Dubai Needs To Do A Turkey

So in the disappointing aftermath of Oceana being pulled from the winter program around the Middle East, with the escalating tension as a result of the situation in Hormuz.

Dubai looks surely set to take a big hit to it’s tourism figures until the situation is cleared up.

It’s such a massive shame that the Middle East in general has this turmoil, among other reasons in the region, that affect holidays makers visiting these places.

Many countries there restricted by conflict, border issues, religion, even war. We see it on our TV sets and smart devices almost on a daily basis, and it makes me wonder if the region will ever get its act together and become the dominating force in tourism that I believe it has the potential to be.

Years ago, me and the wife took a cruise around the Emirates and Oman and had such an amazing time, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where she actually accepted my marriage proposal! So it holds a special place in my heart for that nostalgic reason alone!

Aside from that though, the countries have beaches, theme parks, shopping, staggering hotels and architechure, hell you can even go skiing in Dubai if you want!

With attractions such as Ferrari World on offer, and the tourism boost of a Grand Prix circuit at near Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is also an amazing city to take in too.

But it’s the surrounding countries that are causing these areas to suffer, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran & Iraq, all of which we tend to associate here with some form of motivated violence, all of which could one day become genuine contenders for tourist resorts. I mean just across the gulf, Egypt has made goodness knows how much money from holiday makers with places like Hurghada and Sharm, not to mention the continual flow of folks wanting to see the Pyramids near Cairo, not bad for a country made entirely of sand eh.

And to the North, Turkey and it’s stunning turquoise coast, all profiting from outstanding natural beauty and amazing climates.

Granted both of these countries have not been without their problems in recent years, but tourism in Turkey last year was massively up on previous years, due to the people there fighting to get that tourism back. It’s been a great result for them economically.

I love a geography documentary in my spare time, and I’ve watched a few about the troubled areas sandwiched between the Caspian Sea and the Gulf, and all I can think when I watch these shows is ‘Wow look at that landscape!’

From the Caucasus Mountains to the Pamirs to the East, that whole area is ripe for hikers, photographers, and sun worshipers! Think Norway and Scotland but with better weather!

For the moment, only the brave will travel there, but I can only hope one day this will be a distant memory. Who knows maybe in 20-30 years our children and grandchildren will be taking a flight to their 5 Star All Inclusive Resort in Kabul or somewhere similar!

With great weather, stunning landscapes and amazing cuisine it’s not that difficult to imagine this in the future, if only the various conflicts would cease.

Anyway that’s my little thought for the day, thanks for reading, and as ever, until next time……………