Monuments and Landmarks in Middle East

At under 200 years old, the Baha'i faith could be considered one of the world's youngest faiths. But what they lack in age, they make up for in grandeur. The Terraces of the Bahá'í Faith in Haifa (commonly referred to as the Baha'i Gardens) is arguably one of the most visited sites in Israel. The magnificently 18 garden terraces (plus one for the Shrine of the Bab) are both serene and exciting at the same time. The UNESCO listed gardens are open to the public (on a free tour) and it's totally worth it. Perhaps most refreshing, the entire area is 100% free. No admission costs. No tips or gratuities accepted.

These three slender towers have become Kuwait's iconic landmark. They measure respectively 187 m, 147 m, and 113 m, and were built in 1970s. They are actually water towers and a part of larger water supply grid, however there are a restaurant and a observation deck (147m above ground) in spheres of the largest tower (both have been closed for years due to renovation).

Doha doesn't really have a real city center, instead the long promenade along the waterfront, Al Corniche, makes up the city's focal point. It is seven kilometres long with amazing views of the highrises across the harbour, where the south end is filled with wooden dhows, traditional Arabic sailing boats. In the evening Al Corniche is "the place" to take a stroll, but don't try to walk here during the day when it can be blistering hot.

Qatar's are super eager to prove that they aren't some new oil-rich country, but instead of a long and rich history of trade and warfare. Various forts, markets and cultural centres have been built around Doha showing what could have been. The Katara Cultural Village is sort of a somewhat exaggerated showcase of how Doha could have been. The buildings and offices provide a museum like glimpse of a Doha that never really was. The good news is, there's lots of stuff going on there now. There are photo exhibitions and classes, dragon boat racing, children's theatre, concert pianist and everything else thinkable. Plus, it has one of the city's cheapest beaches to boot.

Jetting out into the sea, at the end of Doha's Corniche, is the magnificent Museum of Islamic Art. Even for those travellers who aren't into museums, MIA in Doha is almost more about the building than the collections inside. Winner of a number of international architecture awards and distinctions the building itself is possible the chief attraction. Whether admiring the refections in the water, or getting lost the spiral in the massive atrium, MIA is a sight to behold. Besides, with no admission fee, cranking air conditioning (a welcome reprieve from the outside heat), surprisingly speedy free WiFi and serving some of the best coffee (with a view) in the city, there's really no reason not to go.