Saudi Gazette As one of the oldest cities in the USA, Boston historically has had particular appeal to many Saudis who were drawn to the eastern seaboard of the United States in pursuit of higher education. The late Saudi foreign minister Saud Al-Faisal studied in Princeton, while the long serving (1962 to 1986) and globally renowned Saudi oil minister Ahmed Zaki Yamani was a graduate of Harvard Law School in Boston. Successive generations of Saudis followed suit and made their way for higher education, drawn by the standards of excellence at Harvard and MIT both consistently ranked among the very top universities in the world and both nestled in the city of Boston. An affinity to the city and its culture has evolved over the years, and for many Saudis who had spent some of their years in school there, Boston remains a second home. Boston is indeed a city of superlatives. Today, a visitor to Boston will be swamped not just with a city so steeped with history but a vibrant metropolis of culture, art and entertainment. The greater Boston area is a wonderful blend of stylish sophistication and historic New England charm. And what better time to visit this city than now and into the next six months when a pleasant spring ushers in a sunny summer followed by a colorful and balmy autumn. The city is family friendly with a host of activities that cater to the young and old alike. Among the must see sights of Boston are a visit to the New England Aquarium, shopping at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston Public Market and a stroll through the Rose Kennedy Greenway. The evening can be topped off with a sumptuous dinner at the Union Oyster House, located on the Freedom Trail, near Faneuil Hall, which enjoys the unique distinction of being America's oldest restaurant. This Boston fixture, housed in a building dating back to pre-Revolutionary days, started serving food in 1826 and continues to draw customers from all across the globe. For a breathtaking and panoramic 360 degree views of Greater Boston and beyond, a visit to the Skywalk Observatory is a must. Located in the Prudential Center and soaring 52 floors above the city, it is indeed experience to remember. Once one has had their fill of heights, the shops located at the ground floor of the Prudential Center are a joy to browse through. The shopping varieties that the city offers are overwhelming. There is the high end Wrentham Premium Outlets, shopping at Assembly Row, and a plethora of shopping diversions on Newbury Street and Copley Place. For those interested in the arts, the city offers diverse avenues to suit all tastes. There is the Museum of Fine Arts, the Children's Museum, the JFK Library and Museum and a host of others. Harvard Square in proximity to America's oldest university, is an iconic cultural center offers shops, eateries & theaters and a must for the city's visitors. Accommodation is readily available with international chains through a network of international chains and local boutique hotels. The Ritz Carlton, situated across Boston Common, the oldest public part in America deserves a mention for its proximity to the financial and theatre districts and is a short walk from Boston Harbor. Boston is where it all started for America on the night of December 16, 1773, when dozens of colonists boarded three ships in Boston Harbor and hurled 342 crates of tea overboard in an act of political protest as a result of "taxation without representation." The American colonists believed Britain was unfairly taxing them and dumped the tea that had just arrived from the English shores into the bay. This action eventually led to the declaration of independence and the formation of the United States of America. Events scheduled in the coming few weeks include the Boston Marathon, whale watching, opening night at the Pops, and the Cambridge Science festival. What better way to get you there than on Qatar Airways non-stop flight to Boston, an airline consistently ranked as the best in the world. A short hop from any of the Kingdom's major cities will get you to Hamad International Airport in Doha recently rated among the world's top ten airports, from where you board a new generation Airbus A-350 that will fly you in unparalleled comfort to the historic shores of this great city. Yes, Boston is indeed a great place to visit, and Qatar Airways will pleasantly show you the way.
