Explore fascinating facts about the Arabian Gulf countries — their history, culture, and modern achievements
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE, stands at 828 meters (2,717 feet), making it the tallest building in the world. It has 163 floors and can be seen from 95 kilometers away.
The Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) covers parts of Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, and Yemen. It spans 650,000 km² — larger than France and Spain combined.
Before oil, the Gulf region was famous for pearl diving. Bahrain was known as "The Pearl of the Gulf" and had one of the largest pearl fishing industries in the world.
The Makkah Royal Clock Tower in Saudi Arabia has the world's largest clock face, measuring 43 meters (141 feet) in diameter — 5 times larger than London's Big Ben.
Geographically, the Arabian Gulf is technically a sea — an extension of the Indian Ocean. It covers an area of about 251,000 km² and is home to diverse marine life.
Kuwait City was once listed among the world's most expensive cities for expatriates, and Dubai is now home to the most $10 million+ luxury homes globally.
In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, owning a camel is still a sign of wealth. A single racing camel can sell for up to $2.5 million. There are even beauty pageants for camels!
The Dilmun Civilization existed in modern-day Bahrain and Kuwait over 5,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest known civilizations in the world.
The UAE and Qatar consistently rank among the top 5 countries in the world for internet speed, with average download speeds over 200 Mbps.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi and Museum of Islamic Art in Doha are world-class institutions showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage and commitment to the arts.
From ancient traditions to modern marvels — the Gulf is a region of endless discovery