โ
โ
Photo Gallery
Gulf countries
๐ฆ๐ช๐ถ๐ฆ๐ง๐ญ
United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain
The Persian Gulf (aka Arabian Gulf) is a region full of contrasts. Many people associate it with impressive skyscrapers, ultra-luxury hotels and endless desert. However, behind this glitter and artificial world, there are people with a history and interesting culture to discover.
The history of the Persian Gulf states is much older than the image of modern luxury that we know today. Before the discovery of oil, these areas were small coastal communities that lived from fishing, trade and mainly pearl collection, an activity that for centuries was the main source of income.
From the 16th century onwards, the Gulf coast became a field of confrontation between Persian, Ottoman and European powers, mainly the Portuguese and later the British, who controlled the sea trade routes to India. In the mid-19th century, British agreements with local tribes led to the creation of the Trucial States, an alliance that later formed the basis for the United Arab Emirates.
Bahrain has been an important trading center for centuries, thanks to its location on the Gulf sea route. It became a British protectorate in the early 20th century and gained independence in 1971, maintaining a balance between the local monarchy and international influences.
Qatar followed a similar path. From a small trading port and pearling area, it became internationally known after the discovery of its vast oil and gas reserves. Its independence in 1971 marked the beginning of a rapid economic development that radically changed the image of the country within a few decades.
The United Arab Emirates was founded in the same year, as a union of seven emirates with a common vision and strong cooperation. Since then, they have evolved into the most dynamic states in the Middle East, combining traditional values โโwith technological innovation.
Despite rapid development, the Gulf states maintain a strong cultural and religious identity, based on Islam and the nomadic roots of the Bedouins. Recent decades have brought wealth and cosmopolitanism, but the social structure remains tied to the values โโof family, hospitality and honor.
Today, the Persian Gulf region is a global crossroads, economically, culturally and geopolitically.
People
Qataris combine a commitment to tradition with an impressive ease with modern life. They are a people of kindness, pride and hospitality, with a calm self-confidence that reflects the way their country has changed in a few decades.
Emiratis are worldly people, with a culture that combines local tradition and global influence. It is impressive how immigrants, locals and different cultures coexist in such a multinational state.
Bahrainis are warm, calm and proud. Although a small state, Bahrain has a less ostentatious image, but is deeply connected to history and the sea.
Places
๐ถ๐ฆ Qatar. Tradition and Modernization
Qatar is perhaps the most interesting example of transformation in the Middle East. Doha, with its modern architecture and the impressive skyscrapers of the Corniche, has become a center of commerce, culture and design.
Meanwhile, Souq Waqif still retains the smell of spices, traditional shops and the rhythm of an old Arab market.
A little further out, the Sealine desert and the rocky coast towards the Inland Sea show the other side of Qatar, silent, authentic and wild.
๐ฆ๐ช United Arab Emirates. Desert and masterpieces
The United Arab Emirates is a union of seven emirates, each with its own character. Dubai is the best known of them. The Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world, the artificial islands and the desert by the sea show the absolute contrast between luxury and arid landscape.
Abu Dhabi, on the other hand, has a calmer pace. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with its white marble arches and mosaics, is one of the most impressive modern religious buildings in the world. And a few kilometers away, the Liwa sand dunes remind us that, beyond technology, the region remains deeply connected to the desert.
๐ง๐ญ Bahrain. A small island with history
Bahrain is the most โquietโ of the Gulf states, but with the oldest history. Here are the traces of the ancient state of Dilmun, one of the first organized societies in the region.
Manama, the capital, combines modern construction with a more human scale. Narrow alleys, traditional markets and the Bahrain Museum give a glimpse of the past.
The island connects Saudi Arabia to the sea via the King Fahd Causeway, and despite its small size, it has a vibrant cultural life, with festivals, arts and a vibrant young community.
Experiences
My personal travel taste does not have a particular preference for countries like these. The excessive wealth leaves me indifferent and the artificial wonders of excess do not appeal to me. Thus, I have visited these places mainly on layovers lasting 1-2 days, en route to other destinations.
