Relaxing places in Middle East

Bahrain is not exactly a beach destination. Most beaches here belong to resorts and hotels, but there are a few decent public beaches. Jazair Beach on the west coast is considered to be one of the best. It's long, kind of sandy, and there are a few shady shelters which provide protection from the fierce sun. Since it's obvious not a place to stroll around in your bikini, it's mostly used for picnics and such – or not used at all.

Kuwait City has some surprisingly nice city beaches. Along the corniche, Arabian Gulf Street, all the way down to Messilah Beach are several public beaches. Some has jet skis rentals, others are flanked by fastfood joints or cafes, but all are nice sandy beaches on a pretty backdrop of Kuwait City skyline with the Kuwait Towers in the distance. Local men and kids playing in the sea, but if you are a female, you better off using one of the private beaches – some even have Ladies' Days (what ever that means).

Umm Suqeim Beach is the public beach right below the iconic 7-star hotel Burj al Arab. It's a shade-less stretch of white sand with crystal-clear turquoise water. A tranquil spot perfect for a splash in the water or a laze about in the sun. It seems to attract mainly residents from the surrounding posh neighbourhood of Jumeirah, including a fair share of expats. Since the views of the Burj al Arab are sublime, tourists and locals alike come by to snap a photo of the Burj al-Arab - and, if they can get away with it, sunbathing girls in bikinis.