Most countries on the Arab Peninsula aren’t particularly attractive as travel destination, either because they are not very visa-friendly, or simply because they have not much to offer. Mostly desert, very few traces of ancient culture and an obsession with the big, tall, new and modern in cities fueled by oil money is not what gets me immediately interested. However, there are exceptions, for a variety of reasons.

Qatar

We have family in Qatar, which makes it a great stop-over. Which we have done a few times now. And which leads to more and more appreciation for this small Arab country. Check out our impressions here.

Oman

Yemen is still out-of-bounds because of perpetual civil war, it seems, and the real risk of kidnappings. But neighbouring Oman is actively promoting itself as an upcoming tourist destination, and does have a lot to offer, much more than our brief visit allowed us to experience. Check out the bits we saw here.

Oman
A two weeks trip early 2017, far too short to appreciate all of this country
Qatar
A short visit in October 2016, and back in Feb. 2017.