Dominated by massive desserts and blessed with oil, a surreal sense of mystery envelops the Arab Gulf States. Probably one of the most misunderstood regions, the Gulf is traditionally painted as a strict, inaccessible, expensive and sometimes dangerous place, but the true traveller will find there is more here than just Islam, tall dark Arabs and endless arid deserts. Discover glittering cities like Dubai, a mecca for shopping, from traditional Arabian to high glamour and haute couture.

The Arab Gulf, with the exception of the more closed Saudi Arabia, is easy to travel around and geared up for both leisure pursuit resorts as well as off the beaten track trekking and adventures in Oman, Yemen and the deserts. The costs in the major cities are not as sky high as the mighty space age skyscraper hotels, but 7 star opulence is an option in Emirates. The juxtaposition of tradition and modernity, ancient mosques next to glass fronted malls, is one of the region's many fascinating features.

Although camels have long been replaced by modern 4x4 land cruisers, travellers who have moved past the tough veneer have discovered a land almost untouched by mass tourism which is rich with history and beauty. From 5000 year old temples and tombs to the most varied of landscapes, from lush forests to mountain treks, cool green desert golf oases to endless stretches of desert perfect for crazy jeep dune bashing - now's the time to explore the Arab Gulf States.

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Locations Lowdown on the essential cities, regions and sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Oman >>> Attractions, travel & tips for a Dubai City Guide Where to Stay Floating like a giant space age boat sail, in the opulent seven star Burj Al Arab Hotel - one of the top places in the world to stay.		Culture Bring your own astroturf on a round of desert golf Treks Full Throttle 4 x 4 Dune Bashing in the Desert
TV Shows Get the lowdown on the TV shows: Globe Trekker: Arab Gulf States Bazaar: Dubai		Festivals Desert arts to haute couture: the Dubai Shopping Festival
Shopping Frankincense - The Perfume Of The Gods and once as highly prized as gold Bazaar's ultimate guide to shopping & leisure in Dubai A shopaholic's bazaar of gold, carpets, perfumes and riches shopping in Dubai		Historic Sites Tested by Satan for his faith in God, explore the biblical Job's Tomb Pilot's Web Go swimming and trekking in the wadis of Oman with Globe Trekker partner Nomadic Adventures and Tours