Fukuoka, Japan’s vibrant city on the island of Kyushu, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and modern charm. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and rich heritage, Fukuoka is home to the impressive Fukuoka Castle, a historical site that offers a glimpse into the city’s feudal past.
Budva is a coastal town in southwestern Montenegro, set beside the Adriatic Sea and surrounded by limestone hills. Its Old Town occupies a small fortified peninsula, with narrow stone streets, historic buildings, churches, and squares enclosed by defensive walls. Outside the walls, Budva extends along a busy waterfront with beaches, hotels, restaurants, and a marina.
Xi’an, located in central China’s Shaanxi Province, served as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road and was the capital of 13 imperial dynasties. Its long history is most famously represented by the Terracotta Army, an underground army of life-sized warriors discovered in 1974. Each figure has distinct facial features, hairstyles, and armor, designed to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife.
Oman stands among the oldest independent states in the Arab world, with evidence of human habitation stretching back over 100,000 years. Its capital, Muscat, rises gently against limestone hills with no skyscrapers to interrupt its skyline. Visitors find broad avenues lined with stunning buildings leading to landmarks like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House, both offering glimpses into Omani artistry and modern elegance.
Ziguinchor is the regional capital of Casamance in southern Senegal, situated along the Casamance River in a landscape of waterways, mangroves, palm groves, rice fields, and wooded areas. Its riverfront setting gives the city a character that differs from the drier regions farther north. Ziguinchor is an important commercial and transport center for Casamance, with connections by road and river to communities throughout the region.
A city in perpetual forward motion, Abu Dhabi greets visitors with gleaming skyscrapers and opulent Islamic architecture. There is much to see here, from the recently opened Louvre Abu Dhabi to the gigantic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with its white marble splendor. Beach life and turquoise waters can be found on Saadiyat Island, Al Bateen and Corniche Beach. Tourists and locals shop at mega-malls, while outdoorsy types take Mangrove kayaking tours, where herons and pelicans fly. For thrill-seekers, the Ferrari World theme park focuses on Formula One racing and has a roller coaster with a 52-meter loop. For those interested in more relaxed sightseeing, a boat tour from the city's marina offers a breathtaking view of Abu Dhabi's skyline.
Other Popular Destinations in United Arab Emirates
Dubai
Dubai is a grandiose, extraordinarily modern metropolis in the United Arab Emirates. Visitors will marvel at the dramatic skyline, the musical Dubai Fountain and the manmade archipelago right offshore that features a major resort.
Al Ain
Al Ain is located about 160 km east of Abu Dhabi, and has its own international airport, which opened in 1994. Its many attractions include camel races, ancient forts, a zoo, museums, and the Jabal Hafit Mountain.