Silversea CruisesDubai to Dubai - Sheikhs and SultansItineraryFriday - Dubai, U.A.E.Known as the City of Merchants, Dubai is the second largest of the seven Emirates that make up the UAE. In the entire Gulf, there is no place quite like Dubai. Its history began in the 1830s when the city broke away from Abu Dhabi and became a center of commerce and trading in its own right. In fact, Dubai's wealth is founded on trade, not oil. When oil was discovered in 1966, it merely contributed to the city's prosperity and sped up modernization. Modern development began at the turn of the last century with heavy import-export trading, mainly in gold. What opium was to the growth of Hong Kong, gold was to Dubai. As the leading center for business and tourism in the Middle East, Dubai offers a fascinating kaleidoscope of contrasts in a distinctive blend of modern city and timeless desert, east and west, old and new. As an exotic destination with a cosmopolitan lifestyle, Dubai combines the comfort and conveniences of the Western world with the unique charm of Arabia. Even with a high degree of tolerance for different lifestyles, Dubai remains close to its heritage. Dubai's souqs and shopping malls are crammed with goods - at some of the world's best prices. But there is more to the city than shopping. Visitors find an outstanding museum and superb recreational facilities, ranging from golf and watersports to desert safaris and dhow cruises. As the sports capital of the Middle East, Dubai boasts four championship golf courses; it is a regular fixture on the European and Asian PGA circuits and hosts the Dubai World Cup - known as the world's richest horse race. An endless array of restaurants and nightspots offers a wide choice of cuisine and entertainment. Dubai is a place of fascinating contrasts, a distinct blend of modern city, timeless deserts, rugged mountains and miles of sandy beaches. The streets are clean and safe – Interpol has voted Dubai as one of the safest cities in the world. With so many attractive attributes, it is not surprising that Dubai rates highly with world-class travelers, businessmen and the international jet set.
Saturday - Day At Sea
Sunday - Bahrain Bahrain, often called the Pearl of the Arabian Gulf, is the largest of the islands at 30 miles long and 10 miles wide. Bahrain’s history goes back to the roots of civilization. Since its early history Bahrain has been an important trading center, known then as Dilmun. Bahrain literally means "two seas," which is an appropriate name considering its strategic position on the great trade routes of antiquity. It also refers to the natural springs of water rising from beneath the sea, used by the country’s famous pearl divers. During the Middle Ages Bahrain changed hands frequently until the Omani took control in the late 15th century to be followed by the Portuguese who valued Bahrain for the number and quality of pearls and a thriving pearling trade. In the 17th century Bahrain became part of the Persian Empire before the Al-Khalifa family established themselves as the country’s rulers. In 1932, oil in commercial quantities was found in Bahrain, the first such strike on the Arab side of the Gulf. Exports began soon afterward and a refinery opened in 1936. The Bahraini were the first to enjoy the benefits that came from oil revenues, enabling them to improve the quality of education and health care. Since Bahrain’s oil revenues are not on a level with those of Kuwait or Saudi Arabia, it encourages the country to diversify its economy, taking advantage of its long history as a trading nation and lengthy contact to the outside world. The 1986 opening of the 15-mile-long King Fahad Causeway, linking Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, resulted in a boost to business and tourism. Manama offers both a modern downtown center as well as traditional areas. In fact, only a few blocks inland from shiny high-rises are sections, which have changed little in the last 50 years. A good introduction to the country’s history and culture can be found in the National Museum and the Heritage Center.Wind Towers intermingle with mosques, souqs and dhow building yards, providing interesting sights for visitors. While the official language is Arabic, English is widely spoken.
Monday - Doha, Qatar
The city was founded as Al-bida in 1850. The city became the capitol of the British protectorate Qatar in 1916. The Al Wajbah fort is in the southwestern part of the city and was build by al Rayyan in 1882. This fort witnessed the famous battle where the people of Qatar under the leadership of Sheikh Qassim beat the Ottomns in 1893. The Al Kout fort was built in 1917 by Sheikh Abdulla Bin Qassim Al-Thani and lies in the center of the city. In 1949 the city began exporting oil. The Government House opened in 1969 and is considered the nation's most prominent landmarks. In 1971 it became the capitol of the independent Qatar. The Doha University opened in 1973. The National Museum of Qatar (currently closed for renovations) opened in 1975 which was originally the palace for the ruler in 1912.
Doha is Qatar’s cultural and commercial heart. The State of Qatar is an Emirate, lead by HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. The country is an Arabic/Islamic society. The country obeys the Islamic laws and culture in all aspects of society.
Just like other cities in the Persian Gulf Region, Doha is an intriguing mixture of old and new. You will find fine modern architecture next to traditional Arabic Souqs (bazaars) and more than 260 mosques (the multiple-domed Grande Mosque is, in fact, the largest). The harbor is still a thriving international port well equipped for modern commerce. The traditional Dhow harbor is a favored attraction. The western style nightlife in Doha is centralized only in the international hotels. Here we find state of the art bars and discotheques. Local nightlife is found in traditional shi-sha places and coffee houses. The shi-sha is the Arabian water pipe; very popular amongst local people and foreigners. Not to forget, Qatar is the home base for Al Jazeera Media, the famous Arabian news station. Tuesday - Khasab, Oman Silversea is excited to offer this port as part of our itineraries. Information for this port is not yet available. Please check back.
Wednesday - Fujairah, U.A.E. Economically, Fujairah experienced considerable development in recent years, thanks to its strategic location at the crossroads between east and west. Today, the emirate has a bustling economy based on its natural resources, a strong industrial and commercial base as well as thriving international port, airport and free trade zone. Significant international investment is now seeing the building of luxury hotels and associated tourism facilities. Careful planning ensures the preservation and protection of the town’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Despite several new luxury hotels and resorts along the picturesque coastline, the charm and tranquility, which characterized the town in times gone by, remain largely unchanged. In addition to ancient fortresses perched on rocky hilltops, there are date palm groves that grow to the sea’s edge, abundant marine life and beautiful beaches that invite exploration. Please Note: Our call falls during the time of Ramadan, when Moslems fast from daybreak until sunset each day. Non-Moslems are requested to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in the presence of a Moslem during this period. Some hotel restaurants remain open during this time, but will not serve alcohol. Alcohol is only served after sunset.
Thursday - Kish Island, Iran
Friday - Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. Abu Dhabi's history originated in the 18th century, when, according to legend, a group of tribesmen pursuing a gazelle came upon a freshwater well which they named Abu Dhabi, or "Father of the Gazelle." In the 19th century, the first fort was built over this well by a sheikh of the Al-Nahyan dynasty. The fort's name is Al Husn Palace, also known as Old or White Fort, and it is one of the few buildings in Abu Dhabi that is more than 25 years old. Its whitewashed walls are eye-catching amid the backdrop of today's skycrapers. Presently, it is home to the Cultural Foundation and serves as a documents center. Abu Dhabi had little significance until the discovery of vast oil reserves in the late 1950s and early 1960s. In the years following, the city's economy and infrastructure developed rapidly and changed Abu Dhabi beyond recognition. Among the most impressive modern buildings is the recently completed Fort Grande. It is the tallest building in the Middle East and home to the ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company). In the main business area is also the Arab Monetary Fund. With its gold-glassed headquarters it is one of the grand sights on the waterfront. Despite the breathtaking rate of development, the people of the Emirate remain conservative and attach great values to keeping with traditions. Business often starts with a tiny cup of cardamon-flavored coffee poured from the traditional metal pot or dallah. The Bedouin custom of offering food and shelter to strangers in the desert is preserved today by the coffee ceremony. The people of Abu Dhabi and throughout the UAE, led by their ruler and president, H.H. Sheikh Zayed, are deeply committed to Islam. There are more than 400 mosques in Abu Dhabi. The muezzin's call to prayer forms a rhythmic pattern to life in the city. Apart from its modernity, the most striking feature of Abu Dhabi is its lushness. The municipality has spent a fortune and hired an army of laborers to turn this desert city into a green oasis.
Saturday - Dubai, U.A.E. Cost of This Itinerary8 Night Trip:
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