Riyadh, (or Riad) is the capital of Saudi Arabia and is the largest city in the Arabian peninsula. It is considered a global city and hopes to challenge Dubai in attracting much foreign investment. Riyadh can be reached by all modes of transport. but specific places to see include the Kingdom Tower, Tuwaiq Palace, Al Masmak Palace, Murabba Palace, and the King Abdullah Financial District.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is an 83 island archipelago off the East coast of Saudi Arabia. Its economy is more dependent on tourism and banking, than on oil. Taking a trip around the country will only take a weekend! Some sights not to miss include the Bahrain Fort, World Trade Center, Tree of Life, Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Fort (RIffa Fort), Jazaer Beach, and the Salman bin Hamad Mosque.

Sometimes when you plan a trip, you have to deal with a longer than normal layover in a different city. This can be a blessing! I have highlighted five such layovers you can build into your trip itinerary to get the most from your trip (KLM - Amsterdam, Emirates - Dubai, British Airways - London, Turkish Airlines - Istanbul, IcelandAir - Reykjavik).

As the only city located on two continents (Europe and Asia), you could say Istanbul is double the fun. The attractions of this city are endless: Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Galata bridge and tower, Taksim Square, Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, and the Maiden's Tower are a great way to get started to discovering the identity of this amazing city.

In just one (very efficient) week's time, you can get a glimpse of the vast history of Egyptian culture. This post outlines how to see the Pyramids at Giza, Valley of the Kings, Temples at Abu Simbel, Luxor Temple, Temple of Karnak, Aswan, Temple of Edfu, and Queen Hatshepsut's Tomb (just to name a few). As far as food, EAT EVERYTHING!

This city of superlatives is great for a layover (by booking an Emirates flight) or extended stay. This is a breakdown of some of the coolest places to see including the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al-Arab, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Dubai Marina, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and the Souks at Madinat Jumeirah.

If you find yourself in the Middle East for any reason, make your way to Petra (and Jordan in general). Jordan provides excellent natural landscapes such as Wadi Rum Desert and the Dead Sea as well as ancient civilization ruins (at Petra). The Sig, Treasury, and Monastery are the most well known landmarks of the old city of Petra.