NAME THAT COUNTRY Episode 76

In the 19th century, the first settlements of our mystery city were located along the banks of the saltwater creek pictured above. The only natural harbor around, the creek served as a port for small trading vessels and supported the traditional economies of fishing and pearling. In the mid-20th century, the creek was dredged to accommodate larger ships. Today, major shipping traffic uses the city’s two man-made ports, which are the largest man-made ports in the world.

Crossing the creek by water taxi between the city’s historic districts is a popular tourist activity. The creek reaches about 8 miles inland from the Arabian Gulf and ends in the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.

Can you name that city? 
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NAME THAT COUNTRY Episode 73

photo by Sallie Volotzky

photo by Sallie Volotzky

Our mystery country’s super-modern cities rest proudly on a foundation of Bedouin culture. Most Bedouins in the country have given up their traditional nomadic life to live in the urban fringes, making their living as agricultural workers, but a few maintain the old ways, at least part of the year, living in tents and moving around the desert with their herds of camels, sheep and goats. The picture above was taken from a highway en route from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.

Cultural heritage museums in the cities offer a glimpse of Bedouin life. Visits to Bedouin camps can also be arranged. Hospitality is central to Bedouin culture and strangers are welcomed like family.

Can you name that country? 
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NAME THAT COUNTRY Episode 63

Qasr Al Sarab is a luxury desert resort near Abu Dhabi, the capital of our mystery country. Located in the world’s largest uninterrupted sand desert, the Rub’ Al Khali, the resort is an oasis base for exploring the surrounding dunes. Camel trekking, dune bashing, desert sailing (yes, desert sailing),  and fat-tire biking are just some of the activities available. Desert animals like oryx and gazelles freely wander the grounds and sometimes drink from the swimming pools.

Can you name that country? 
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NAME THAT COUNTRY Episode 46

It’s an oryx! You can see one or many, along with gazelles and other creatures that inhabit the Arabian Desert. Luxury desert resorts offer nature treks into the dunes to view wildlife. Sometimes, curious animals come right onto resort grounds.

Can you name that country? 
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How to Visit a Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Most Ya’lla Tours itineraries include visits to one or more mosques. These are some of the most exquisite buildings anywhere, must-see sites for their artistry as well as their cultural importance. Like all sacred places, mosques have certain expectations around attire and behavior. Here are some things to know: Continue reading

NAME THAT COUNTRY Episode 38

Between sea and desert, a swath of craggy mountains are rich with exquisite valleys or wadis, where rugged terrain shelters clear, fresh-water pools, lush palm groves and waterfalls. These natural features are treasured by our mystery country and attract the range of visitors, from picnicking local families to adventure-seeking travelers from abroad. Around the edges, wadis can be gentle and easy to access but most often a 4-wheel drive will be required. A hike into the depths of a wadi will likely involve climbing over large rocks and wading or swimming through fresh water pools.

Can you name that country? 
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NAME THAT COUNTRY Episode 37

 You might be surprised to learn that this mystery city is not all about extravagant, record-breaking real estate developments, luxury shopping and fast cars. It has a slower, more traditional side too. In the days before fossil fuel powered air-conditioning, wind tower houses like the one pictured above kept occupants cool in the searing heat and wicked humidity of this desert by the sea. Wind is drawn down into the tower and cooled by water standing at the bottom before circulating through the building.

Can you name that city? Country? What about the site?
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NAME THAT COUNTRY Episode 28

All the clues in this post refer to one Ya’lla Tours destination: Bahrain, Cuba, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Turkey, or United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi and Dubai).

We’ll show you images of popular tourist sites in our mystery country, along with descriptions of those sites. Continue reading