Middle East Things To Do

The world’s very first indoor ski resort is the size of three football fields. Located in the center of the Mall of the Emirates, this 275-foot-high synthetic hill has several runs, as well as a snow park for children. Because no one expects you to bring ski clothes to Dubai, the resort provides all the amenities – even hot cocoa at the top of the "mountain."

Spend a few hours being scrubbed and pampered in a traditional Moroccan hammam. Several hotels and spas have them, but the city’s best is at the One&Only Royal Mirage.

If you’re interested in expanding your knowledge of regional artists, head over to The Third Line, which has one of this city’s finest contemporary art collections.

This water park located next to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel has dozens of attractions including surfing machines, waterfalls, and the biggest slide outside of the North America.

This former Iranian neighborhood, located on the banks of the Dubai Creek, is over 100 years old. Spend a day here touring this village’s narrow lanes, which snake around the collection of gypsum-colored traditional Emirati buildings constructed before the oil dollars rolled in the 70’s. Begin at the XVA Gallery, which is housed in the most impeccably renovated Bastakiya former home.

Built in 1781, the Al Fahidi Fort currently serves as the home for the Dubai Museum. Step in for a thorough look at life-size recreations of traditional Dubai homes back when pearls were this city’s main commodity.

Better known as the Blue Mosque after the mainly blue Iznik tiles that line its walls, this glorious 17th-century building faces the church of Aya Sofya at the heart of Old Istanbul.

Housed in a converted warehouse, Istanbul’s modern art gallery offers an introduction to Turkish artists including 19th-century Orientalist Osman Hamdi Bey and contemporary artist Burhan Dogancay. The café is also worth visiting.

Soak off the day’s exertions in a Turkish Bath built by the 16th-century Ottoman architect Sinan. Separate sections for men and women, plus gratuity-inclusive prices, ensure a hassle-free visit.

Turks are fanatical soccer fans. For a taste of local sports culture, grab a ticket to see home team Fenerbahce play on the Asian side of town during the winter.