The capital of Oman, Muscat is located in the northeast of the country on the Gulf of Oman. Muscat has many beautiful beaches, parks, and a moat, which is located next to the Great Mosque of Sultan Quabus. For a better idea of the local culture and food, go and experience the bustle of the traditional oriental markets. Muscat is a very elegant and uniform city with most of the buildings reflecting tradition - that is a requirement even for the functional new buildings.

Sur is the easternmost big city in the Sultanate of Oman and is located on the Gulf of Oman. Since the 6th Century, Sur has been an important commercial center for trade with East Africa. The city has a long tradition as a seafaring city, and is therefore known for its classic construction of the 'dhow', the ships used for trading voyages to Africa and India until the 19th Century. Although Sur is itself worth a visit, the city is a good base for day trips to Wadi Tiwi and Wadi Shab.

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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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Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is one of the most exciting cities in the world. Nothing stands still here, the city is constantly evolving and growing, however, the past is also very well preserved. Abu Dhabi provides its guests with plentiful opportunities to learn the history of the UAE through museums, exhibitions, tours and food. The atmosphere is soaked with Emirati culture and traditions - the dhow harbour, the markets and the shisha cafes will engage you in the Gulf life.

Manama is the capital city of the Arabian Gulf island nation of Bahrain. Although, very similar to its counterparts - Dubai and Doha, in that it has all the hallmarks of modern Gulf prosperity, Manama is still small, charming and very traditional. The daring skyscrapers are still being overlooked by the traditional Bahraini houses in Muharraq. The old-fashioned building of the National Museum is set alongside the avant-garde designer National Theatre. To enjoy the old charm of Manama, a visit to the Central Market is a must.

Doha is the capital of Qatar and is situated in the Arabian Gulf. It is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing cities in the world. Doha's beautiful skyline is constantly changing, this is due also to the fact that the Qatari government invests heavily into the creation of landmark cultural icons. The city is set to become one of the Gulf's premier league players, together with Dubai, in the next few years. There is plenty to see, so don't let Doha be just a stop-over on the way somewhere else.

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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.