The foreign and fairy-tale world of Arabia entices with mysterious scents and sounds. In the oriental souks, one immerses in a tangle of voices and people; here, trading, bargaining, and praying take place. The aromas of freshly tanned leather are as palpable as the fragrance of fresh green mint in traditional tea. Mysterious structures of ancient high cultures, opulent palaces and mosques, as well as formidable mud fortresses on the edge of the shimmering desert exert an incomparable charm. In ancient fortress villages and the tents of the Bedouins, one feels transported to another time; here, the traditional customs and traditions are preserved. The Arab world is a realm of scenic contrasts: Nature has bestowed this area not only with the legendary frankincense tree, the date palm, and pearl banks, but also with high mountains adorned with palm forests.