A sinkhole and now a swimming hole, too, full of dazzling turquoise water.

Where artisans use centuries-old techniques to build traditional Arabian ships.

This mix of Islamic art, vintage vehicles, weaponry, architecture, and history is an ode to eclecticism. 

This seemingly random 30-foot statue of an oryx in Qatar's capital was a mascot for the 2006 Asian Games.

This unique museum doesn't shy away from highlighting Qatar's role in the history of slavery.

Home of the infamous Rug Man of Doha.

The enormous diamond-shaped building packs a trove of academic and literary treasures into one futuristic space.

An abandoned fishing village in pre-oil Qatar.

Robot jockeys ride their humped mounts to victory as part of a 21st-century twist on an ancient desert sport.

Long before air conditioning, Persian architects found an ingenious way to cool off.

A spectacular rainbow of stained glass makes the "Pink Mosque" one of the most beautiful in Iran.

On any given day this sprawling market houses literally tons of government-regulated gold, gems, and precious metals.

This indoor ski resort has a mountain contained inside a mall.

A preposterously luxurious hotel with gold-plated iPads, Rolls Royce chauffeurs, and a staff that trains by watching "Downton Abbey."

This enormous sports car themed amusement park is home to the world’s fastest roller coaster.

The world’s largest LED display, built over an F1 race circuit.

Whitewashed mosque contains the world's largest carpet.

Skyscraper powered by wind turbines attached between its towers.

This beautifully historic Bahrain fortress might not be the most popular attraction around, but that might make it all the better.

This centuries-old tree tells an unusual tale of vegetation and fertility in the desert.

Some 20,000 dust-covered unwanted vehicles languish in the desert.

A superb spot to appreciate the traditional boats of the Indian Ocean.

This ultra-modern burial building would have stacked the dead like a giant filing cabinet.

A small window on Via Piella offers a lovely and rare peek at Bologna's lost canals.