NAME THAT COUNTRY Episode 73

Posted on November 25, 2015 by yalla2013

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?
See below for answers.

Continue reading →

NAME THAT COUNTRY Episode 66

Posted on October 7, 2015 by yalla2013

The iconic, sail-shaped Burj Al Arab has been called the only 7-star hotel in the world. Built on an artificial island just off Jumeirah Beach, the only access is by a private bridge (or helipad). Although it’s the world’s 4th tallest hotel, it has only 202 guest suites on 28 double floors. Suites range in size from 1,820 to 8,400 square feet.

Each double floor has its own reception and check-in is done inside the guest suites. Personal butlers attend every guest throughout their stay. For every suite, there are 8 hotel staffers ready to serve.

Can you name that country?
See below for answers.

Continue reading →

NAME THAT COUNTRY Episode 56

Posted on July 29, 2015 by yalla2013

This mystery country is made up of seven largely autonomous city-states. In the most populous and best-known of the seven, the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding welcomes visitors with the traditional tea and dates, as well as full meals, lectures, demonstrations and classes. With an expatriate population of about 85% and a steady flow of business and leisure travelers, cultural understanding is a national priority.

Can you name that country?
See below for answers.

Continue reading →

NAME THAT COUNTRY Episode 46

Posted on May 20, 2015 by yalla2013

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?
See below for answers.

Continue reading →

How to Visit a Mosque

Posted on May 4, 2015 by yalla2013

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 37

Posted on March 18, 2015 by yalla2013

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?
See below for answers.

Continue reading →

Foto Friday – Beaches

Posted on March 6, 2015 by yalla2013

Beach holidays are not our specialty. For the most part, American travelers do not cross the Atlantic ocean to lie on a beach. However, many do work a couple of R&R days into otherwise busy cultural itineraries. In any case, while much of the US is still suffering the epic winter of 2015, we offer this brief, mental escape to gentler climes.

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Paradise Beach, Corfu, Greece

Continue reading →

NAME THAT COUNTRY Episode 28

Posted on January 14, 2015 by yalla2013

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 →