Example Itinerary

Arabian Peninsula: Art On The Beach

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Art
Destinations
Oman, UAE

The affluent United Arab Emirates is revered for the luxury of its modern cities but it also has a thriving art scene - an eclectic mix of modern works and heritage pieces. Oman is also known for its lavish taste, but the port city of Muscat is full of surprises, mixing contemporary art with traditional Arabian souks and stone buildings reminiscent of a different era. You will stay at opulent hotels, spend blissful afternoons relaxing on the beach, all the while discovering the diverse artwork of the Arab peninsula from beautifully minimalistic galleries – such as the Salwa Zeidan – to the more quirky modern art spaces and studios.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Creative Community: A visit to the UAE's first community art space, Art Hub, offers workshops, exhibitions, and programs that aim to inspire and transform people through art.
  • Historic Bazaar: One of the oldest marketplaces in the country, the vibrant Muttrah Souq sells intricate garments, handicrafts, and household items. 
  • Pick Up a Paintbrush: Feeling inspired? Create a masterpiece (or, at the very least, souvenir) with a session at one of Dubai's art studios.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Abu Dhabi

Arrive in Abu Dhabi. Take this evening at your leisure, perhaps indulge your tastebuds at one of Abu Dhabi’s many sumptuous restaurants such as Scott’s (for glorious ocean views and exquisite seafood), Li Beirut (for delectable Lebanese cuisine), or Bord Eau (for fine French dining).

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location:A beautiful palace situated on its own stretch of private beach, the façade of the building is simply breath-taking and close to everything you could need.

History: One of Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmarks, the gold and marble design embraces the rich culture and colourful traditions of this region.

Service:Personalized registration in the privacy of your suite, 24-hour butler service, luxury bathroom amenities, daily newspaper, fresh flower arrangements, evening turndown service, it’s hard not to be impressed by the flawless five-star luxury services offered.

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Emirates Palace Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Style: Designed by two top architectural companies, the hotel’s aesthetic perfectly balances sophistication, elegance, and warmth with its dark woods, beautiful furnishings, and water features.

Dining: Boasting eight different restaurants and bars, the hotel’s gourmet meals range from fresh seafood to authentic Cantonese cuisine.

Relaxation and Comfort: In addition to luxurious rooms and suites, the hotel houses a nine-room spa that offers several treatments and is equipped with a hammam, cold mist showers, a large whirlpool, and a sauna.

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Rosewood Abu Dhabi Preferred Hotel
About

Abu Dhabi is an opulent bastion of commerce and industry in the United Arab Emirates as well as the burgeoning nation’s capital. Situated on the waterfront of Al Bateen in the Abu Dhabi Marina, The Abu Dhabi Edition boast sleek, modern lines of décor in keeping with the modish high-rise buildings of the city set amid lines of palm trees and carefully manicured walkways.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Abu Dhabi

A day of exhibitions awaits you; explore the exhibitions of the newly finished Louvre Abu Dhabi, the diverse collection of contemporary art products at Gallery One, the dynamic Etihad Modern Art Gallery and the minimalist Salwa Zeidan Gallery. Your final activity for today is a visit to Art Hub Community – the first artist collective space established in the UAE.

Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi

Day 3

Muscat

After flying from Abu Dhabi to Muscat, start at the diverse Al Madina Art Gallery, followed by a visit to MuscArt, which is considered one of Oman’s premier photography and art spaces. Optionally, if available, have a curator, expert or one of the artists will accompany you during your visit. Complete your day with an exploration into the visual arts of Stal Gallery in the heart of Muscat.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Al Bustan Palace is in a divinely-scenic location, nestled between the jagged Al Hajar mountain range and the sparkling Sea of Oman.

Services: Every whim is attended to here with a comprehensive and personal service, reflecting the Omani hospitality and cultural way of life.

History: Muscat has a rich history that is believed to date back to the 6th millenium BC. The authentic architecture found concealed down rustic winding roads are redolent of the past and a display of ancient cultural heritage.

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Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Overlooking the stunning turquoise water of the Sea of Oman, this incredible resort, which features three distinct luxury hotels, sits on 124 acres of rugged mountains and gorgeous beaches. And just 15 minutes from the bustling capital of Muscat, this resort combines the best of all worlds.

History: Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa opened in late 2005 and features Oman’s first family dedicated hotel, Al Waha.

Service: Throughout three hotels and multiple restaurants, the service at Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa is nothing less than impeccable, in keeping with the high standards of the acclaimed Shangri-La brand.

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Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Preferred Hotel
About

Location: Overlooking the ocean, The Chedi stands in the Al Azaiba district in north west Muscat.

Service: Guests can relax in the knowledge that everything is taken care of, with comprehensive and personalized five-star service.

History: In its more than ten years of operation, The Chedi has gained a sparkling reputation with business and leisure guests alike.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

The Chedi

Day 4

Muscat

Start your day with a visit to the Ghalya Museum of Modern Art, in its juxtaposed setting of a period Omani house, browse the work at Bait Muzna – whose mission is to provide “fresh and exciting” pieces – and stop by the Muttrah Souk (a vibrant traditional Arabian market) if you wish. Take the afternoon at leisure; enjoy the beach or a private dolphin watching cruise.

Muscat
Muscat

Day 5

Sharjah

After a short flight to Sharjah, enjoy an art-themed walk (or drive) through Sharjah’s art and heritage areas, such as the Bait Obaid Al Shamsi Studios – set in a beautifully restored creek-side house – and the Emirates Fine Art Society, who strive to promote art education among the public.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Scenic Views: All of rooms and suites afford stunning views of the sea and surrounding landscape through floor-to-ceiling windows or expansive, private balconies.

Location: Ideal for enjoying the pristine beach or taking in breathtaking views of the nearby bay.

Nature: Guests can immerse themselves in the expansive rainforest area by bike or foot.

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The Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah Preferred Hotel

Day 6

Sharjah

Visit the Sharjah Art Museum which boasts one of the largest art exhibitions in the Gulf region and then venture towards the Sharjah Art Foundation venues including the Al Mureijah Square and Calligraphy Square galleries with an expert. Take the afternoon at leisure to enjoy the serene blue ocean waters at the beach.

Sharjah
Sharjah

Day 7

Dubai

Drive 30 minutes from Sharjah to Dubai where you’ll explore the innovative Maraya Art Centre and Art Park, the XVA Art gallery – one of the leading galleries specialising in contemporary Arab art – the Tashkeel Art Space and/or Thejamjar studio, with the option for a two-hour painting session in the DIY studio.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Only a 15-minute drive from the airport, yet strategically situated in the pulsing heart of downtown Dubai, proximity to the city’s main attractions as well as the property’s breathtaking views make the Address Downtown the ultimate address for a Dubai stay.

Accolades: The Address Downtown took home the award for the World’s Best Hotel Spa Suites at the World Spa Awards. A stay in the hotel’s Spa Suites or Signature Spa Suites includes a private terrace with an outdoor jacuzzi – the perfect place to enjoy the view.

Service: The Address family is known for contemporary design, excellent locations, elegant details and impeccable service. Address Downtown, being the brand’s flagship property, sets the bar high for exceptional hospitality and service standards.

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Address Downtown Dubai Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: One couldn’t possibly ask for a more superlative and exciting location for a hotel, with the Armani Hotel nestled into the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, overlooking downtown Dubai.

History: One of the world’s most fascinating construction projects, the Burj Khalifa was inaugurated in 2010, and is today known as a vertical city that rises into the sky.

Service: Everything in the hotel bears Armani’s signature touch, including the warm Italian-style hospitality and fine service shown to its guests.

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Armani Hotel Dubai Preferred Hotel

Day 8

Dubai

Discover hidden gems and quirky coffee shops in the once industrial, but now up-and-coming, trendy neighbourhood of Al Quoz, before moving on to explore the galleries and museums of cultural hub Alserkal Avenue (largely considered home to Dubai’s growing art scene) with the optional  guidance of an expert.

Dubai
Dubai

Day 9

Departure

Your private transfer will take you to the airport for your onward travel or flight home.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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