Arafat day, or Day of Arafat, occurs on the 9th day of the pilgrimage to the holy site of Mecca, and it is believed to stand as the day on which the religion has been perfected. When you visit Abu Dhabi during this time, consider checking into a spa resort Abu Dhabi has to offer its international visitors, such as the Anantara Al Yamm. Providing a soothing experience in the middle of the desert, these villas in Abu Dhabi are fine oases for some welcome rejuvenation. Especially in the aftermath of Arafat Day, as it is a day of fasting and devotion as Muslims worldwide choose this time to ask Allah (the Arabic word for God) for forgiveness and ultimate salvation. The act of fasting …

Popular as one of the most coveted tourist festivals in the region, the Salalah Tourism Festival is a compelling reason to head down to the heart of Oman this Khareef Season. The 2013 edition of the red letter event is set to take centre stage once more come the month of June. The 2012 installment of the highly successful tourism festival kicked off Khareef Season in style last year with a host of engaging attraction to suit shopaholics and culture buffs alike. Conducted at the Municipality Fair Grounds from June 21st to July 18th the festival was hosted by the Dhofar Municipal Council as in previous years. Described by visitors as a shopaholic’s dream come true the retail opportunities at the festival highlighted local produce …

August is generally a quiet month in the Thai island paradise of Phuket. However, there is a little bit of excitement towards the middle of the month, when locals and visitors will be treated to an extravagant fireworks show courtesy of Laem Saphan Hin, a small village situated on the outskirts of Phuket Town. The fireworks festival is a grand affair that will delight the young and the old alike. The event is held annually and has gathered quite a following. During the festival the night sky will come to life in a fiery spectacle which will use up over four thousand fireworks. The visual fiesta ordinarily lasts about forty minutes and can be seen from miles away, although, it is best viewed from nearby. …

Phuket has risen from its lazy traditional village to become a popular tourist hub in the east with its pristine beaches and warm waters drawing tourists from around the globe to bask in and enjoy the sun, sand and surf in this tropical paradise. Kathu is actually one of the three districts of Phuket Island. Muang and Thalang are the other two and Kathu includes the popular Pantong Beach and Kamala Beach as well as the island between Pantong and Phuket. Kathu used to be a tin mining industry based village especially in the 19th and early 20th century and although the tin industry is not flourishing as it used to, the little town has retained its traditional cultures and practices. The Kathu Festival is …

Guangzhou is one of the most prosperous found in China, and it is also the capital city of Guangdong Province. A hub for cultural, political, educational, scientific, and economic activities in the Guangdong Province, it is a lively locale that must be explored. Tourism is one of the major industries that flourishes in this city. The varied number of restaurants and dining locations that are scattered throughout the area could be seen overflowing with visitors throughout the year. There are a huge number of attractions to keep travellers of all stripes entertained and spellbound. The White Cloud Mountain is one spot that would awe and inspire both the younger and older generations. The Five Ram Statue in Yuexiu Park has been one of the places …

Known to be the holiest month of the year according to the Islamic calendar, the period of Ramadan is a sacred time of the year for all Muslims. With a mostly Islamic population the city of Dubai is at the heart of the celebration as millions of devotees observe the customs and rituals associated with the holy period with great religious fervour and devotion. Ramadan for the year of 2013 will officially commence on the 10th of July and conclude on 9th August this year, precisely a month and one day in duration. Marking the revelation of Islam’s holy text, the Quran, the festival begins with weeks of fasting that culminate in the Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing …