We’re always on the lookout for something new, and sometimes we like to branch out –and what better place to start than with the coolest new GCC attractions.
One of the best parts about living in the GCC is the opportunity for travel, with destinations in Africa, Asia and Europe just a few hours away and, our favourite part, no awkward connections.
But with all that jetsetting you might end up neglecting destinations closer to home. Here at Time Out, we’ve decided that this summer is the perfect time to correct this mistake.
To inspire you (and give you a reason to leave the pool bar), we’ve rounded up 23 of the hottest new GCC attractions to get on your radar now.
You might also like: 7 of the great eco-friendly resorts in the GCC right now
Get booking those long weekends ASAP.
Check out these new GCC attractions across the region:
Bahrain
Al Dana Amphitheatre
Carved from rocks in the middle of the Sakhir desert, Al Dana Amphitheatre is Bahrain’s newest and most electrifying live entertainment destination. The 10,000-seat amphitheatre itself might be parked 15 metres underground, but the acts playing here are anything but – in fact, one of the first artists to perform here was mega rock band Kings of Leon back in February of this year. With its amazing acoustics and sustainable design, Al Dana Amphitheatre may just become your new favourite concert hall.
Zallaq, aldana.com.bh (+973 1745 4444).
Bahrain Aquarium
The Bahrain Aquarium is the first cylindrical aquarium of this magnitude inside a mall in the Middle East. Home to more than 2,500 species of under water creatures, from sharks to manta ray, and offering petting, diving and educational tour experiences for all ages, the aquarium is a great sneak peek into life under the seas surrounding the archipelago and beyond. Make some marine friends and then hit the shops for a great day out that will entire brood.
Mall of Dilmunia, Dilmunia Island, bahrainaquarium.com (+973 1330 0266).
Souq Al Baraha
If you’ve been to Bahrain before, you’ll no doubt have paid a visit to Manama Souq with its twisting alleyways and hidden bargains. But now there’s a new souq on the scene, and it’s way, way bigger. Head to Diyar Al Muharraq and you’ll find Souq Al Baraha complex, which is home to nearly 500 stores, a gold souq, markets for fruit and veg, as well as shops selling antiques. It’s designed to look like a traditional Bahraini marketplace and is set to host events throughout the year.
Diyar Al Muharraq, souqalbahara.com (+973 1333 3060)
Oman
Mall of Oman
Spread over 140,000 square metres, and with over 300 retail stores plus a 15-screen cinema, this mall cannot be missed by those who appreciate a good mall (and it’s really hard not to appreciate this one). Shopping isn’t the only reason to visit, either – you can treat yourself at one of the restaurants, or head to the indoor ski slope Snow Oman.
Al Ghubrah South, Muscat, mallofoman.net (+968 2455 8888).
Wadina Water Park
Nothing speaks of summer fun like a day at the water park. For some that may mean getting the thrill on by sliding down the highest, most scary-looking slides, but for others it may mean a chill day of lounging in the pool, lemonade in hand. And now visitors to Muscat can combine a day trip to the historic city of Nizwa with a day at the pool, as Wadina Water Park has opened its doors.
Nizwa, wadinawaterpark.com (+968 2523 0078).
Qatar
3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
In case you hadn’t heard, the FIFA World Cup is coming to Doha later this year and the city is working hard to get everything ready for the influx of visitors. Alongside building seven new stadiums (and refurbishing an eighth), Qatar has opened a number of new attractions, most recently the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum in March 2022. Inside, you’ll find plenty of interactive displays and fascinating artefacts to keep kids both big and small entertained, and it should definitely be on the top of your to-visit list this year, even if you aren’t heading to Qatar for the tournament itself.
Khalifa International Stadium, Aspire Zone, 321qosm.org.qa (+974 4452 5200).
Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park
Looking to cool off this summer? Look no further than Qatar’s largest water park, which opened last year with more than 18 attractions, 56 rides and slides and a host of swimming pools for when you just need a moment to chill out. Park highlights include twisting, turning tube slides, surf simulators, lazy rivers and the exhilarating king cobra ride, as well as the first man-made canyoning attraction in the Middle East.
Learaig, salwabeachresort.qa (+974 4423 6416).
Place Vendôme
There’s no shortage of malls in the Middle East, but the spectacular Place Vendôme will blow you away with its grand architecture that takes its inspiration from the famed shopping street Rue de la Paix in Paris. Aside from nearly 600 stores (including a high-end district that you’ll love to window shop, plus a three-storey Sephora), there’s also a daily
fountain show.
Lusail, placevendomeqatar.com (+974 5002 2260).
Quest
Consider yourself a thrill seeker? Then you need to get yourself over to Quest inside the new Doha Oasis complex, which is home to over 30 rides and attractions. Steel your nerves before you take on the world’s tallest indoor roller coaster, the epiq coaster, and the world’s tallest indoor shot and drop tower, the magma blast. Once you’re done, head to Planet Hollywood for a tour through movie memorabilia and great American fare – if you can stomach it after all those twists and turns.
Doha Oasis, Mushaireb, dohaquest.com (+974 4410 3444).
Saudi Arabia
Hayy Jameel Jeddah
With a space that covers 17,000 square metres and features studios, learning spaces, exhibition centres, cafés, shops and even an independent cinema, Hayy Jameel Jeddah’s name, which comes from the Arabic word for neighbourhood, feels apt. The arts hub first opened in December, and each month will bring with it a new theme to be explored via exhibitions, commissions, workshops, projects and programmes – meaning you can visit time and time again and never get bored. Lovers of arts and culture, this isn’t one you’ll want to miss.
Al Muhammadiyah District, Jeddah, artjameel.org/centres/hayy-jeddah.
Maraya Concert Hall
We’re not ones to judge a book by its cover, but with mirrors blanketing every inch of the exterior façade at Maraya Concert Hall, we’re willing to make an exception. Wander around the Guinness World Record breaking building and you’ll catch glimpses of the beautiful AlUla landscapes (and yourself, of course), before taking a billion photos for the ‘gram. Inside is a multi-purpose venue that has already hosted superstars like Enrique Iglesias and Hiba Tawaji, with more on the way, and at the top of this architectural marvel you’ll find the newly opened Maraya Social from Jason Atherton. Expect top eats and top snaps.
Maraya Concert Hall, AlUla, experiencealula.com (+966 9200 25003).
The BLVD Skate Park
It’s time to dust off the old skateboard, grease those wheels on the in-line skates or just hop onto the classic scooter at Riyadh’s biggest skate park in central Hittin. The BLVD Skate Park at Boulevard offers tracks and training sessions for the classic BMXers, skateboarders and scooter-adventurers. Upon entering, you’ll be paired with a trained expert who will guide you throughout based on your skill level. Word around the skate park is that Saudi Skate Parks plan to open two new skate parks in the future, including one on the coastal Jazan. It’s time to channel your inner Tony Hawk here, whether you can pull any cool wheelie tricks or not.
Boulevard Riyadh City, Hittin, saudiskateparks.com.
UAE
Abu Dhabi
Al Barza at Qasr Al Watan
The light show at Qasr Al Watan, AKA the presidential palace, is a must for all visitors to Abu Dhabi. But even if you’ve been before, it’s time for a revisit, as the Al Barza majlis has just opened to the public. The impressive space, located behind the Great Hall, can hold up to 300 guests, and if you head inside you’ll get the chance to learn more about the role majlises have played in the emirates on a guided tour as you admire the impressive décor. It’s a guaranteed way to make your visit to the UAE capital golden.
Abu Dhabi Corniche, qasralwatan.ae (+971 600 544442).
Al Wathba Fossil Dune Protected Areal
There’s plenty of natural beauty to be found throughout the emirates, from the heights of Jebel Jais to the mangroves of Al Jubail Island. And you can now explore even more of it, as Al Wathba Fossil Dune protected area has opened to the public. Spanning more than seven kilometres, there are more than 1,700 fossil dunes in the area, which you can enjoy on foot on one of the well-lit trails around the area. Better still, there is also an amphitheatre where you can watch light shows throughout the day.
Al Wathba, ead.gov.ae (+971 55 110 2124).
The National Aquarium
With pearl diving a mainstay of the Gulf economies for generations, the region has a long and proud maritime history. And now you have the chance to explore this underwater realm at the largest aquarium in the Middle East, which opened in Abu Dhabi in November. Through ten zones, you’ll get to wander through areas like the Atlantic Cave and the Ring of Fire, as well as experience the rainforest at the Flooded Forest. Book in for an animal encounter or embark on a glass-bottom boat tour of the aquarium waters: This underwater adventure is ideal to rewind and stock up on some Instagram-worthy snaps for your feed.
Al Qana, thenationalaquarium.ae (+971 2 418 6666)
Velocity at WTC Mall
Malls in the GCC do things a little differently than they do abroad – the fun doesn’t end with just shopping. World Trade Center Mall made it to our list of top new attractions because it’s home to Velocity, the region’s tallest stainless steel slide. Technically two slides, helically woven together, the 68- and 54-metre long slides have a see-through half (while the bottom-half is stainless steel), letting you catch a quick glimpse of the mall as you zoom your way through to the finish line. Adrenaline junkies, get here now.
WTC Mall, Khalifa Bin Zayed the First Street, wtcae.ad.
Yas Bay Waterfront
The most happening part of the city right now has to be Yas Island. Home to Yas Waterworld, family favourite Warner Bros. World and the famed Yas Island Circuit, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit. And in December, another reason to visit popped up with the opening of Yas Bay Waterfront. Located next to Etihad Arena, the vibrant spot is home to restaurants like Asia Asia, Hunter & Barrel and La Carnita, and it even has not one, not two, but three Buddha Bars. Aside from stuffing your face, you can go bowling or play arcade games at Central, or catch a yellow boat and explore the area by water. Do you get the idea or should we keep going? To cut a long story short, it’s the place to be.
Yas Island, yasbay.ae.
Dubai
Infinity des Lumières
Not satisfied with just looking at a painting hanging in a gallery? Then why not step inside an artwork by heading to the immersive digital art museum Infinity des Lumières. While not the first of its ilk around the globe, it became the biggest in the GCC when it opened in July last year. The shows and displays here combine visual art, sound and digital technology to make works come alive, and if you head there now, you can dive inside exhibitions dedicated to the works of Vincent Van Gogh, 19th century Japan, and the wider cosmos. This is art like you’ve never seen it before.
Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, infinitylumieres.com.
Madame Tussauds Dubai
Who says you should never meet your heroes? Reach for the stars at Madame Tussauds, where you can see your favourite celebrities up close. From life-size wax figures of famous people divided into different zones dedicated to music, fashion, film, world leaders and sport, every visitor is bound to find at least one of their idols. And if you want more, you can choose from four exclusive experiences, including tea with the Queen, or strutting down the catwalk for Anna Wintour.
Bluewaters Island, madametussauds.com/dubai. (058 592 7856).
Museum of the Future
After patiently (read: impatiently) watching construction works on this building for more than half a decade, the Museum of the Future finally opened to much fanfare on February 22, 2022. Billed as the ‘most beautiful building on earth’ by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, it certainly lives up to the hype. The viewing platform gives the best views, but inside there’s plenty to keep you entertained, with immersive, multi-sensory experiences unfurling across several floors. Topics covered include the future of space travel, health, wellness, wellbeing and spirituality, ecosystems and bioengineering. Plus, with a soon-to-NFT gallery, the future is officially here, and we’re loving it.
Trade Centre District, museumofthefuture.ae (800 2071).
The View at The Palm, Dubai
Built more than 20 years ago, the Palm Jumeirah is an iconic part of the Dubai coastline. You might have caught glimpses of it from some of the city’s skyscrapers, or seen it all if you’ve braved Sky Dubai, but now there’s a new way to see it all – and it doesn’t involve jumping out of a plane. Soar up to the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower and you’ll be able to experience the viewing deck 240 metres above the ground, and revel in uninterrupted views of Palm Jumeirah and the glittering Arabian Gulf. You can even take the experience up a notch by heading to The Next Level at the same spot, adding another ten metres to your vantage point. Scaredy cats, don’t risk it, for it’s certain that this attraction favours the brave.
Palm Tower, Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, theviewpalm.ae (800 8438439).
Northern Emirates
Jais Sledder
Sledding in the snow, while gloriously fun, isn’t something you’re likely to experience in the GCC. But luckily for us, we don’t need the cold of winter to dash through the Hajar Mountains at up to 40 kilometres per hour – all we need to do is book a ticket for the Jais Sledder. The new attraction in Ras Al Khaimah sends you along a 1,840-metre long track, complete with twists and turns, for an epic ride that lasts around eight minutes. Turn it into a day trip by checking out the world’s longest zipline, Jais Flight, or make it an overnight trip with a stay at the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp for a complete outdoorsy adventure.
Ras Al Khaimah, visitjebeljais.com (+971 4 815 7333).
Sharjah Safari Park, Sharjah
As the largest safari in the world outside of Africa, we probably don’t need to give you the hard sell on a visit to Sharjah Safari Park. But in case we do, visitors can explore 12 different environments in the park, each based on a different part of the African continent, from the Sahel and the Serengeti to the Savannah and the canyons southwest. You can hop on a bus or take a walking tour and see more than 120 species of animals, from colourful birds, creepy reptiles and magnificent mammals like lions, elephants, giraffes and rhinoceros. Brilliant for all the family; get those cameras at the ready.
Al Bridi Nature Reserve, Sharjah, sharjahsafari.ae.
Coming soon
Al Maha Island, Qatar
There are so many upcoming projects in Qatar to get excited about, but the one we’re looking forward to most has to be Al Maha Island. The 230,000 sq m project will have a Winter Wonderland theme park, complete with more than 50 rides and a giant Ferris wheel, as well as a number of top restaurants and bars including Zuma, LPM Restaurant & Bar, and Nammos beach club.
Opening Q4 2022. Lusail.
Diriyah Gate, Saudi Arabia
The ambitious Diriyah Gate development in Saudi Arabia is set to cost a whopping US$20 billion. The hefty price tag includes the preservation and restoration of UNESCO World Heritage Site At-Turaif, which sits at the core of the development, as well as a number of hotels, restaurants and more. While Diriyah Gate won’t be completed until 2030, the revamped Al-Bujairi District should be opening shortly. We can’t wait.
Partially opening 2022. Ad Diriyah, Riyadh.
Snow Oman, Oman
Housed within the Mall of Oman, Snow Oman is set to be the largest snow park in the country. Expect an icy port town complete with a shipwreck and frozen lighthouse, adding a storybook-like look to the place.
Opening late 2022. Mall of Oman.
Zayed National Museum, UAE
The impressive structure resembles the wingtips of a falcon, and charts
the inspiring story of the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The museum sheds light on UAE’s historical relationship with sustainability, describes the human history of UAE, and establishes the importance of harmony.
Opening soon. Abu Dhabi, zayednationalmuseum.ae.
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