Must-See highlights when visiting the GCC region

Dreaming of a summer escape where you can explore both record‑breaking modern towers and ancient trading ports-turned-museums? The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) is a regional alliance of six nations: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait, known for their rich history, culture, and economic ties. The Arabian Gulf stands at that crossroads connecting Dubai’s gravity‑defying skyline, Abu Dhabi’s art‑studded islands, Saudi Arabia’s emerging cultural hubs, Oman’s rugged fjords and Qatar’s pearl‑rich shores—each promising relief from the heat and a rush of discovery.

Begin in Dubai, where you can swap noon’s desert glare for cool thrills inside vast indoor worlds. Dive with reef sharks at Dubai Mall Aquarium, carve fresh snow at Ski Dubai or hunt summer flash sales in air‑conditioned malls. When the sun softens, drift into dunes for falcon shows under desert stars or watch the city ignite from an infinity‑edge rooftop pool. A short drive south, Abu Dhabi pairs white‑sand beaches with masterpieces beneath the Louvre’s dome. In the United Arab Emirates, you can attend the world’s biggest events, loudest concerts and business conferences, while uncovering secret gems where you can peacefully kayak along mangrove tunnels by day, and delight in Michelin-starred menus by the marina after dark.

Embrace the cooler breeze east into Oman, where Jabal Akhdar’s terraced peaks offer breathtaking views and cool wadis. Venture farther south to Salalah’s khareef, a monsoon oasis of mist‑wrapped hills and surprise waterfalls — a rare cool pocket at the height of summer!

Head west across honey‑coloured desert into Saudi Arabia and step into living history. Think lantern‑lit palaces along Riyadh’s Diriyah trails, coral‑stone merchant houses in Jeddah’s Al‑Balad and sunset concerts amid AlUla’s wind‑carved sandstone cathedrals. Complete the trip in Qatar and sail through a traditional dhow that frames Doha’s neon skyline, strolling the Corniche at twilight and lingering in the marble‑clad cafés of Msheireb’s revival district.

Wherever your journey winds, GHA DISCOVERY weaves it together with room upgrades, D$ rewards, and Local Offers and Experiences that unlock the region’s hidden heart. Book this summer and let the Arabian Gulf’s blend of timeless heritage and cutting‑edge wonder unfold with every stay.