Discover 23 New and Exciting Attractions Across the GCC Region
The allure of novelty often beckons, and in the spirit of exploration, what better way to begin than by discovering the latest and most captivating attractions in the GCC? Living in the GCC offers an incredible chance to explore Africa, Asia, and Europe within just a few hours’ reach, and the best part – seamless connections abound.
Amidst the thrill of jet-setting, it’s easy to overlook the gems right in our backyard. Experience the Marvels of the GCC’s New Attractions by Region:
Bahrain
- Al Dana Amphitheatre: Carved into the heart of the Sakhir desert, this 10,000-seat underground amphitheatre offers electrifying live entertainment. World-renowned artists like Kings of Leon have graced its stage, all against the backdrop of sustainable design and exceptional acoustics.
- Bahrain Aquarium: The Middle East’s first cylindrical mall-based aquarium, home to over 2,500 aquatic species, beckons with diving, petting, and educational tours, offering an immersive journey into the undersea world.
- Souq Al Baraha: Diyar Al Muharraq’s expansive souq boasts nearly 500 shops, a gold souq, and markets teeming with produce, evoking the charm of a traditional Bahraini marketplace.
Oman 4. Mall of Oman: Spanning 140,000 square meters, this mall houses over 300 retail stores, a 15-screen cinema, and even an indoor ski slope, Snow Oman, promising an irresistible experience.
- Wadina Water Park: Combining a day at the pool with a historic city trip to Nizwa, the Wadina Water Park offers a range of water-based fun, from thrilling slides to relaxing poolside lounging.
Qatar 6. 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum: Ahead of the FIFA World Cup, Qatar opens this interactive museum, delighting visitors with engaging displays and artifacts centered around sports and the Olympic spirit.
- Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park: Qatar’s largest water park features over 18 attractions, including slides, pools, and even a man-made canyoning attraction, providing refreshing excitement for all.
Saudi Arabia 8. Hayy Jameel Jeddah: This sprawling 17,000-square-meter arts hub is a haven for culture enthusiasts, offering studios, exhibitions, workshops, and more, with constantly changing themes to explore.
- Maraya Concert Hall: Adorned with mirrors, this architectural masterpiece has hosted world-class concerts and showcases stunning AlUla landscapes, while the newly opened Maraya Social atop serves culinary delights.
- The BLVD Skate Park: Riyadh’s largest skate park, The BLVD Skate Park, invites skateboarders, BMX riders, and scooter enthusiasts to embrace their inner thrill-seeker.
UAE Abu Dhabi
- Al Barza at Qasr Al Watan: The majestic Al Barza majlis is now open to the public, offering an immersive experience that delves into the historical significance of majlises in the Emirates.
- Al Wathba Fossil Dune Protected Area: Spanning over seven kilometers, this area unveils more than 1,700 fossil dunes along well-lit trails, complemented by an amphitheater for captivating light shows.
- The National Aquarium: Dive into the maritime history of the Gulf economies at the largest aquarium in the Middle East, showcasing diverse underwater ecosystems and offering captivating encounters.
Dubai 14. Infinity des Lumières: Immerse yourself in art at the immersive digital museum Infinity des Lumières, where visual art, sound, and digital technology merge to create dynamic and interactive exhibitions.
- Madame Tussauds Dubai: Get up close to your favorite celebrities through lifelike wax figures, each zone dedicated to different facets of fame, from music to sports and beyond.
- Museum of the Future: Dubai’s futuristic marvel, Museum of the Future, offers immersive, multi-sensory experiences across multiple floors, exploring themes like space travel, well-being, and more.
- The View at The Palm, Dubai: Ascend to the 52nd floor of Palm Tower for an unparalleled vantage point, offering breathtaking views of Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf.
Northern Emirates 18. Jais Sledder: Defy expectations by sledding through the Hajar Mountains at up to 40 kilometers per hour, offering an exhilarating experience amid stunning vistas.
- Sharjah Safari Park: Explore the largest safari outside of Africa, spanning 12 different African environments and showcasing over 120 species of animals.
Upcoming Attractions 20. Al Maha Island, Qatar: Anticipate the Winter Wonderland theme park, eateries, and bars, including renowned names like Zuma and LPM Restaurant & Bar.
- Diriyah Gate, Saudi Arabia: A transformative project featuring restoration of At-Turaif, UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside hotels, restaurants, and more.
- Snow Oman, Oman: The upcoming Mall of Oman addition, Snow Oman, is poised to be the country’s largest snow park, offering a unique winter wonderland experience.
- Zayed National Museum, UAE: A visually striking museum highlighting the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s historical sustainability, and future-oriented concepts.
