Gulf countries

[Foreigner]

I've only ever visited Dubai. Which of these are nicer to visit, tolerant of Western values/liberties:

Qatar
Kuwait
UAE
Bahrain
Oman

 

[MrHyde]

Dubai is part of the UAE, so that one is ticked off.

Bahrain is nice for a week day - it has some very nice pubs and the old city is a nice place to visit along with the Bahrain Museum. Don't go on a weekend though - far too many Saudis there for their weekly vice trip.

 

[Foreigner]

Looks like Qatar is the most prosperous of GCC group (which includes Saudi Arabia).

 

[Mal]

Bahrain is ok for a day or two. Not overly tourist focused, but yes, the flock of people from Saudi who come over for the weekend make things interesting.

Not much in Kuwait. Very little tourist focus, and not much to see or do.

 

[Boris spatsky]

Kuwait - terrible. Not much to do, no real Glitz or glamour.

Qatar - Doha is the poor Dubai - similar but not nearly as exciting.

Bahrain - pretty interesting, good pubs and great food.

Oman - vibrant and culturally rich. The pick of the bunch.

 

[Isochronous]

Doha is an empty city. Just utter nothingness there.

 

[Renato1]

I've only ever visited Dubai. Which of these are nicer to visit, tolerant of Western values/liberties:

Qatar
Kuwait
UAE
Bahrain
Oman

Actually, I was wondering the same thing as you after I came across this at the Emirates site about Arabian Partners with relatively inexpensive fares.
Arabian Airpass | Special Offers | Destinations
So, I am finding the answers here very interesting.

Doha, Muscat (Oman), Bahrain, Dammam, Kuwait, Riyadh, Amman, Beirut, Cairo, Tehran is where the Arabian Partners fly to, which includes four you mentioned. Though I don't know their baggage limits, if one flies into Dubai with 30kg with Emirates or Etihad.

I guess Tehran and Beirut could be exciting.
Cheers,
Renato

 

[burrco]

These type of which is better questions are normally extraordinarily subjective with no real right or wrong answer. Except in this case where there is a genuine correct answer - Oman.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I've only ever visited Dubai. Which of these are nicer to visit, tolerant of Western values/liberties:

Qatar
Kuwait
UAE
Bahrain
Oman

I haven't been to Bahrain since 1986 and it was nothing to speak of back then (no idea about today). From the others I've only been to UAE and Oman. Both are well worth spending time in. I've read many people state a day or two in UAE is enough time, only to find they've never actually been out of Dubai or Abu Dhabi. We spent a week on a driving holiday and found we were at least 2 to 3 weeks short.

 

[Renato1]

I've read many people state a day or two in UAE is enough time, only to find they've never actually been out of Dubai or Abu Dhabi. We spent a week on a driving holiday and found we were at least 2 to 3 weeks short.

That's interesting. I meet lots of people who don't like Dubai much at all. When we visited there in November two years ago, we were there for four days and absolutely loved it. I think a lot depends on the weather (ours was perfect) and where you stay. I was going to stay in a resort type hotel, but my brother suggested it may be a bit more real staying near Baniyas Square, and we did.

We're going back again this November for five days, but having read what you wrote, I suspect that I'm letting us down - though we are going on a dune bashing day trip with evening meals out in the desert dressed in Arabian outfits.
Cheers,
Renato

 

[zainman]

Doha is an empty city. Just utter nothingness there.

The only place I like in Doha is the Souq Waqif.. great vibe!

 

[Boris spatsky]

The only place I like in Doha is the Souq Waqif.. great vibe!

Plus the rugby club, carrefour and some of the 5 star hotel pools. That is about it!

 

[Foreigner]

There is a write up in VA's May inflight magazine on Omani city Salalah.

 

[burmans]

I guess Tehran and Beirut could be exciting.

I dont know if you know any Iranians yourself but in my experience forget your prejudices, they are in general an extremely nice, well educated (despite any pre-conceptions this includes the women) and friendly people, and those I know who have visited indicate the same. As a country it also has a fascinating cultural heritage and Id go in a shot!

Added: actually have heard similar stories about Beirut, when they arent fighting its an extremely cultured city!

 

[Renato1]

I dont know if you know any Iranians yourself but in my experience forget your prejudices, they are in general an extremely nice, well educated (despite any pre-conceptions this includes the women) and friendly people, and those I know who have visited indicate the same. As a country it also has a fascinating cultural heritage and Id go in a shot!

Added: actually have heard similar stories about Beirut, when they arent fighting its an extremely cultured city!

I've only met a few Iranians in person, and quite a few on-line. I get the impression of very western people living under a medieval theocracy. Last I saw on TV some years ago, the theocracy still uses mobile cranes to hang people at prominent locations, in case anyone gets any bright idea challenging the status quo.

Beirut - what a tragedy, given what it was in the mid 70s. It even had a higher gold backing for its currency than Switzerland back then.
Cheers,
Renato

 

[featheast]

Why no Jordan, an amazing country to visit. Friendly people, Petra, Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, Jerash, too many places of interest!

 

[Princess Fiona]

Why no Jordan, an amazing country to visit. Friendly people, Petra, Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, Jerash, too many places of interest!

This is absolutely close to the top of my bucket list !!
One day.....

 

[LadyC]

Definitely interested in Iran, Jordan and Oman. So many places, not enough money.....

 

[PaulST]

Israel is fascinating too. I spent two weeks there last year and loved it (and the 2 days we were in Jordan to visit Petra).
Probably don't fly El Al, though. They're a bit cough...