Choose from 633 Fun Things to Do in Middle East And Africa
Ain Diab Corniche
Ajloun Castle
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Al Hamra
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Al Aqsa Mosque
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Al Ain National Museum
Church of the Nativity
The 4,000-foot complex now includes the main basilica, run by the Greek Orthodox Church; the Roman Catholic, Gothic Revival-style Church of St. Catherine; the Grotto, an underground shrine to the birth of Jesus; and a bas-relief sculpture of the Tree of Jesse, a symbol of Jesus’ genealogy, bequeathed to the church by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.
Listed as a Heritage Site in 2012, this is first UNESCO site to be set in Palestine; its nomination sparked fierce opposition from both the United States and Israel. Presently in a state of worrisome disrepair due to ongoing water damage, the church has been placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger and approved by the Palestinian Authority for a multi-million dollar restoration.
In the meantime, the church is open to the public, and visitor information can be found here: http://www.bethlehem.custodia.org/
Al-Attarine Madrasa
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Al Jalali Fort
Al Alam Palace (Sultan's Palace)
Al Areen Wildlife Park
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Al Hazm Castle
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Al Ain Zoo
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Alabaster Mosque (Mohammad Ali Mosque)
The citadel of Saladin - and indeed, the Cairo skyline - is dominated by the Alabaster Mosque, or Mosque of Mohammed Ali. Modelled along classic Turkish lines, it took 18 years to build (1830 - 1848) although later the domes had to be rebuilt. It was commissioned by Mohammad Ali, ruler of Egypt from 1805 - 1849, who lies in the marble tomb on the right as you enter.
Perhaps the most evocative description of it is in Olivia Manning's The Levant Trilogy: "Above them Mohammed Ali's alabaster mosque, uniquely white in this sand-coloured city, sat with minarets pricked, like a fat, white, watchful cat." It has never found much favor with writers, who have criticized it for being unimaginative, lacking in grace and resembling a great toad. Note the chintzy clock in the central courtyard, a gift from King Louis-Philippe of France in thanks for the Pharaonic obelisk that adorns the Place de la Concorde in Paris. It was damaged on delivery and has yet to be repaired.
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The easiest way to travel around Cairo is by organized tour or private car and guide. If you choose a private car, just be firm that you do not want to visit all the perfume and carpet shops!
Ait Benhaddou
- A tour of Ait Benhaddou involves a lot of walking uphill and along uneven paths, so wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.
- There are a number of restaurants, accommodation options, and souvenir stalls at Ait Benhaddou.
- Ait Benhaddou is not easily accessible for wheelchairs users.
Al Fateh Grand Mosque
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Al Bithnah Fort
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Al-Azhar Mosque
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Al Mirani Fort
Al Ain Oasis
As you explore the 3,000-acre (1,200-hectare) space, you’ll be shaded by more than 100 varieties of date palms--nearly 150,000 of them. Rent a bike or throw on some walking shoes and give yourself a few hours to enjoy the winding brick-paved trails.