Tag Archives: Middle East

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Culture and Food at the Youm Al Bahar, Kuwait

Food on a plate

Located in Kuwait City on Gulf Road, Youm Al Bahar is a heritage village situated right by the sea. From craft stores to authentic local restaurants, this is a great spot in the city to head to if you would like to soak up some of Kuwait’s culture and food.

Family-Friendly
When you first enter Youm Al Bahar, you will notice a sign saying that admission is for families only. While this may seem odd to some international visitors, this is actually a great step that was taken, as it means that the atmosphere here is always quite relaxed, friendly and safe.

Local Food and Snacks
Within Youm Al Bahar, there are a number of restaurants and cafés that serve up freshly made local snacks. Food is always such a significant part of a culture’s heritage, making this a great way to taste the true flavor of Kuwait. The stuffed Arabic breads are a must-try, and these are stuffed with everything ranging from cheese to spices and herbs, while the wafting scent of the kebabs cooking will no doubt tempt you over for a sample. If you would prefer something sweet, give Luqaimat a try, which are sweet dumplings that are crisp on the outside but soft on the inside. Of course, you cannot leave the city without tasting machboos, which is famous for being the national dish of Kuwait. Consisting of rice that has been cooked with rose water and saffron, served up alongside meat and a garlic tomato sauce, this is a dish that you will not forget.

Shopping
Shops and stalls can be found throughout Youm Al Bahar, and these sell a variety of local goods. Local crafts tend to be the highlight here, and, even if you are not looking to make a purchase, these are still so interesting to browse, as they display such a high level of workmanship. In addition to the crafts, you will find everything from leather sandals to musical instruments to herbs and spices here, creating a wonderfully diverse shopping experience.

A Local Experience
While Kuwait City may have experienced so much development over the years, a visit to Youm Al Bahar is a great way to enjoy an authentic local experience, getting a glimpse into what Kuwait used to be like. In addition to all of the restaurants at Youm Al Bahar, you will also notice a number of local coffee shops. Head into one of these and order a cup of traditional mint tea, and then, if you have some time to spare, join the locals in a game of backgammon, of which you will find many around the area.

Youm Al Bahar is open every day of the week throughout the year, although if there is a specific shop or restaurant that you are hoping to visit, it would be worth checking out their opening times beforehand, as each of these is run individually. Whether you are seeking somewhere authentic for a bite to eat, or want to do a spot of shopping, including some one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take home with you, the heritage at Youm Al Bahar makes it one of the highlights of a visit to Kuwait City.

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Nature, Updated, at the Al Shaheed Park

Park in Kuwait City

Located on the edge of Kuwait City, the Al Shaheed Park is the largest urban park in Kuwait. For those looking to experience nature, history and culture, all in one place, make sure that you include a visit to the park while you are exploring Kuwait.

The History of the Park
The area that the Al Shaheed Park is in was originally created in 1964, with the aim of it being a formal Green Belt Park. As this grew into a garden, the area experienced quite a bit of renovation and development over the years, after which it was turned into the Al Shaheed Park, along with the aim of commemorating the country’s martyrs.

The Park’s Museums
The Al-Shaheed Park is home to two museums, both of which are worth touring if you are already going to be visiting the park anyway. The first is the Thekra Museum, which is a memorial museum that educates visitors on Kuwait’s history, including the battles that the country experienced, as well as the Gulf War. The second museum is the Habitat Museum, which is an environmental museum that aims to preserve and showcase the local environment and wildlife of Kuwait. This museum is quite a new one, as it was only inaugurated at the beginning of this year, but already has a wide array of geographical and environmental exhibits.

Historical Highlights of the Al Shaheed Park
There are a number of historical monuments dotted around Al Shaheed Park, which you will see as you make your way around the grounds. From the old city gates, which are in the exact same place that they were when they were first put up in the late 1800’s, to the Constitution Monument and the Martyrs Monument, you can learn so much about Kuwait’s history simply by taking a stroll around the Al Shaheed Park.

The Underground Tunnel
Lying beneath the Al Shaheed Park is a long underground tunnel, which was built in order to connect Kuwait’s green belt. This tunnel has now been completely renovated, and features a number of pieces of art, as well as three-dimensional Portuguese tiles that light up the passageway in vibrant shades of blue and green.

Other Facilities at the Park
In addition to the museums and historical monuments, there are plenty of other things to do at the Al Shaheed Park. The open-air amphitheater is where you can catch a number of live performances and special events, while the gift shop and book shop are always fun to explore, especially if you are looking for a unique souvenir to take home with you. Of course, be sure to stop off at one of the park’s restaurants or cafés if you are looking for a bite to eat, as they serve up tasty local food.

The Al Shaheed Park sprawls out for almost 20 hectares, and just about every area within it has been recently refurbished and updated. While the hustle and bustle of Kuwait City is always exciting, there will come a time when you need some tranquillity, making the Al Shaheed Park the perfect escape to head to.

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Discover Art at the Tareq Rajab Museum

Woman examining an art piece

Located in Kuwait, the Tareq Rajab Museum consists of over 30,000 items that have been collected over the past 50 years, with many of them dating back to over 250 years ago. The museum itself was founded by a couple who were passionate about history, culture and folklore around Asia, and who wanted a way to share this with the public.

The History of the Museum
The Tareq Rajab Museum was founded by husband and wife Tareq Sayed Rajab and Jehan Wellborne. Jehan was extremely passionate about learning about the history and life of other cultures, especially when it came to folklore and traditional topics. After the couple married, they travelled all over the Islamic world and beyond, including South East Asia and the Far East, collecting artefacts and taking photos that they knew would be right at home in a museum. While it took them many years to collect everything, they were finally able to open their museum to the public in 1980.

The Museum’s Collection
The Tareq Rajab Museum is home to quite a varied collection of artefacts, ranging from embroidered costumes to Tibetan jewelry. Jewelry and traditional dress are quite a focal point within the collection, especially when it comes to Silver Folk jewelry, as the museum owns 10,000 pieces of this, although only 2000 are on display at one time. The Gold Room in particular is a fascinating one, as this traces gold jewelry and ornaments all the way from the pre-Islamic period. When it comes to the costumes and clothing, the Tareq Rajab Museum boasts one of the largest collections of these in the Arab world, but there is also a small collection of Chinese costumes and embroideries that are worth looking at, especially the rarer pieces from the 17th century. There are also a number of musical instruments on display here, and these come from various gulf countries, as well as Afghanistan, Tibet and Kashmir. For those who want to learn about the museum’s collection in more depth, pay a visit to the on-site library, where you will find a number of reference books and documents.

The Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Art and Calligraphy
The original Tareq Rajab Museum collection was quite a small one, but this continued to grow over the years. This soon led the couple to expand their museum by adding in two additional buildings, one of which is now called the Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Art and Calligraphy. As you can tell from its name, this museum places a strong emphasis on Islamic calligraphy, with several rare and important Arabic manuscripts to be found here. The second museum addition is the Dar al Cid, which is also run by the couple, and contains quite a diverse selection of art exhibits.

Although there is no signage that marks the entrance to the museum, you will no doubt immediately notice its carved wooden doorway as soon as you see it. Try to allow yourself at least an hour to tour the museum, although if you have a particular interest in textiles and jewelry, you are likely going to want to spend much more time here.

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All Roads Lead to the Capital

The famous phrase “all roads lead to Rome” can also be said of Manama, the capital of Bahrain. No matter where you may be in the country, returning to this cosmopolitan city could not be any easier, making it no surprise that it is one of the most diverse and enriching of Bahraini destinations to visit.
Manama, Bahrain
Visiting Manama
With all roads leading to the capital, the most efficient way to visit Manama is by renting a car, as there is little chance that you will lose your way. Being a small city, and with maps readily available, this is your best bet when it comes to independently exploring all that Manama has to offer. For those who do not want to rent a car, taxis are easily found, although these can often seem quite expensive compared to taxis in other countries around the world, so be sure to research this in advance, and always go by the taxi meter rather than a pre-arranged fare.

Things to See and Do
With one third of Manama’s population being made up of expatriates, the city is quite the cultural melting pot, and always has an appealing diversity to it. There is such a wide range of attractions to be found here, from the historical and cultural to the sporting and recreational. The Bahrain National Museum is a must-visit, as is the Bahrain Fort and the Bahrain Fort Museum, all of which will teach you so much about the nation’s history and heritage. Shopping is also a popular activity here, and if you are looking for a more authentic experience rather than glitzy shopping malls, the expansive Manama Souq is the place for you. With its warm temperatures and calm waters, water sports are also popular in Manama, from scuba diving to pearl diving to fishing excursions, but there are also plenty of active land-based activities to choose from, such as bird watching and horse riding. Once the sun goes down, the streets of Manama burst into life, making it no surprise that the city is known for its diverse nightlife scene.

Food in Manama

Food and Drink
The local cuisine in Bahrain is packed with flavor and spices, and restaurants in Manama range from local hole-in-the-wall eateries to grand five star establishments. The Manama Souq has a plethora of small restaurants and cafés that are known for serving up some of the tastiest local dishes in the country, while those who are after a more sophisticated dining experience should try Upstairs Downstairs, a classic Bahraini restaurant. Bahrain is often considered to be a gateway destination for those living in Arab countries that have banned alcohol, which is why its nightlife scene is so popular. Whether you are after live music, pounding dance clubs or intimate bars, you will easily be able to find this in Manama.

Manama is a truly captivating city to visit, and, with all roads leading to the capital, just about every visitor to Bahrain ends up in Manama. With everything from world-class attractions to authentic local food, this is a destination that expertly blends its traditional charm with a contemporary edge.

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The Bin Matar House

Muharraq
Located in Muharraq, which was the former capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Bin Matar House was built by Salman bin Hussain, one of the most famous pearling merchants in Bahrain in the 19th and 20th centuries. This admirable man was not only wealthy, but also generous and kind-hearted to those less fortunate than him, and the house, which is now a fascinating museum, represents a significant part of Bahrain’s heritage and culture.

The Ground Floor
The ground floor of the Bin Matar House is where you will find a small café, ideal for enjoying a couple of snacks before or after touring the house. This is also where the gift shop is located, which features a wide variety of local products, from books on Bahrain’s history, as well as the famous Matar family, to accessories created by local designers. With the ground floor of the Bin Matar House being so large, this is also the spot where a number of important temporary exhibitions are held, featuring the work of top artists, from the likes of Zaha Hadid to Waheeda Malullah.
Bahrain Architecture
Classic Bahraini Architecture
While the ground floor of the Bin Matar House was used for a variety of purposes over the years, the top floor remained as the main residence of the Matar family until 2002. After vacating the property, the house remained empty and unused for a while, which led to talks about its demolition. However, fortunately, this was never carried out, and the Bin Matar House was fully restored in 2009, now reflecting all of its former glory. The house is a fantastic example of classic Bahraini architecture, with its tall columns and traditional windows, both of which have been around since the house was first built. The ceilings have also been left untouched, enabling visitors to really feel as though they are stepping back in time to when the house was first constructed. Being built in the traditional Bahraini style, the house makes use of a wide range of local materials, from the trunks of palm trees to gypsum to sea-stone, many of which can also be seen in some of Muharraq’s other traditional houses.

The Top Floor
While the Bin Matar House used to overlook the sea, there has been a large amount of land reclaimed since it was first built, meaning that the waterfront is now a couple of kilometres away. However, the sprawling terrace area at the top floor of the house boasts spectacular views of the busy streets of Muharraq, showcasing the hustle and bustle of the city below. There are plenty of educational displays here that teach visitors more about the beginnings of the Matar family, with exhibits that hold the family’s original pearling tools. These also help to explain the pearling process in more detail, from the measuring and weighing to the drilling and stringing.

The Bin Matar House is an exemplary example of Gulf Islamic architecture, and showcases a hugely important part of Bahrain’s heritage. From its displays on pearling to its local art exhibitions, a visit to the Bin Matar House is a great way to learn more about how Bahrain developed into the extraordinary nation that it is today.

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A Day at the Bab al-Bahrain Bazaar

A historic building located in Manama, the Bab al-Bahrain, which, in English, means the Gateway to Bahrain, marks the entrance to the Manama Souq. While the building may have undergone several renovations over the years, it has been beautifully restored to its former glory, and is now considered to be quite the cultural landmark.

Gold and Pearls
The Gold Souq is always one of the first points of calls for visitors to Bab al-Bahrain, because, with over 100 stalls packed with glittering goods, this promises to be a sight unlike anything else that you will have seen. Bahrain gold is usually 21 carat, and fashioned into a huge plethora of styles, from the traditional to the contemporary. In addition to its gold, Bahrain is also famous for its pearls, and these can also be purchased from the Gold Souk. The pearls that you will find here are natural rather than cultured, which is why their shape and color are quite irregular, with everything from cream and white to stunning greens.

Spices at the Bazaar
Spices
Spices are what many believe are the secret of Arab cuisine, as these carefully chosen blends are what provide the dishes with their distinctive flavor and aroma. As soon as you enter the souq, the smell of spices will hit your nose, and, as you wander through, you will soon come across a quiet corner of the main souq that is often referred to as the spice souq. Whether you intend to purchase any items or not, it is still worth exploring the spices on display, as you will learn so much about the intense flavors behind Bahraini cuisine.

Textiles and Handicrafts
While it may initially seem as though the souq is packed with mass-produced souvenirs, you only have to venture a little deeper into it to find the traditional goods on offer. Textiles have always played a significant role in Bahrain, and you will find the most beautiful fabrics for sale here, as well as stunning authentic handmade Bahraini carpets. There are also plenty of handicrafts to be found, all of which are ideal to take back home as gifts.

Bahrain Cuisine
Traditional Bahraini Cuisine
In addition to the shopping, one of the highlights of a day out at Bab al-Bahrain for many is the traditional Bahraini cuisine that can be found here, and while you will not find any fine dining establishments, these budget-friendly eateries serve up some of the tastiest dishes in town. From the Naseef Café that serves up an authentic Bahraini breakfast, as well as a deliciously refreshing mango ice cream, to the vegetable samosas of Aloo Basheer, which has been around for over 50 years, to Haji Gahwa, the oldest café in the kingdom, there is such a wide variety of local food available here that even the pickiest of eaters will find themselves more than satisfied.

The Bab al-Bahrain has always been one of Bahrain’s most popular attractions, and it is easy to see why. With its wonderfully authentic traditional shopping experience, combined with some of the tastiest local cuisine in the kingdom, it is always a pleasure to spend the day at Bab al-Bahrain.

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Architectural Sites in Dubai

Modern architecture has flourished beautifully in Dubai, and the city is now recognized all over the world for its creative buildings, many of which have won numerous architectural awards for their innovative designs. From the tallest building in the world to the world’s largest dancing fountain, these are some of the architectural wonders in Dubai that visitors should definitely not miss out on.

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa
Standing at almost 830 metres, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest structure in the world and is one of the most iconic buildings in Dubai. The building managed to break over fifteen different world records, from the world’s highest restaurant and nightclub to the world’s highest elevator installation to the tallest free-standing structure in the world, making it quite the architectural marvel. For those that want to take in the view from the top, the Burj Khalifa also has the highest observation deck in the world, providing you with panoramic views as far as the shores of Iran. There are also telescopes located here so that visitors can enjoy a more detailed view of the landscape below.

Dubai Fountain

Dubai Fountain
Considered to be the brightest spot in the Middle East, the Dubai Fountain, set on the 24-acre Burj Lake, is made up of 6600 lights, as well as 25 color projectors, creating beams that make it visible from space. In addition to the light shows, the fountain also shoots water jets 500 feet into the air, completely in sync with Arabic, classical and world music. This is the largest choreographed fountain in the world, making it well worth stopping by to check out its performance.

Cayan Tower

pio3 / Shutterstock.com

Cayan Tower
Also known as Infinity Tower, Cayan Tower is over 300 metres tall, and challenges conventional architecture in a completely innovative way. This residential tower features a twist that runs through the building, which means that every apartment within enjoys 90-degree views of either the marina or the sea. The building does not have any structural pillars within it, making its construction even more awe-inspiring.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

Jumeirah Beach Hotel
The Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a luxury five-star resort that stands at 93 meters high and 275 metres long. Its outstanding feature is the way in which it has been designed to replicate a giant wave, with the layered facade adding to the impression of a wave rolling and breaking. With all the corridors within the resort being curved, each room enjoys sunset views of the ocean, and, when the building is viewed together with the adjacent sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, it looks as though there is a large sail trying to navigate this crashing wave. The resort itself has won awards for being the best in the world and is always a popular accommodation choice for upscale travellers.

Dubai is now officially the tallest city in the world, taking over from previous contenders Hong Kong and New York. The city has developed incredibly over the years, and if you are keen on seeing some world-class examples of modern architecture, Dubai is most definitely the place to go.

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Great Beaches in the Middle East

 

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Rus S / Shutterstock.com

The Middle East is home to some of the finest beaches in the world, but, due to political reasons, beach tourism is often not promoted heavily in many areas. Nevertheless, each of these beaches are truly spectacular in their own right, and are well worth considering for your next beach vacation.

Beit Yanai Beach, Israel
Considered to be one of the best beaches in Israel, Beit Yanai Beach is located about a 20-minute drive from Tel Aviv. Since the beach is run and managed by the Israel Parks and Nature Authority, it is extremely clean, relatively quiet, and has some great facilities. Since the beach is not protected from the sea, it often experiences massive waves, making it a popular spot for surfing and kitesurfing.

Khor Kalba Beach, Sharjah, UAE
The beach at Khor Kalba is extremely hidden and tucked away, but this is a large part of its charm. What it lacks in amenities, it makes up for in privacy, seclusion and incredible natural beauty. From the surrounding mangroves to the nesting turtles, Khor Kalba in itself is an important nature reserve, and the beach is a fine example of a conservation success. The waters here are calm, and if you want the utmost in serenity, it is best to pay the beach a visit during the weekdays.

Mughsayl Beach, Oman

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Mughsayl Beach, Oman
Oman boasts about 1000 miles of coastline, many parts of which are just simply breathtaking. Hidden away in southern Oman, Mughsayl Beach offers quite a diverse experience, depending on when in the year you visit it. In the summertime, it is reminiscent of a tropical Caribbean island, with coconut groves and banana plantations lining the pristine sand, while in the winter months, giant waves crash into the cliffs, with water exploding out of blow holes dotted along the coastline. The beach is situated about 40 kilometers from Salahah, and is easy to access.

Naqoura, Lebanon
Situated in the south of Lebanon, Naqoura is a small city that boasts an expansive, and extremely clean, beach. Unlike many of the other beaches in Lebanon, this one is free of beach resorts, large crowds and noisy bars, giving you the opportunity to hear the sound of the waves crashing onto the sand, and the breeze rustling through the trees in the forest behind the beach. To access the beach, visitors need to cross a beautiful orchard, which also serves as a turtle reserve, and is home to a number of other wildlife species too. Rumour has it that developers are interested in Naqoura’s beach, so if you want to experience this untouched slice of paradise, now is the time to visit.

While the Middle East may not immediately spring to mind when planning a beach vacation, there is no denying that the beaches found in this part of the world are extremely underrated. From the sandy coconut groves of Oman to the abundant wildlife in Naqoura, these are all considered to be some of the finest beaches that the Middle East has to offer.

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Globe Trotting Without Leaving California

Chinatown, LA.

The freedom to move around the world and experiences cultures is a prized possession. Sometimes you just don’t feel like getting on a plane for hours on end to experience another country. Fortunately, you can travel the world just within a single city in some parts of the United States. A number of California’s cities are no different in that respect. Everyone knows about the Chinatowns of the United States, and they enjoy an interesting place in American culture as a whole. OROGOLD would like to highlight some lesser known ethnic neighborhoods that you can visit when you’re in California though. Chinatown may not be making this list, but these neighborhoods remain dedicated and vibrant examples at fostering a more international flair in some of California’s cities.

Little Arabia, Anaheim
Little Arabia offers a distinct slice of the Middle East to visitors in a variety of ways. Some buildings offer a visual flair in keeping with the theme of the area, but the real treats are in the stores and restaurants in the area. They focus on providing authentic ethnic cuisine and goods. You can stroll along the street browsing a jewelry store and than pop into a bakery for a snack while you discuss what particular style of Middle Eastern good you’d like to eat with any friends you’re traveling with. Of note to would-be visitors, the area is particularly known for its hookah establishments and the internal variety of them within the area. This kind of flexibility generates a distinctly regional flare even though Little Arabia is ultimately part of the general Los Angeles area.

Belden Place, San Francisco
Europe has an old world charm that is hard to beat and capture without wandering the ancient, narrow streets of some of Europe’s longest standing cities. Belden Place does its best to try to bottle the experience of France into a small area. The focus of the area is on food. Multiple restaurants all compete to offer French cuisine in its many forms from the high cuisine to the simpler fare of the average French person. Restaurants use both their food and their space to create the atmosphere. Many make extensive use of their street facing sidewalks to set up outdoor eating areas to draw on the air of French cafes and the time honored past time of people watching. There may be no ancient buildings around you here, but the spirit of France certainly has a home away from home in the area.

Thai Town, Los Angeles
Thai Town has the distinction of being the only ethnic neighborhood of its kind in the United States, and it isn’t afraid to let everyone know how proud it is of its heritage. Decorative elements are scattered through the area that bring a bit of the visual of Thailand to Los Angeles without entirely overriding the nature of the city itself. Plenty of restaurants exist in the area to satisfy anyone looking to sample the cuisine of the country. The area truly shines in its other venues though. Various stores exist importing authentic clothing and materials from Thailand as well as traditional Thai spas for people who need a bit of relaxation in their day.

Not only does California enjoy a diverse landscape geographically, but it also enjoys it ethnically. The history of the state combined with its many port towns have given the opportunity for various enclaves to spring up and stake their own claim in America. Each area integrates into the cities, but, like every American, they also remain proud of all of their heritage rather than just one part. OROGOLD believes any of these areas will make an interesting step into another culture without ever needing to even leave California.

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Cultural Tips for Visiting the Middle East

The Middle East is an incredibly diverse region, with each country having their own customs and traditions. Nevertheless, there are still some cultural tips that apply throughout the Middle East, from dressing appropriately to who you are not allowed to take photos of, and these should be kept in mind whenever you are travelling to a Middle Eastern country. OROGOLD Locations highlights the most important cultural tips for visiting the Middle East.

Woman wearing a head scarf posing for the camera.

Dress Appropriately
Middle Eastern countries are generally quite conservative, so every woman should make sure to pack a lightweight scarf that can double as a headscarf, even if you are going in the summertime. Although the rules in cities are more relaxed, you will still need to cover your head if you want to look around any of the mosques. Dress as modestly as possible, trying to avoid any daring outfits, or even garments such as short skirts and tank tops.

Haggling
Haggling is a huge part of buying items from souks and markets, and is also important in Middle Eastern culture. Don’t be put off by the thought of haggling, as it can end up being a fun activity for visitors if you approach it with the right frame of mind. It can sometimes be viewed as offensive if you choose not to haggle, so rather than feeling put off by it, make your own price offers and question all of the prices that the merchants offer. Buying items from markets can sometimes take some time, often with a break for tea or snacks, but you can build up a great relationship with the merchant this way, something that could be useful in the future.

Luxurious tent set up for a dinner for two.

Hospitality
People in the Middle East, especially in Arab communities, place a huge emphasis on hospitality, and it is considered impolite to refuse this, whether it be an invitation for a cup of tea or an elaborate meal. Always be polite and gracious, following the actions of others in the room if you are unsure of what to do. In Muslim communities it is best to use only your right hand when touching food or other people, as your left hand is meant to be used for personal hygiene. As a guest, you will always be offered the best parts of the meal, and this could also include local delicacies which may seem unusual to you, but it is usually best to accept them graciously.

Woman with sunglasses clicking a photograph with her camera.

Photography
In most Middle Eastern countries, Muslim women cannot be photographed, so make sure to always ask permission if you want to take photos of other people. Most are likely to say no even when asked, and it is important for you to respect their wishes. If you are caught taking sneaky photographs, the consequences could be quite severe. It is also important to remember to never take any photos of military or government staff, or of any heavily guarded buildings.

These cultural tips can be applied to many destinations in the Middle East, but each country will also have their own form of etiquette. Before travelling to the Middle East, spend some time researching the local customs in the country you will be visiting, as you will find that if you are respectful of the culture, you will be welcomed and treated in a much warmer and genuine way.