7 minute read
Destination profiles
Morocco
Moroccan National Tourist Office / AF3100 A gateway to Africa, Morocco is as diverse as countries can get with craggy mountain ranges, ancient cities, sweeping deserts and a mix of cultures
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From Marrakesh to Fez, Rabat to Casablanca, Morocco is brimming with culture of all kinds. Known for its vibrant colours, from local art to its terrain, pottery to architecture, spices to costume, Morocco is a jewel in the North African crown.
A vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary, Marrakesh, known as the Red City, brings its bazaars with their bright colours and oriental scents and will transport you into another world in the blink of an eye. Horse-drawn carriage rides, sun-soaked terraces, street artists and other activities offer a vibrancy both by day and night. From themed venues to trendy clubs and traditional cultural evenings, the city spoils visitors with its abundance of choice.
Fez offers music festivals, UNESCOlisted heritage sites and an array of other delights while the capital Rabat has been dubbed the Green City with its lush botanical gardens.
Aït Benhaddou
Chefchaouen
Jemaa El Fna Market
Its location at the intersection of Europe and Africa make Morocco a crossroads bordered by the waters of the Mediterranean and open to the vast stretches of the Atlantic Ocean.
Visitors will find vestiges of the great Mediterranean civilisations, such as the Roman ruins at Volubilis in the north and architectural works attesting to the old French presence in Rabat.
Treasures of Muslim civilisations are also scattered throughout the rest of the country, including the Kasbah of the Udayas, along with many other examples of the myriad dynasties that succeeded one another.
Malaysia
Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board / AS3200
Every year, more than 25 million people visit Malaysia, which is home to an intriguing mix of cultures, ethnicities and religions.
The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a huge draw for travellers. One of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations, the city’s skyline is dominated by the sleek Petronas Twin Towers – the world’s tallest building from 1998 to 2004.
In addition to being an annual host city of the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Kuala Lumpur also offers an abundance of noteworthy landmarks, including Lake Gardens Park and the Islamic Arts Museum, which offers one of the
Sabah Vibrant cities, diverse cuisines, beautiful beaches, picturesque islands, lush national parks and wildlife-packed rainforests – Malaysia promises everything and more in a single destination
best collections of decorative arts to be found in the Muslim world.
The bustling capital – known for its delicious street food, reliable public transport system and excellent shopping – is also home to various top-quality resorts.
Culture enthusiasts, meanwhile, can visit any of Malaysia’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Gunung Mulu National Park, Kinabalu Park, the archaeological treasures of the Lenggong Valley and the historic cities of Malacca and George Town.
For many visitors, Malaysia is defined by its equatorial rainforest. Significant
chunks of the jungle – among the most ancient ecosystems on the planet – remain intact, protected by national parks and conservation projects.
Tourism Malaysia has heavily promoted the nation’s charms for almost two decades. The global marketing campaign, ‘Malaysia, Truly Asia’, which launched in 1999, continues to ring true as the country has proved its status as a crossroads for many Asian cultures.
Kuala Lumpur skyline
Bahrain
Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority / ME1410
Legend has it that Bahrain was the site of the Garden of Eden and its history is awash with some of the biggest names in Middle Eastern culture. The country’s capital city, Manama, was named the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2020 before the pandemic hit. And despite the decline in international arrivals, the country hopes to build on its promising figures from 2019 as it eyes a fastpaced recovery to travel normalcy.
According to Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, the country recorded 3.2 million visitors during the first quarter of 2019, a 3.1 percent increase compared with the same period in 2018.
Meanwhile, within the next three years, more than two dozen hotels are set to open in the country. This is in order to meet the demand as seen in 2019, when five-star hotel occupancy rates
Manama skyline
The storied location of the ancient Dilmun empire, Bahrain’s cultural heritage may be second to none. Yet the country is developing a host of modern marvels to appeal to visitors seeking a blend of old and new
Al Fateh Grand Mosque increased 53 percent compared to 50 percent during the same period in 2018.
For visitors seeking an all-encompassing holiday experience, Bahrain boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Bahrain Fort, the Bahrain Pearling Trail and the Dilmun Burial Mounds, said to form the largest prehistoric cemetery in the world.
The capital city offers several ways to explore the kingdom’s fascinating culture with the likes of the Al Fateh Grand Mosque – one of the world’s largest – and the Bahrain National Museum, which charts the history of the ancient trading route in the region.
Beyond its heritage, the country, which is made up of 33 islands, boasts a modern vibe with chic cafés, art galleries and a diverse nightlife scene. Having hosted the region’s first F1 race in 2004, it is a popular destination for active pursuits, from karting to nature spotting on the islands off the coast, where visitors can view exotic fauna on and below the water.
Ajman
Ajman Tourism Development Department / ME4205 The smallest of the seven emirates, Ajman is a popular picnic spot among locals but those looking to explore will find hiking options in the Al Hajar Mountains with cultural finds in the city’s heart
It may be the UAE’s smallest emirate, but it is one of the most picturesque. From its vast coastline to the mountains, the quaint town packs a punch. While offering a range of accommodation across all categories, its five-star coastal resorts are world-class.
One of its newer developments is Al Zorah, a nature reserve surrounded by protected mangrove forests. It has become a favourite among golf enthusiasts and nature lovers in the UAE. Further afield, visitors can enjoy a taste of mountain life with a visit to Masfut and its 19th-century castle. The area is a prime location for adventure travellers, offering walking, hiking and biking routes for all levels in the surrounds of the Al Hajar Mountains.
Also in the area is the Bin Sultan Mosque, which was built in 1815 and has been a pivotal part of the remote community. The oldest mosque in the emirate, it is a hidden gem, made from traditional clay and plaster, with a canopy of date palm leaves woven together to form the roof.
Archaeological finds in the area go back as many as 5,000 years. Illustrating life as it once was in the emirate, the Ajman Museum, which was an 18th-century fort and served as the ruler’s residence until 1970, is home to a collection of fascinating exhibits.
Visitors can discover pottery, jewellery and other items, while there is a section devoted to the pearl trade, which was once the mainstay of the local economy.
For a more modern experience, there is a wealth of things to do on land and sea. Bounce Aqua Park promises a fun day for the family with the likes of climbing walls, balancing beams and swing ropes, all on the water.
Over at Al Zorah Marina, there is a range of entertainment venues, including The Groovy Park, a familyfriendly food park with an outdoor cinema and flower-decorated food trucks, reminiscent of the 1960s and 70s. Promising fun for all ages, Funtastico, with attractions, games and rides for children from three to 14, is filled with trampolines, bumper boats and quadricycles.
Pre-pandemic, growth was steady with the emirate capitalising on events, such as the popular cycling race, Ride Ajman, welcoming both domestic and international participants.
Ajman Mosque Ajman Corniche
