The emirate of Dubai is home to around 1.8 million inhabitants. The majority of the population lives in the city. Dubai is known for its modern and futuristic projects. From skyscrapers on manmade islands, to amusement parks, there is hardly anything that does not exist in this city. Dubai offers endless beautiful beaches, excellent water sports, desert safaris and an almost immeasurable range of shopping facilities.

Khasab is a port town on the Musandam Peninsula in northern Oman. It is quite small but by no means sleepy. The port of Khasab is the main hub of activity - legal and semi-legal trade with Iran being the biggest one. The smugglers are easy to spot, their fiberglass boats are lined up along the creeks, waiting for the sunset to make a mad dash for Iran. However, the main attractions of the area are the picturesque fjord-like inlets and the beautiful Al Hajar range of mountains surrounding it. Khasab has often been called the 'Norway of Arabia'.

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Mahe is the largest and most developed of the 115 Seychelles islands. The island is home to the country's capital city Victoria and is about as busy as the Seychelles get. There is a large selection of resorts on Mahe, the most outstanding of which are located all along the west coast, here, you will also find the most pristine beaches. However, there are plenty of hidden gems all over the island: the rugged landscapes of the Morne Seychellois National Park or the stunning Le Jardin du Roi spice garden are just two of many.

Nosy Be is an island about 10 km off the northwest coast of Madagascar. The island is the country's number one destination for beach lovers, divers, sailors and fishermen. Despite its popularity, Nosy Be remains pretty low-key and undeveloped. It is pricier than some of Madagascar's mainland resorts, however, the 'mora mora' (literally, slowly slowly) lifestyle is worth the extra dollars. Once you have explored the seascape, head for the stunning landscapes, vanilla plantations, lakes, waterfalls and dirt tracks.

Mayotte is an overseas department and region of France consisting of a main island, Grande-Terre (or Maore), a smaller island, Petite-Terre (or Pamanzi), and several islets around these two. Approximately 25% of the adult population, and five times as many women as men, enter trance states in which they believe they are possessed by certain identifiable spirits who maintain stable and coherent identities from one possession to the next.

Maputo is the capital of Mozambique. The city's new developments on Avenida Marginal, wide selection of hotels and restaurants and its well-stocked supermarkets make it into the country's most forward place. Maputo is a must-see if you want to get to know Mozambique. It is said to be one of Africa's prettiest capital cities thanks to its Mediterranean-style buildings, jacaranda-lined avenues, lively culture and leisurely sea side life. Maputo is pricier than other places, however, there is enough variety for any budget.

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Durban is situated on the Indian Ocean on the east coast of South Africa. Durban is South Africa's second biggest city, with slightly more than 3 million inhabitants, and is one of the most important industrial cities in the country. The beaches and the subtropical climate make Durban a popular spot for vacationers from around the world. Watersport enthusiasts will be extremely impressed by the activities on offer and the cultural side of the city boasts many museums, theatres and botanical gardens.