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The Middle East is one of the world’s most important areas as it is here that the ‘Cradle of Civilisation’ developed, which by its central position became the crossroads of the world as its influence spread to all mankind. Home to a diverse historical, cultural and religious heritage and the world’s oldest ruins, including monuments, antiquities and cities, the Middle East is still full of eastern promise, mysticism and untold stories. Highlights include the fascinating earthen mounds, walls and remains of the ancient city of Uruk, the unusual rock city of Petra, the impressive ruins of Persepolis and the spectacular Roman ruins of Ephesus which give some indication of the importance of the region. Additionally the Middle East is full of architectural wonders old and new, such as the beautifully simplistic Shah Mosque of Esfahan, the unique Blue Mosque with its six minarets and the Hagia Sophia of Istanbul, the rock dwellings of Cappadocia and the ultra modern and luxurious, iconic tower of the Burj Al Arab of Dubai. Perhaps more importantly the Middle East is also home to many religious centres such as the holy city of Jerusalem, which contains amongst other sites the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Mecca, the holiest meeting site of the Islamic religion and home to the Kaaba to which all Muslims pray, and Najaf in Iraq where the Imam Ali Mosque is located. Full of interesting sites and fascinating history, the Middle East draws visitors from all walks of life, many of which are searching for answers to life’s major questions!!
Historically the Middle East has been an evolving dynamic area and geographically has undergone changes to its unseen borders. The region today encompasses the countries in the landmass located between the shores of the Mediterranean and the Red Sea to the western border area of Afghanistan and Pakistan, and from the northern Black and Caspian Seas to the shores of the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Oman in the south.
The terrain of the Middle East is considered generally to be a hot, dry and dusty, arid area, home to many desert and mountain regions, such as the Great Arabian Desert of Saudia Arabia and the Taurus Mountains of Turkey. It does however also include the fertile area of the so called ‘Fertile Crescent’, which is known as the original birthplace of early agriculture and cultivation, the forming of farming settlements, the development of complex communities and the beginnings of early civilisation. Evidence also suggests the beginnings of writing and the invention of the wheel occurred within the area!! This crescent extends from the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea and the south coast of Turkey, an area from which the River Tigris and Euphrates start their long journey to the sea at the Gulf of Oman. It was in the land between these two great rivers that the ancient area of Mesopotamia was located in which the historically famous states of Ubaid, Sumer, Assyria and Babylon, and later these states evolved into Iraq and Persia, which is today known as Iran. It is this dynamic region which is known as the ‘Cradle of Civilisation’.
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| Countries | Accommodation | Activities |  |
| United Arab Emirates |
 The United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) is located in the southern hook of the Persian Gulf, and extends through the Arabian Peninsula that separates the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The U.A.E. is a federation of seven emirates which united in 1971 to form the country and include Abu Dhabi, Ajman, ... |
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Mina A'Salam Madinat Jumeirah
Jumeirah
 | Mina A'Salam was opened in 2003 and is a low rise boutique hotel located within the Madinat Jumeirah Resort. It is the 'gateway property to the resort.
There are 292 rooms and suites which have been researched down to every detail to provide guest with all the modern luxuries to make their stay mem... |
Traders Hotel
Dubai
 | Traders Hotel Dubai is a the 4 star brand of Shangri-La offering a quality deluxe hotel with all the effeciencies, warmth, comfort and consistent personalised service of a Shangri-La Hotel.
The building itself is unobtrusive, a low rise design that portrays and Arabic feel in it's exterior. The int... |
Ibis World Trade Centre
Dubai
 |  The Ibis World Trade Centre hotel is directly linked to the International Exhibition Centre and Convention Centre of Dubai, the biggest international complex in the Middle East.
Located right on one of the main roundabouts coming off Sheikh Zayed Road, the hotel is close to the tourist and business... |
Shangri-La Hotel
Dubai
|  The Shangri-La Hotel Dubai was the first venture into the United Arab Emirates for the Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts. Opening in July 2003 the hotel has set new standards of service, hospitality and value for money.
The building is 200 metres tall, a total of 43 stories for the hotel and is situated ... |
Raffles Dubai
Dubai
|  Relaxation and indulgence beckon at Raffles Dubai, where days are filled with the inimitable Raffles hospitality and nights with a Middle Eastern touch.
Located next to Wafi, Dubai's ultra exclusive lifestyle complex, just 10 minutes from the Dubai International Airport, this prominent landmark, bui... |
Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers
Dubai
|  The Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers is perfectly located, just a short stroll down dubai creek takes you right to the heart of the Gold and Spice Souks, a short car trip will get you to Festival City for shopping with all the major brands at reasonable prices.
The hotel itself is amazing, jump ... |
Sofitel City Centre Hotel & Residence Dubai
Dubai
|  The Sofitel Dubai is adjacent to a world class golf course and the Deira City Shopping Centre. Only a five minute shuttle bus to Dubai Airport which is provided free for guests.
The hotel is an imposing concrete and glass building with Arabic-style detailing and a rooftop pool.
The restaurants and ... |
| The Palace - One & Only Royal Mirage | The One & Only Royal Mirage blends fantasy and tradition in a regal scale. It is truely an outstanding resort, one of the most impressive as is the location. One kilometre of private beach surrounded by sixty acres of gardens, waterfalls and streams. Meander along the pathways for a relaxing afterno... |
Rydges Plaza Hotel Dubai
Dubai
|  The Rydges Plaza Hotel is situated in the Al-Diyafah shopping district.
Providing travellers with luxury accommodation and fantastic facilities from an outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre to multiple fine dining restaurants such as Il Rustico, Four Seasons, Raffles Restaurant and Legends.
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Abu Dhabi City Tour
Tour
Dubai |  Discover the wonders of Abu Dhabi, capital of the Emirates, known as the Arabian Jewel. On the way to Abu Dhabi you will pass by Jebel Ali Port, which is the biggest man-made port in the world. Other highlights of the trip include the Women's Handicraft Centre, Abu Dhabi's oldest building, Al Husn P... |
Dubai City Half-Day Tour
Tour
Dubai |  Experience the historic sites and bustling cosmopolitan life of Dubai on this fully guided sightseeing tour of the city. Highlights of the tour include a photo stop at the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, Jumeirah and Jumeirah Mosque, the Bastakiya Quarter and Dubai Museum, a water taxi across to the spic... |
4x4 Dubai Desert Safari
Dubai |  If you are looking for a real Middle Eastern Desert experience on your trip to Dubai, then this is the perfect tour for you. Journey into the deserts of Dubai by 4WD to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience life as a nomad! Combined with fun activities for everyone including sandb... |
Day Tour to the East Coast
Tour
Dubai |  If you've been craving a change in scenery after all that time spent in the chaos that is Dubai, then this tour is the perfect adventure for you! You will drive through the lush oasis of Al Dhaid, renowned for its fruit and vegetable plantations. Then you will move onto Masafi, and the picturesque H... |
Dubai Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Tour
Dubai |  Explore Dubai at your own pace on an extensive hop-on hop-off bus tour through the heart of the city. In addition to unlimited circuits during the 24 hour period, your ticket includes free admission into Dubai Museum and a free Arabian Dhow Cruise. The Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour of Dubai is a fantastic... |
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