<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Garbage Book
Review: First of all this Iranian guy is correct. The official name of this body of water is PERSIAN Gulf. The term Arabian Gulf was invented in 1970s by some Pan Arabists who failed to show up at their geography classes. The author's use of this term shows simply his arrogance and fact that he does not know the region nor its people. By using "Arabian Gulf" he simply wants to impress ignorant Arabs into buying his book.Other than that his book is useless as it does not touch on the cultural aspects on the region.
Rating: 
Summary: Worked well for me
Review: Having just returned from a 5 week trip through Oman, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain I can say that Lonely Planet has again produced an accurate and useful guide. And despite the fact that it is several years old, prices and descriptions were still right. The guide's advice to try to get to the Musandem Peninsula in Oman was a fine piece of advice--it is amazingly beautiful. And to the person who gave one star to this guide because of it's reference to the "Arabian Gulf": relax. If you say "Persian Gulf" to anyone in the Arab Gulf states they will have no idea what body of water you are talking about. I suppose you would be equally upset if 25 years ago a guidebook to China refered to the capital as "Beijing" instead of the Western imposed name "Peking"?
Rating:
Summary: Worked well for me
Review: Having just returned from a 5 week trip through Oman, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain I can say that Lonely Planet has again produced an accurate and useful guide. And despite the fact that it is several years old, prices and descriptions were still right. The guide's advice to try to get to the Musandem Peninsula in Oman was a fine piece of advice--it is amazingly beautiful. And to the person who gave one star to this guide because of it's reference to the "Arabian Gulf": relax. If you say "Persian Gulf" to anyone in the Arab Gulf states they will have no idea what body of water you are talking about. I suppose you would be equally upset if 25 years ago a guidebook to China refered to the capital as "Beijing" instead of the Western imposed name "Peking"?
Rating:
Summary: It's the PERSIAN Gulf not the "Arabian" Gulf
Review: The book makes repeated references to the "Arabian Gulf" - but there is no such thing. There is an Arabian Sea, and a Gulf of Oman, and the PERSIAN Gulf, but no "Arabian Gulf" exists. The Persian Gulf is the official name of that body of water, and has been known by that name since ancient times. Even the ancient Greeks referred to it by its correct name. One has to wonder, if Lonely Planet is so willing to pander to the Arab governments of the PERSIAN gulf in this manner by renaming the PERSIAN Gulf, then how accurate can their travelogues really be?
Rating:
Summary: It's the PERSIAN Gulf not the "Arabian" Gulf
Review: The book makes repeated references to the "Arabian Gulf" - but there is no such thing. There is an Arabian Sea, and a Gulf of Oman, and the PERSIAN Gulf, but no "Arabian Gulf" exists. The Persian Gulf is the official name of that body of water, and has been known by that name since ancient times. Even the ancient Greeks referred to it by its correct name. One has to wonder, if Lonely Planet is so willing to pander to the Arab governments of the PERSIAN gulf in this manner by renaming the PERSIAN Gulf, then how accurate can their travelogues really be?
Rating:
Summary: Very practical, essential reference
Review: This is an essential reference for any tourist, traveller or expatriate relocating to the Arab Gulf states. The book's information and advice enable a new-comer to develop a sense for local atmospherics and sensitivities so one adapt, integrate and thrive in the host country culture and in the supportive expatriate communities. Good coverage of cultural, commercial and logistical (i.e., "Where can I find...?") details. Highly recommended. Written with imagination, humor, and attention to detail. FWIW, the earlier (1993) edition of this book I used when I was in the United Arab Emirates and Oman in 1995 was 100% accurate. The maps and guides to local services in the smaller cities were exceptionally helpful. An impressively well-researched and high-quality work, as is typical of Lonely Planet Press titles.
Rating:
Summary: Very practical, essential reference
Review: This is an essential reference for any tourist, traveller or expatriate relocating to the Arab Gulf states. The book's information and advice enable a new-comer to develop a sense for local atmospherics and sensitivities so one adapt, integrate and thrive in the host country culture and in the supportive expatriate communities. Good coverage of cultural, commercial and logistical (i.e., "Where can I find...?") details. Highly recommended. Written with imagination, humor, and attention to detail. FWIW, the earlier (1993) edition of this book I used when I was in the United Arab Emirates and Oman in 1995 was 100% accurate. The maps and guides to local services in the smaller cities were exceptionally helpful. An impressively well-researched and high-quality work, as is typical of Lonely Planet Press titles.
<< 1 >>
| 
