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DUBAI – City of Gold, Shoppers Paradise
Popularly known the world over as the “City of Gold” and “Shoppers Paradise”, dynamic, bustling Dubai never fails to amaze! From fabulous shopping malls to towering hotels, from majestic skyscrapers to ultra-modern offices, from the old heritage Souqs to the new electronics and mobile phones markets, Dubai has it all, including the world’s first seven-star hotel – the Burj Al Arab. Soon, the world’s tallest building Burj Dubai is also expected to grace the rising Dubai skyline. The world famous Dubai Shopping Festival, Duabi Desert Classic and the world’s richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup are just some of the mesmerizing attractions that attract people from the world all year round!
JEDDAH – City of Merchants
New office blocks, apartments and modern shopping centres have transformed this city located on the east coast of the Red Sea into a verdant green city from the desert plains. While in Jeddah, a visit to the Jeddah Museum is worthwhile featuring exhibits of archaeology and cultural history. But you may find the Municipality Museum more inspiring. It's housed in a 200-year-old house beautifully built from Red Sea coral. And, inside, a photographic history of Jeddah's development and several rooms decorated in traditional style, make an engaging exhibition. A real shopping treat can be had in Jeddah's market, the Souk Al-Alawi. You'll lose hours of time wandering and browsing the wares along the winding streets of the old city. For more cultural and architectural insights, head for the North City Gate, where you'll find some good examples of traditional architecture. Three of Jeddah's old city gates have been reconstructed and can be found here too.
Despite its more cosmopolitan exposure, Jeddah is still a conservative city whose traditions should be respected. Women must cover themselves to avoid attention and alcohol cannot be bought or consumed.
Jeddah enjoys a warm climate, averaging 25ºC- 32ºC throughout the year. The hottest month is usually August. It rarely rains, but when it does this tends to fall during November and December.
DJIBOUTI – The Gateway to Africa
Djibouti's location is the main economic asset of a country that is mostly barren. The capital, Djibouti city, handles Ethiopian imports and exports. Its transport facilities are used by several landlocked African countries to fly in their goods for re-export. This earns Djibouti much-needed transit taxes and harbor fees.
After independence from France in 1977, Djibouti was left with a government which enjoyed a balance between the two main ethnic groups, the Issa of Somali origin and the Afar of Ethiopian origin.
Most of Djibouti’s economic activity is centered on its port linked to Ethiopia’s capital by rail. It is one of only three ports operating in the horn of Africa and is useful for trans-shipment and as a refueling point. The management of the country’s main airport, the Djibouti International Airport has been granted to a private company and is an indication of the privatization process underway in the country.
MOGADISHU – A Blend of The Ancient and The Modern
With a population of about 1,5 million, Mogadishu is the largest city and chief seaport. The city has a rich 1,000-year history. Persian and Arab traders founded Mogadishu in the 10th century and intermarried with the local population. One of the earliest Arab settlements on the East African coast, the city was a leading commercial port by the 13th century. The port was under the control of the Sultan of Zanzibar, and of the Italian government in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Mogadishu finally became capital of an independent Somalia in 1960. From 1992 to 1995 Mogadishu became the center of a United Nations (UN) operation intended to restore government.
For visitors the main landmarks in town are the Arba-Rucun Mosque (Mosque of the four pillars) and the cathedral the Italians built right next to it. They are close to the waterfront and the old city with its many white houses and small streets. Other attractions include the beach, which is okay, although the tow can be dangerous and there are often sharks.
HARGEYSA – Nestled in Nature’s Comfort
Hargeysa (also spelled Hargeisa), is a town in northwestern Somalia. It is located in an enclosed valley of the Galgodon (Ogo) highlands, at an elevation of 4,377 feet (1,334 m). The region has a fairly equable climate, and Hargeysa was originally the summer capital of former British Somaliland, of which it became the permanent administrative centre in 1941. No large industries developed, but the town became an important watering and trading locus for the nomadic stock herders who formed the majority of the population. Meat, livestock, skins, and ghee were exported through Berbera, 117 miles (188 km) northeast, on the Gulf of Aden. Imports were consumer goods, including tea, sugar, and cotton cloth. Pop. (1981 est.) 70,000.
BOSASO - A Rapidly Growing City
Bosaso (formerly Bender Qassim) is the fourth largest city in Somalia and the main port of Somalia. Bosaso has the busiest port in Somalia, and a major airport, Bender Qassim Internatonal Airport. Bosaso is a rapidly growing city.
Like Hargeisa and Berbera, the rapid construction in the city has been financed by relative Somalis abroad in Europe and North America who are making money. The city has almost grown 15 times since the war as people from all over Somalia are migrating here.
ADEN
Aden is a city of Yemen and the country’s winter capital, situated in the south, at the Gulf of Aden. Aden is made up of easily distinguishable centers, surrounding what was once the crater of a volcano, and rising up to 300 meters above sea level. Of the old volcano crater, only the Bay of Aden remains. The British captured Aden in 1839, and made it the most important port of Yemen. Today, modern Aden is the second largest city of a united Yemen, a main sea port as well as the economic capital of the entire country.
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