Arabian Gulf Cities
The string of Gulf cities on the southern shore of the Persian Gulf, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain, is known for skyscrapers, dune bashing, museums and winter cruise itineraries.
The Arabian Gulf (Persian Gulf) city belt refers to the modern port cities along the southern shore of the Gulf, in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman's Musandam exclave. It is a leading destination for stopovers and winter Gulf cruises. A typical winter Gulf cruise of 7 nights calls in turn at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama (Bahrain), Khasab (Musandam) and Muscat. Highlights: in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa, the old districts along Dubai Creek with the Spice and Gold Souks, Palm Jumeirah and desert dune-bashing camps; in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and the theme parks of Yas Island; in Doha, the Museum of Islamic Art, the National Museum of Qatar, the old market of Souq Waqif and the Inland Sea; in Bahrain, Bahrain Fort (a World Heritage Site) and the Pearling Path; the Jebel Jais zipline in Ras Al Khaimah; and fjord cruises from Khasab. Common plans: a 2–4 day stopover on Emirates or Qatar Airways; 5–7 days based in Dubai with day trips to Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah; or a 7-night winter Gulf cruise that covers several cities. The drive between Dubai and Abu Dhabi takes about 1.5 hours, and intercity buses run between them; to travel between Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE you need to fly or take a cruise. Chinese passport holders can currently enter the UAE and Qatar visa-free (subject to the latest policy). During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during the day is prohibited, and visitors to mosques must follow the dress code.
Destinations
Itineraries
- UAE Road Trip Loop – Depart from Dubai and drive a loop covering Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, the East Coast, and Ras Al Khaimah.
- Hajar Mountains & East Coast Road Trip – Bypass the big cities and drive through Hatta Dam, the Fujairah coast, and the high peaks of Jebel Jais.
- Doha, Dubai & Abu Dhabi Gulf Trio – Fly from Doha to Dubai, then transfer by road to Abu Dhabi, connecting three iconic Gulf cities.
- in Dubai with Abu Dhabi and Musandam Day Trips – Stay downtown in Dubai for the whole trip: five days in the city, with day trips to Abu Dhabi's Grand Mosque and Oman's…
- Classic Dubai & Abu Dhabi First-Time Visit – Three nights in Dubai and one night in Abu Dhabi, connecting landmarks, the old town, the desert, and Saadiyat Island.
- UAE & Oman In-Depth Overland Journey – Travel overland from Dubai via Abu Dhabi and Al Ain into Oman, exploring inland forts, deserts, and coastlines.
- Doha City & Inland Sea Desert – Spend two days exploring Doha's museums and old souq, and one day on a 4WD adventure to the Inland Sea—perfect for a la…
- Bahrain: Manama, Muharraq & Dilmun Heritage – Connect Manama Old Town, the Pearling Path, and Qal'at al-Bahrain to explore the pearling and Dilmun history of this Gu…
- Dubai First Visit – Stay downtown and see Burj Khalifa, Old Dubai, a desert safari, and Palm Jumeirah with its sail-shaped hotel, all withi…
- Qatar Heritage & Inland Sea Camping – Spend three days in Doha, then take a north-west loop, ending with an overnight stay at an Inland Sea desert camp.
- Dubai In-Depth and Hatta Mountains – Stay at Dubai Marina. Beyond the city landmarks, old markets and desert safari, add a day of kayaking in the Hatta moun…
- Abu Dhabi, Liwa Desert & Al Ain Road Trip – Travel from the capital's cultural island deep into the Liwa Oasis dunes, and finish in the World Heritage city of Al A…