To many people, the Middle East is a region associated with the News rather than Holiday Travel shows.  It’s an area of perpetual conflict isn’t it?  That’s not true of everywhere in the Middle East, especially the UAE. Tropical Sky’s own Lita List had never been to this region before, and her first impressions are quite illuminating…

This was my first visit to the Middle East so I did not know what to expect outside what I have seen and heard on the T.V.  I wanted to be amazed and stunned and persuaded that it was all everyone has cracked it up to be. I am pleased to say I wasn’t disappointed.

I found Fujairah, our first destination to be quite beautiful and stark in turns.  The scenery could change from Mountains to desert in a blink of an eye, but I found this to be quite fascinating. I undertook a dune safari which was terrifying, but definitely one thing that should be on anyone’s “to do once in my life” list.  I found the Mosques with their intricate and beautiful designs, quite enchanting.  Equally captivating were the camels that seemed to be everywhere and the roaming herds of goats that didn’t seem to belong to anyone but always seemed to have somewhere they had to be in a hurry!  The people I met were gentle and gracious, and seemed a little taken by surprise by how popular the region has become, but were genuinely eager to share it with you. I think this only makes it more charming and enhances the “tourist” experience.

I stayed at the Miramar Al Aqah which was an excellent place to relax.  You can find many similar types of hotels all around the world, but none have the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer as a backdrop or an arrow on the ceiling of the room showing the direction of Mecca.  Subtle cultural differences embedded in the luxury gently reminded you where you actually were. All this, as well as the Arabic style buildings and the stunning mountain backdrop made it a unique experience.

I then went on to Dubai, which was completely different, but just as fascinating. I will never forget my first view of The Burj-Al-Arab hotel as we arrived. Its beautiful modern design against the ancient surroundings made it quite breathtaking.  If there is one thing everyone knows about Dubai, it is that currently there is a lot of building work going on.   But I had not expected quite so much. To see the sheer number of building workers was quite amazing. As we entered into Dubai in the early evening, they were just finishing work and we saw literally hundreds of them all going their separate ways, only to return again the next morning to start all over again.

I had always had a vision in my mind that Dubai would somehow be a glitzier version the Golden Mile at Blackpool, with a long beachfront road containing all the Jumeirah Beach hotels, and people walking along the promenade between them. Needless to say it was not like this at all!  It had its own special feel and grandeur.   I find it hard to visualise what it will be like when all the building work is finally finished, but judging by what is already there, I fully expect it will be truly amazing and very grand.

I visited the Atlantis at the Palm which had a fantastic water park, amazing architecture and the best buffet lunch I have ever had anywhere in the world. I also had a tour round the Royal Mirage, with its three different hotels in one. Each one I visited was the one I wanted to stay in, but they were all fabulous. I actually stayed at the Habtoor Grand, and my room had a fantastic view of both the Marina and the Palm, and had the most gorgeous bathroom ever.

I fully intend to return to the UAE, and I will definitely be doing a two-centre with Dubai first and then the tranquillity of Fujairah, in order to get the best of what this fabulous and diverse  region has to offer.