The trendiest new attractions in the GCC are a great place to start if you’re always searching for something new or want to venture out occasionally. Being able to travel is one of the best things about living in the GCC, as locations in Africa, Asia, and Europe are only a few hours away. Our favourite aspect is that there are never any awkward connections.
Here is our list of some of the top activities and attractions in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes indoor and outdoor theme parks, water-based and land-based attractions, amazing museums, cultural hotspots that inspire and educate, unforgettable city views, and islands you won’t want to leave.
Bahrain
Bahrain Aquarium
The first cylindrical aquarium of this size to be found inside a mall in the Middle East is the Bahrain Aquarium. A fantastic way to get a glimpse of life beneath the oceans around the archipelago and beyond, the aquarium is home to over 2,500 kinds of underwater animals, including sharks and manta rays, and offers petting, diving, and informative tour experiences for all ages. Afterwards, take the brood shopping for an exciting day together after making some friends who are Marines.
Souq Al Baraha
If you have previously travelled to Bahrain, you have undoubtedly been to Manama Souq, which is known for its winding lanes and secret sales. However, a brand-new, much larger souq has recently entered the market. Go to Diyar Al Muharraq to visit the Souq Al Baraha complex, which has around 500 stores, a gold souq, vegetable and fruit markets, and antique shops. It will hold events all year round and is intended to resemble a traditional Bahraini bazaar.
Oman
Mall of Oman
Those who value a nice mall (and it’s hard not to enjoy this one) shouldn’t miss this one, since it spans over 140,000 square metres and has over 300 retail outlets in addition to a 15-screen movie theatre. Not only can you shop here, but you can also spoil yourself at one of the restaurants or hit up Snow Oman’s indoor ski hill.
Wadina Water Park
A day spent at a water park embodies the essence of summertime enjoyment. That can mean spending a relaxing day in the pool with a glass of lemonade in hand for some, or it might mean getting the adrenaline going on the tallest, scariest slides for others. And now that Wadina Water Park has opened, guests in Muscat may combine a day trip to the mediaeval city of Nizwa with a swim.
Qatar
Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park
Want to stay cool this summer? Go no further than the largest water park in Qatar, which debuted last year and features over 18 attractions, 56 rides and slides, and a number of bathing pools for those times when you simply want to relax. Highlights of the park include the first artificial canyoning attraction in the Middle East, as well as twisting and turning tube slides, surf simulators, lazy rivers, and the thrilling king cobra ride.
Place Vendôme
While there are plenty of malls in the Middle East, the magnificent Place Vendôme will astound you with its opulent design, which was inspired by Paris’s renowned Rue de la Paix. In addition to the almost 600 stores (which include a three-story Sephora and a posh neighbourhood you’ll love to window shop in), there’s a daily fountain show.
Saudi Arabia
Hayy Jameel Jeddah
The name Hayy Jameel Jeddah, which is the Arabic word for the neighbourhood, seems appropriate given the space it occupies—17,000 square meters—which includes studios, study areas, exhibition centres, cafés, shops, and even an independent cinema. Since the arts hub first opened its doors in December, there has always been something new to explore every month through exhibitions, commissions, workshops, initiatives, and programmes. As a result, you may visit often without getting tired. This is not one you should miss if you love the arts and culture.
The BLVD Skate Park
At the largest skate park in central Hittin, Riyadh, it’s time to dust off the old skateboard, oil the inline skate wheels, or go on the vintage scooter. Classic BMXers, skateboarders, and scooter adventurers can find tracks and training sessions at Boulevard’s BLVD Skate Park. As soon as you walk in, a qualified expert will be matched with you and will guide you according to your ability level.
There are rumours going around the skate park that Saudi Skate Parks intends to build two more skate parks in the future, one of which will be located on Jazan’s coastline. Whether or not you can perform any impressive wheelie feats, now’s the perfect opportunity to embrace your inner Tony Hawk.
UAE
Yas Bay Waterfront
Yas Island is without a doubt the most active area of the city at the moment. There are plenty of reasons to visit Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World, a family favourite, and the renowned Yas Island Circuit. And with Yas Bay Waterfront debuting in December, there was even more reason to go.
This lively area, which is close to Etihad Arena, is home to eateries like Asia Asia, Hunter & Barrel, and La Carnita. It also boasts three Buddha bars. Aside from gorging your food, you can take a yellow boat and tour the neighbourhood by water, or you can go bowling or play arcade games at Central. Is this concept clear to you, or should we proceed further? In summary, it’s the place to be.
The View at The Palm, Dubai
A famous feature of the Dubai coastline, the Palm Jumeirah was built more than 20 years ago. Perhaps you’ve seen it all if you braved Sky Dubai, or you’ve seen snippets of it from some of the city’s tallest buildings, but now there’s another way to view it all without having to leap out of an aeroplane.
Experience the viewing deck 240 metres above the earth as you ascend to the 52nd level of the Palm Tower, where you can take in unobstructed views of the Palm Jumeirah and the shimmering Arabian Gulf. By going to The Next Level at the same location and increasing your view point by ten metres, you can even enhance the experience. Don’t take a chance, scaredy cats; this attraction definitely rewards the bold.
