Overview: Dubai is the most famous of the United Arab Emirates and has been on the radar for travel agents as a stopover for a decade now. Glitzy hotels and massive shopping malls have been joined by beautiful beaches and sand dune-based activities. Connections to Europe with Emirates are this destination’s main draw.
Sightseeing highlights: Getting inside the famous ‘seven-star’ Burj al-Arab hotel is tricky, but its sail, soaring 320 metres into the sky, is on every itinerary. Equally, marvelling at man-made miracles such as The World housing development or the indoor ski centre are worth doing. But often overlooked is Dubai Creek, the old, Arab part of the city and still best taken in by dhow.
Eating highlights: The best eating complex in Dubai is the Venice-themed Madinat Jumeirah, which has 23 cafés, bars and restaurants, all linked by canal.
Tip: Most hotels will release rooms in the morning for flights from Australia, allowing guests two full days before a night flight to Europe.
ABU DHABI
Overview: Abu Dhabi is a close neighbour to Dubai and now, thanks to Etihad, acts as a regular and excellent connection to Europe and beyond from Australia. Shopping and culture are two key experiences, although massive development is underway to turn this emirate into a significant tourism hub.
Sightseeing highlights: A visit to the Grand Mosque is a must. It is one of the finest mosques ever built and the serenity in the courtyard is almost tactile. Another option is to visit the Falcon hospital outside of the main city. Here visitors can learn, hold and feed these amazing birds that have massive significance to the local Bedouin people. Mega-projects are also underway and include the development of a new Guggenheim museum as well as a host of other spectacular sights.
Eating highlights: The Lebanese Flower is the place to eat for a taste of authentic Arab cuisine.
Tip: The Emirates Palace hotel is the ultimate place in which to enjoy a lavish stopover. It is the world’s biggest and the most expensive hotel ever built. Not surprisingly, it epitomises decadence.
DOHA
Overview: Qatar is an increasingly popular destination in the Arabian Peninsula, extending out into the Arabian Gulf. Soon to be accessed direct from Australia via Qatar Airways from December 6, a journey into the heart of this country reveals a rich history of religion, art, poetry and song.
Sightseeing: Qatar has an interesting mix of museums, galleries and shopping centres such as the Islamic Arts Museum, Qatar National Museum and the Pearl-Qatar — a 400 hectare luxury residential and retail development situated on reclaimed land offshore of the Qatari Peninsula. For a bit more adventure, desert safaris and sand dune bashing are two outdoor activities for which country is renowned.
Eating: While Qatar provides an eclectic selection of international food, traditional cuisine is a must and it is often worth venturing into the souks for a unique dining experience in a traditional setting. Fresh seafood and lamb are the main dishes of choice and Arabian Peninsula offerings such as Ras Al-Nasa’a, Al Mourjan and Layali are popular choices.
Tip: Make sure you see a falconry exhibition while visiting — it remains a national tradition, particularly active from October to March, and the birds command great respect across the country.
HONG KONG
Overview: Hong Kong is one of the oldest stopover options for Australians, famed in the 1980s for its cheap electronic goods and the chance to go bonkers in Honkers. Since the handover to Chinese control in 1997, the city’s Asian flavours have become much more pronounced.
Sightseeing highlights: Most tourists to Hong Kong ride the Peak Tram, actually more of a funicular, which hugs the side of the city’s mountain. It takes you up to the most exclusive suburb and a fantastic viewing point to look out over Hong Kong Island, the New Territories and, on a clear day, Macau and mainland China. Most people also check out the electronics district, Tsim Sha Tsui, which brings to life the Hong Kong postcard image of narrow lanes crowded with buildings replete with neon signs.
Eating highlights: Chinese tapas (yum cha), known in Hong Kong as dim sum is a must for lunch.
Tip: The Hong Kong public transport system is one of the world’s best and the airport express train takes about one-third of the time of a hotel shuttle bus.
SINGAPORE
Overview: Singapore is a key stopover destination for Australians on the way to Europe, being a mere eight hour flight from Sydney. This business-oriented city has a rich colonial history and its blend of English and South East Asian influences makes it an interesting cultural melting pot to explore.
Sightseeing highlights: British colonisation began in 1819 and modern Singapore’s founder, Sir Stamford Raffles, has left his indelible mark on the place. The world famous Raffles Hotel is renowned for its Singapore Slings and its design sets the tone for an architecturally diverse city. A walk along the waterfront will give visitors the chance to see the symbol of the city — the fabled Merlion, while other worthwhile spots are Orchard Road for its shopping and the touristy Clarke Quay for its nightlife.
Eating highlights: Singapore is home to many hawker centres and markets where a variety of cuisine is available. Influences of Malay, Indian, Tamil and Chinese are present and authentic dishes such as rendang and satay are worth seeking out. Singapore is also renowned for its seafood and the chilli crab is a real treat.
Tip: If you want to really see Singapore in all its high rise glory then a ride on the Singapore Eye, a London Eye lookalike, with great views of the city is a must.
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