The changing face of the aviation industry is bringing more air traffic through the Persian Gulf. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha hope to take advantage of these developments by encouraging travelers to explore the region as they pass through.
Plane sailing in the gulf —
The changing face of the aviation industry is bringing more air traffic through the Persian Gulf. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha hope to take advantage of these developments by encouraging travelers to explore the region as they pass through.
RABIH MOGHRABI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES/FILE
Those who stop off in Dubai will be able to take in the city's spectacular skyline as well as the wonders of construction that are the artificial islands of the Palm Jumeirah.
Dubai's architectural wonders —
Those who stop off in Dubai will be able to take in the city's spectacular skyline as well as the wonders of construction that are the artificial islands of the Palm Jumeirah.
Dubai also plays host to the world's largest building, the Burj Khalifa, which stands at over 2,700 feet tall and offers spectacular views across the fast-expanding city.
World's tallest building —
Dubai also plays host to the world's largest building, the Burj Khalifa, which stands at over 2,700 feet tall and offers spectacular views across the fast-expanding city.
Getty Images
The world-famous Burj Al Arab hotel is renowned for its outstanding architectural design and customer service, which includes chauffeured Rolls Royce cars for guests.
The Burj Al Arab, Dubai —
The world-famous Burj Al Arab hotel is renowned for its outstanding architectural design and customer service, which includes chauffeured Rolls Royce cars for guests.
Getty Images/Gareth Cattermole
A short trip south of Dubai lies the similarly burgeoning airport hub city of Abu Dhabi. Here, visitors can take in the majestic Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which is big enough to hold 41,000 worshipers.
Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Mosque —
A short trip south of Dubai lies the similarly burgeoning airport hub city of Abu Dhabi. Here, visitors can take in the majestic Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which is big enough to hold 41,000 worshipers.
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Those with more than a few hours to spare can see another side of the U.A.E. by taking a short trip out of Abu Dhabi to explore the surrounding desert on camel back.
A desert stroll —
Those with more than a few hours to spare can see another side of the U.A.E. by taking a short trip out of Abu Dhabi to explore the surrounding desert on camel back.
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority
The spectacular Emirates Palace Hotel was built to show off the country's rich architectural heritage.
The Emirates Palace Hotel —
The spectacular Emirates Palace Hotel was built to show off the country's rich architectural heritage.
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority
The Qatari capital of Doha has less experience when it comes to welcoming foreign tourists and travelers but, like its neighbors, it doesn't skimp on the spectacular skyscrapers.
Doha's sparkling skyline —
The Qatari capital of Doha has less experience when it comes to welcoming foreign tourists and travelers but, like its neighbors, it doesn't skimp on the spectacular skyscrapers.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images/File
The Aspire Tower, also known as the Torch, is the tallest building in Doha and offers a highly regarded hotel and spectacular 360 degree views across the city.
Doha's Torch Hotel —
The Aspire Tower, also known as the Torch, is the tallest building in Doha and offers a highly regarded hotel and spectacular 360 degree views across the city.
AFP/Getty Images/Alex Grimm
Visitors hoping to catch a more traditional glimpse of Qatar can take a trip to the Souq Waqif, which has been situated on the same site for more than a century.
The famous Souq Waqif —
Visitors hoping to catch a more traditional glimpse of Qatar can take a trip to the Souq Waqif, which has been situated on the same site for more than a century.
CNN