 4:00 PM to catch the sunset.
The Dubai Fountain: The world’s tallest performing fountain.
Best View: Book a dinner table at a restaurant in Souk Al Bahar overlooking the fountain to avoid the walking crowd.
Dubai Mall:
Must-See: The Dubai Dino (real dinosaur skeleton) and the Human Waterfall.
Shopping: Fashion Avenue for luxury brands; Level Shoes for exclusive footwear.
Old Dubai (The Heritage)
Al Seef: A man-made district designed to look like ancient Dubai with rustic wind towers and sandy alleyways right next to the creek.The Abra Ride: Take the traditional wooden boat from Deira Old Souk to Bur Dubai. Cost: Only 1 Dirham (cash).
Gold Souk: Even if you don't buy, see the Najmat Taiba (Star of Taiba), the world’s heaviest gold ring (64 kg).
Future & Adventure
Museum of the Future:
Note: Tickets sell out 3 weeks in advance. Rengha Holidays can pre-book this for you.
Desert Safari:
Premium Option: Ask for the "Red Dune Safari" at Al Lahbab desert (higher dunes) with a VIP air-conditioned tent for dinner.
What to Eat: Manousheh (Arabic Pizza) and Luqaimat (sweet dumplings) at the Global Village.
ABU DHABI & NORTHERN UAE
The majestic capital and the adventure hubs.
1. Abu Dhabi (The Capital)
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque:
Strict Dress Code: Women must be fully covered (wrists and ankles included). If not, you must buy an Abaya (rental is no longer free).
Best Time: Visit at 4:30 PM to see the mosque in daylight, sunset, and night illumination (blue lights).
Qasr Al Watan (The Palace):
Highlight: The "Power of Words" sculpture (golden Arabic cage). stay for the Palace in Motion light show at 7:30 PM.
Ferrari World:
Must Ride: Formula Rossa (fastest) and Flying Aces (highest loop).
Ras Al Khaimah (Adventure)
Jebel Jais:
Activity: Apart from the zipline, try the Jais Sledder, a toboggan ride that slides down the mountain. Great for families.
Suwaidi Pearls: A boat trip into the mangroves to open oysters and find pearls.
Sharjah (Culture)
Rain Room: Walk through pouring rain without getting wet. (Sensors detect your movement).
Central Souk (Blue Souk): Best place in UAE to buy Persian Carpets and Pashmina shawls.
SAUDI ARABIA – The Unexplored Kingdom
Saudi is the new "It" destination.
Riyadh (The Modern Capital)
Kingdom Centre: Take the high-speed lift to the Sky Bridge (99th floor) for a view of the city lights.
The Boulevard (Riyadh Season): A massive entertainment complex with singing fountains, international restaurants, and carnivals (Winter only).
.AlUla (The History)
Hegra (Madain Saleh):
Experience: Take a Vintage Land Rover tour to see the 111 monumental tombs.
Elephant Rock: Visit at sunset. There are sunken seating areas in the sand with fire pits for tea and coffee.
Jeddah (The Coastal City)
Al Balad: Walk through the UNESCO historic district.
Shopping: Buy Ajwa Dates and Oudh perfume here.
Jeddah Yacht Club: The new luxury marina near the F1 track.
What to Eat: Al Baik (The most famous fried chicken in the Middle East – there is always a queue!), Kabsa (Saudi spiced rice with meat).
OMAN – Beauty Has An Address
Oman is peaceful, clean, and incredibly scenic.
Muscat
Sultan Qaboos Mosque: The only mosque in Oman open to non-Muslims (8 AM - 11 AM, except Fridays).
Mutrah Souq:
Buy: Frankincense (Luban) - the best quality in the world comes from Oman. Also, silver jewelry.
The Wadis (Valleys)
Wadi Shab:
Adventure Level: Moderate. Requires a short boat ride (1 OMR), then a 45-minute hike to reach the cave waterfall.
Bimmah Sinkhole: A natural swimming pool created by a collapsed limestone cavern. The water is cool and emerald green.
Nizwa
Nizwa Fort: Watch the traditional Omani sword dance if you visit during festivals.
Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain): Famous for rose water distillation. You need a 4x4 vehicle to go up here.
What to Eat: Shuwa (Meat slow-cooked underground for 24 hours) and Omani Halwa (served with bitter coffee).
QATAR – The Pearl of the Gulf
Small, wealthy, and culturally rich.
Doha
Souq Waqif:
Hidden Gem: Visit the Falcon Hospital inside the Souq to see how these prized birds are treated.
Pet Area: See exotic animals and birds for sale.Museum of Islamic Art (MIA): The park outside offers the best photo spot for the Doha Skyline.
