Our favourite things about travelling abroad are the opportunities to delve into the local cultures, experience top sights, and of course practise our language skills while we’re at it. If you’re itching to travel to an Arabic-speaking country there are so many amazing things to see and do! Here are a just few of our top recommendations.
Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the most impressive religious buildings in the world and the largest mosque in the UAE, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a must-do activity. There are cultural tours available most days in both English and Arabic, allowing visitors to learn about Islamic art, architecture and more.
Celebrate Eid Al Fitr in Dubai or Cairo
A huge event in the calendar, Eid al Fitr is a massive celebration across the Arabic speaking world. Dubai is known as being a great place to let loose with exciting events taking place across the city. Cairo is ideal for a more traditional celebration, with special foods being prepared, lanterns decorating the city’s streets and crowds gathering in public spaces to celebrate.
Moroccan Cooking Class
If you’re a fan of Moroccan cuisine, or just a foodie in general, then a cooking class is for you! There are numerous places to chose from, with Fez, Tangier, Essaouira and Marrakech offering a range of fun culinary experiences. Learn to make traditional tagine, chermoula, harira and more, and delve deeper into the local culture while you’re at it.
Camping in Wadi Rum
Experience traditional Bedouin cuisine, stories, music and dance with overnight stays in the desert. Witness extraordinary sun sets and the changing colours of the inspiring landscape of Jordan’s Wadi Rum region. From the red sands contrasting against the vibrant blue sky, to the fascinating rock formations and canyons, a stay in the desert here is an unforgettable experience.
Fez Sacred Music Festival
This amazing festival has a unique atmosphere, combining different music from around the world with inspiring locations around the city. Events take place in May and June in incredible historical buildings, and bring together a brilliant mix of performers for a series of vibrant concerts.
Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts
Celebrating Jordanian culture and traditions, Jerash Festival takes places over three weeks each July. Originally set up by the Jordanian Queen Noor in 1981, the festival is now one of the country’s most exciting events. Theatrical, musical and dance performances take place throughout the city, with its Roman ruins used as dramatic backdrops – the perfect stage!
Desert Safari in Dubai
For thrill seekers out there, taking on Dubai’s famous sand dunes is a must. Whether you want to explore them on the back of a camel, on quad bikes, by sand-boarding down them, or in a jeep, this stunning area is a must.
Want to learn more about cultures and destinations in the Arabic-speaking world and get insider recommendations? Join us for our regular Arabic language courses, both online and face-to-face. Find out more here.