The Emirates
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Why the Emirates?
See cruises in the Maghreb and the Middle East
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Brochures can be ordered in print or downloaded in digital format.
Discover the destination
See cruises in the Maghreb and the Middle East

Brochures can be ordered in print or downloaded in digital format.
Discover the destination
While the gigantism of Dubai attracts attention, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar remain relatively unknown. However, amidst the skyscrapers and luxury shops, the promotion of traditions and culture stands out with a flair that is worth exploring. Let's take a closer look at the must-see visits during a trip to the Emirates.
At the gates of the desert, in the middle of an oasis near Muscat, stands Nizwa. Its ancient crenellated fort, built in the 17th century, and its light walls contrast with the surrounding palm groves and overlook a souk where pottery mingles with spices, where lamps succeed the fragrant stalls of fruits and vegetables. Heading east, the oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid offers a bit of freshness with its turquoise lakes standing out against the ochre rocks. Further south, Wahiba Sands stands out with its endless orange dunes.
From Dubai, we often have the image of Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world at 828 metres, or the Palm Islands, these artificial islands shaped like a palm tree. But Dubai is also the tranquility of its historic district, Al Bastakiya, built in the 19th century. The Al Fahidi Mosque, the quiet streets, and the craft shops bring an undeniable and authentic charm to this city known for its extravagance. As the host city of the 2020 World Expo, Dubai has also seen the birth of a new district, District 2020, which showcases futuristic architecture.
A few kilometres from Dubai, the Al Marmoum reserve reminds travelers that nature, although tamed in cities, still reigns in the rest of the country. Covering 10% of the territory of the United Arab Emirates, this reserve is home to 26 species of reptiles and over 360 species of birds, including 300 to 500 flamingos. This stopover creates an opportunity to visit a Bedouin village in the heart of an oasis in the desert, with traditional tents, cooking areas, livestock and camels, and to witness a traditional show.
In Doha, the souq Waqif is one of the liveliest neighborhoods in the city. The stalls remain open late and are full of specialties such as spices, nuts, fresh dates, rare fragrances, jewelry, clothing and many souvenir items. Restaurants emit appetising aromas. Tourists, passersby and merchants mingle in these streets where the atmosphere brightens when the captivating sounds of traditional music played by street artists resonate. But Doha is also the tranquility that reigns at the Museum of Islamic Art, presenting priceless pieces from the 7th to the 19th century.
It is impossible to mention Abu Dhabi without talking about its monumental mosque. With its 82 domes, four minarets over 100 metres high, and its immaculate white marble floor, it is among the most grandiose in the world. It can accommodate 40,000 visitors. While the 200 mosques in Abu Dhabi are closed to non-Muslims, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is open to them. This is an opportunity to admire this impressive architecture, as well as the world's largest chandelier and carpet! Another visit, another atmosphere. Since 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum has been the flagship of the United Arab Emirates capital in terms of culture. Located in the Saadiyat Island district, which houses a range of prestigious museums, the Louvre Abu Dhabi showcases collections loaned by French institutions. They highlight exchanges and influences between cultures.
Considered as an ecological gem, Sir Bani Yas Island is home to numerous animals, including giraffes, cheetahs, gazelles, ostriches, hyenas and the largest colony of oryx in the world. Originally a desert, it has been developed by the Emir of Abu Dhabi and planted with two million trees to protect species from the Arabian Peninsula and the United Arab Emirates that are threatened with extinction. Safari, mountain biking, kayaking or snorkelling: the island offers many activities to explore its treasures.
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Palace, the medieval walls, the Al Alam Palace and its forts of Jalali and Mirani... Muscat is easily visited, with both recent and ancient monuments. The capital of Oman, the smallest and hottest in the world, offers a peaceful setting, between sea, mountains and desert, quite different from sometimes disorienting Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
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To better understand the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman, there is nothing like a practical mini-guide.
Best practices
To do Proper attire is required in public for all guests going to Oman, Qatar or the United Arab Emirates. Arms and legs must be covered. However, it is not recommended to 'disguise' oneself by adopting the dishdasha and keffiyeh worn by locals. To avoid The topic of religion is sensitive. Criticising Islam, the emir or the authorities can lead to arrest. The left hand is considered impure. It is frowned upon to eat with it.
Fast facts
If Tahitian pearls are renowned worldwide, the pearls from the Persian Gulf are less known. However, pearl fishing reached its peak there at the beginning of the 20th century. Some Bedouin tribes would leave their oases in the summer, the season conducive to pearl collection. In winter, they would return to cultivate the palm groves. The activity eventually almost disappeared in the 1940s, but a Japanese entrepreneur opened a pearl farm in 2005 near Ras Al Khaimah. Forty thousand pearls are cultivated there every year.
Essential vocabulary
Hello / good evening: Salaam Malekoum Goodbye: ilâ l-liqâ Welcome: Marhaban Excuse me / please: min fadlik Thank you: shoukran Yes / no: Ayoua / Lâ How are you?: kefalouk Very well, thank you, and you: Zen, wa ant? My name is...: ismi...
Gastronomy
Most of the dishes to be tasted in the Persian Gulf are inspired by foreign specialties, such as Indian biryani (spiced rice with chicken, lamb or fish) or Middle Eastern shawarma. However, ghouzy remains a typical dish, usually reserved for festive evenings. It consists of lamb or young camel cooked on a spit, stuffed with rice, almonds and spices. Travellers, however, rarely have the chance to taste it.
Myths and legends
According to legend, Sinbad, the famous sailor of the seven voyages found in the 'One Thousand and One Nights', is said to be from Oman. He is believed to have been born in the city of Sohar, north of Muscat. During the time of the Persians, Omanis were known for being excellent sailors. Coming from a family of fishermen, young Sinbad is said to have learned to master the dhow, the traditional Omani boat, before setting sail on the seas.
In the spotlight
Qatar is facing a shortage of drinking water that it has to manage on a daily basis. The solution adopted by the wealthy oil state is to desalinate seawater. Thus, four giant hangars have been built 20 kilometres from the capital, Doha, to store nearly two million litres of drinkable water. Other similar projects plan to double the storage capacity by 2026. However, industry and agriculture continue to draw from groundwater sources. It is estimated that 100 million cubic metres are pumped annually from underground.
Culture
Book In 'City of Stars', Emirati author Sala Galadari immerses the reader in the 17th century, in Najmia. It is in this fictional city in the Middle East that we follow Ameera Hussain, a young woman from a privileged background. Her life takes a turn when she learns a family secret that plunges her into the war raging with the neighbouring city.
Key figures – 27
27%. This is the share of the GDP represented by activities related to oil and hydrocarbons in the United Arab Emirates. Aware that the production of fossil fuels could experience a slowdown in growth in the coming years, Emiratis are increasingly focusing on services (trade, tourism, and finance) which account for 40% of the GDP.