| It may seem in the days of mass tourism and | | | | large plateau of sand and sun. The cultural |
| cheap worldwide flights that no stone has | | | | legacy of the great civilisations can be seen |
| been left unturned in our pursuit of the | | | | and felt everywhere in the ancient cities, |
| unexplored. However, Arabia still offers much | | | | temples and fortifications such as the Beit |
| in the way of mystery and exoticism. | | | | Sheikh Isa bin Ali on Bahrain's Muharraq |
| | | | Island, or the Madain Saleh embedded in a |
| If you are brave enough to venture into this | | | | rock face deep in the heart of the Saudi |
| unknown, a feast of surprises await the | | | | Arabian desert. |
| senses. The scenery is the first to strike. | | | | |
| The picture-postcard desert is home to an | | | | So what activities might one engage in? Truly |
| astonishing array of mountain landscapes, | | | | world-class golf resorts such as the |
| deep and rich forests, bursting and colourful | | | | Montgomery in Dubai, thrilling 'dune-bashing' |
| coral reefs, endless date plantations and | | | | (4x4s driven expertly over dunes at |
| lush green wadis, plus of course miles and | | | | high-speed), wildlife safaris such as |
| miles of undiscovered, untouched and truly | | | | watching green turtles invade a beach at dawn |
| breathtaking beaches. | | | | to lay their eggs, snorkelling and scuba |
| | | | diving some of the planets most breathtaking |
| Perhaps the most striking aspect of this | | | | and undisturbed coral reefs, or perhaps |
| fascinating region is its ascension from a | | | | mountain trekking or desert safaris, meeting |
| 3rd world barren landscape to a series of | | | | the indigenous Bedouin people for a cup of |
| prosperous, emerging nations in a little | | | | steaming arabic coffee with dates along the |
| under 30 years. The Peninsula is far from a | | | | way. |