---

Bandar Abbas
Iran

Of the six cruise ports listed on this page, Bandar Abbas has the least tourism appeal (many Persian Gulf cruisers come here just to add Iran to their "been there" list). To me, the two most interesting Bandar Abbas attractions are the Sayed Mozafar Mosque and the Anthropology Museum. But they pale by comparison to Isfahan and the other glories of northern Iran.

---

Damman
Saudi Arabia

Like Bandar Abbas, Damman is primarily an oil and commercial shipping port, with scant tourism allure. However, most visitors enjoy the Heritage Centre museum. It has a Hollywoodesque Arab-desert-fort-exterior. The restaurant inside is decorated with showy ethnic trappings.

---

Doha
Qatar

This oil-based-economy city boasts a broad array of uniquely designed skyscrapers. Popular attractions include serene sunset dhow cruises and gripping desert safaris (your 4-wheel-drive vehicle zooms up and down tall sand dunes). Also visit Waqif Souk.

---

Fujairah
United Arab Emirates

Frankly, there's hardly anything in the city worth seeing. What makes Fujairah a must is its location. Use it as a base for daytrips. The best are road excursions taking you through spectacular high-canyon-walled wadis and panoramic-view mountain passes. The arid, desolate landscapes have a distant-planet appearance.

---

Kuwait City
Kuwait

The city has many modern skyscrapers but its photo icon is Kuwait Towers, a set of three soaring spires with striking modern-Arabic architectural designs (see photo).  The tallest is as high as a 40-story building. It has a revolving observation platform and restaurant. Other major city attractions include the Grand Mosque, City Fish Market, Liberation Tower, and Al Mubarakiya Souk. 

---

Manama
Bahrain

The twin, sail-shaped, 50-story Bahrain World Trade Center buildings (see photo) dominate the skyline and visually define Bahrain, a group of small islands. The three mammoth wind turbines that are attached between the twin towers generate electricity. Other well-known landmarks include the Bahrain National Museum and the Tree of Life. The first is more than worth your time, the second isn't.

---

1 Dubai

2 Abu Dhabi

3 Muscat

4 Khasa

> About 6 other ports

Persian Gulf cruises

Insights you should know

Call it "Persian" or "Arabian" Gulf ?

More tips & insights

World's Top 100 Wonders

World's Top 1000 Wonders

Site map

---

---

Explore my
candid country, region
and other travel guides
Click links for tips & insights

©2012 HQP - Hillman Quality Publications / hillmanwonders.com