June 3 - Tourist agency Atout France, earlier known as Maison de la France, is trying to promote France as a tourist destination in the UAE. In this regard, the agency will introduce an online training course in the UAE at the end of the year for travel agencies and tourist operators. "The main objective is to create a tool which will allow people to gain in-depth knowledge about France as a destination. There is currently a big lack of knowledge about the destination in this region," said a spokesperson for the agency.
The course will be customised to suit various markets and companies. At the end of the course, travel agents will achieve an online learning certificate that qualifies them as a French tourism specialist. "Travelers from the Middle East are high contributors to French tourism, in terms of their liberal spending habits and long stays, and we believe that their share of the global outbound flows to our country is as yet not fully unlocked," said Karim Mekachera, director of Atout France, Near and Middle East office.
This building has a frightening history as it was once the headquarters of AVH secret police. This force arrested and tortured activists from all sorts of political persuasions within this building and the plaque outside reads: “We cannot forget the horror of terror, and the victims will always be remembered”. Remembered they will be as the wall outside the foyer displays their photos, a tank sits...
The seven centuries old, 40 feet high mud wall that goes around the old city is also quite well-preserved, and is a sight in itself. It contains the Bab-al-Yemen, a large portal that celebrates the entrance into the old city. Out of the original six gates that marked the entry into Sana'a, it is the only one surviving in its original shape. Slip into a time warp as you pass through the large gate,...
Address: south of Plaza Bolívar Timings: Tuesdays to Fridays 9pm to 430pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 4pm. Admission free A museum dedicated to the legendary independence hero Simon Bolivar. Situated in a renovated colonial style building, the Bolivar Museum contains exhibits with historic documents, formal dresses from Bolivar’s era, a collection of weapons used during the colonial war...
This is the oldest souq in the UAE; its areesh (palm leaf) roof and wooden pillars have recently been restored. It also has a traditional coffeehouse where you can indulge in mint tea and dates. Opening Times: Sat-Thu 9am-1pm and 4-9pm, Fri 4-9pm ...