Places That I've Been To In The Middle East

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
3 visits (1994, 95 and 99). Total stay of 12 days
The first (and only) time I ever played at a desert course was at the Abu Dhabi GCC. The resident pro was a Pinoy and he was kind enough to let us test a variety of new-model clubs. All for free! It was also in UAE that I first saw rain in the desert.

Manama, Bahrain
3 visits (1994, 95 and 99). Total stay of 11 days
Though gold jewelry is arguably cheaper in Saudi, the quality (in terms of design and choices) of jewelry sold in Bahrain is probably better. This is where I first learned how to play snooker.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
1 visit (1995 only). Total stay of 3 days
Right after our meeting, our hosts were kind enough to take us around the city. They took us to the souk where one can buy gold jewelry and souvenirs. Not far away is the plaza where convicts are beheaded during Fridays, or so we were told.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
1 visit (1999 only). Total stay of 3 days
A bit more “open” than Riyadh in the sense that there were not as many mutahwas (religious priests) walking around. But just the same, no beer.