Bahrain

One of the Jewels of the Arabian Gulf

Bahrain is a small, but lively island state located at the centre of the Arabian Gulf which has been the trade, cultural and historical meeting point for centuries. Bahrain is one of the smallest countries in the world, but it does not fall behind others due to its abundant culture, developed economy, and geographic position. Bahrain has gone through so much transformation; it was once the ancient Dilmun civilization and is now a flourishing financial center. The economy is a mixture of the old and the new and thus a beautiful destination in both aspects to a business person as well as a tourist.

For an in-depth travel guide, visit the Official tourism guide for Bahrain

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Geographical Location

Bahrain is an island state at the Persian Gulf bordering Saudi Arabia (east) and Qatar (west). It comprises more than 30 islands, and the largest Island with the highest population is Bahrain Island. Manama is the capital of Bahrain and is found in the Bahrain Island; it is an economic and political hub of the state. The strategic position at the Gulf has been a trade and marine hub at least since the medieval ages linking the Arabian Peninsula to the world economy.

Natural Features and Landforms

It has a desert climate with most of the territory flat and lying low. The island is arid and rocky in nature with some natural aspects worth attracting attention e.g. rolling sand dunes in the southern part of the country. There are beaches all over the coastline, most being places where people can undertake water sports like windsurfing, fishing and diving. There are some artificial constructions in the country such as Bahrain Bay development and King Fahd Causeway which connects Bahrain to Saudi Arabia.

Explore the stunning landscapes and rivers of Bahrain through National Geographic’s detailed coverage.

Ancient and Medieval The Past

Bahrain is an old country that has a long and a rich history. It had the Dilmun civilization which is among the oldest recognized cultures of the Arabian Peninsula. Dilmun was also a big trade point to the Indus valley, the Arabian Peninsula and Mesopotamia. Its strategic location and the wealth that the region derived due to the trade process meant that the region was an envy of many empires. In the long run, Bahrain was conquered by different empires such as the Sassanid Empire and the Islamic Caliphates and then it was annexed by the greater Islamic world.

Colonial Period and Independence

Bahrain turned out to be a British protectorate during the 19th century following the British influence on the country. It was during this time when the oil industry of Bahrain emerged and would later dominate in the economic ascent of the country. Bahrain rose to complete independence against Britain on August 15, 1971, when the British surrendered their Gulfdoms. This time was the start of Bahrain on its mission to become a modern nation with the founding of the kingdom of Bahrain and the adoption of a constitutional monarchy.

History and Development in the Modern Day

The rapid development of Bahrain as a world financial center has characterized the modern history of this small state. The 1930 oil discovery brought Bahrain to the world map and since its economy was built on pearling, oil mining became the new base of its production. Bahrain has over the years diversified the economy with much focus has been on the banking, finance and tourist industries. The country has been modernized by the implementation of political changes such as coming up with a constitution in 2002 and instituting a bicameral parliament.

Ethnic/Religious diversity

Bahrain is a very ethnically and religiously diverse country in the Gulf region. Most of the population is Arab and there is a high concentration of South Asians who are coming to this country including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Bahrain is a combination of both the Sunni and Shia as far as Muslims are concerned, with the Shia population being the largest. There are some Christians in the country as well who are few but prominent and the Hindus and Buddhists also form part of the multicultural environment in Bahrain. Bahrain hosts this diversity in the form of its festivals, cuisines, and the general life of persons in the street.

Cultures and Customs

Bahrain is rich in culture influenced by Arabs, Islamic, Persians and Indians. Both men and women wear a long robe called the thobe or abaya with headscarves being common. Cuisine of Bahrain is one of the best examples of cultural mix in the Kingdom with some of their traditional foods being machboos (spiced rice dish with meat), and samboosa (fried meat or vegetable filled pastries). Bahraini culture is also rich in music, dancing, and poetry and there are the traditional dances such as the so-called Folk Dance as well as the music festivals that indicate the artistic richness of the country.

Religious Festivals

Marking Islamic holidays is important in Bahrain and holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are accompanied by much enthusiasm. Eid al-Fitr is a festival marking the end of the fasting period Ramadan; family gatherings, feasts, and charity activities take place. Another important festival in Bahrain, observed through prayers, family gatherings and animal sacrifices is the Eid al-Adha, a festival which is based on the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son. The Ramadan month itself is a period of fasting, praying and contemplating, special cultural events and family nights.

National Holidays and Days

On December 16 th, the day that represents Bahrain National Day, the anniversary of the arrival of the ruling family in power, in 1783 is celebrated. The day is marked with parades, fireworks, and other events in the open, usually taking a look back into the history and success of Bahrain. King Hamad acceded to the throne in 1999 which marked another significant holiday which can be called the Day of the Accession of King Hamad. These national holidays are characterized by the celebrations, ceremonies and the pride as patriots.

Oil and Gas Industry

The economy of Bahrain was established after the discovery of oil in the early 20th century and to date this is a substantial source of wealth in the country. Bahrain is the first to discover oil in the Gulf but its resource is not that rich compared to the adjacent states. The oil and gas industry however is an important source of income. Bahrain has relied on its oil riches to invest in aspects of infrastructure, as well as diversifying it to other sectors.

Banking and Finance

Bahrain has been practically a renowned financial centre of the world, where in the realm of banking has grown enormously over the last several decades. The Bahrain Monetary Agency is currently the Central Bank of Bahrain which has contributed to the development of a strong banking setup. Financial services offered in Bahrain are Islamic banking, investment services, and insurance services. The nation has established itself as a conservative financial center and global investors as well as financial institutions come here.

Economic Diversification

Over the past few years, Bahrain has been working on diversification of its economy independently of oil, and it has invested in other industrial activities embracing tourism, manufacturing, and information technology. The government has enacted measures to provide support to entrepreneurship and innovations and in attracting foreign investment and this has made the country Bahrain appealing to business and startups. Bahrain also emphasizes sustainable development and renewable energy sources, and numerous plans imply that this country will not rely on oil in the near future.

Cultural and National Landmarks

Bahrain has various cultural and historic locations that demonstrate the rich culture of Bahrain. One of the most significant archaeological sites in Bahrain is the Bahrain Fort which is a World Heritage site, formed by the UNESCO; and it provides a reflection of the ancient history of Bahrain. Those who visit Bahrain must not skip the Bahrain National Museum, where the displays and displays are focused on Bahrain history, archaeology and arts. The old houses and the traditional buildings of the city of Muharraq qualify, as well, to be listed as a UNESCO World Modern Attractions

Modern landmarks also exist in Bahrain in the form of the Bahrain World Trade Center and the Bahrain financial Harbour both being superb structures which show the achievements achieved by this country in terms of economic prosperity. Shoppers might get excited in the shopping malls Bahrain Mall and City Centre Bahrain that are embracing diverse shopping opportunities including the luxurious brands and shops to the local ones. Another important site that depicts the beauty of Islamic architecture is the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, which is one of the biggest mosques in the world.

Healthcare System

The healthcare of Bahrain is amongst the most developed among the states of the region. There is both a state and commercial healthcare sector with state-of-the-art hospitals, medical centers and clinics. The government has spent a lot of money on healthcare infrastructure and the hospitals in Bahrain offer quality treatment in a vast number of specialties. Medical treatment is another reason why many expats fly to Bahrain because of the quality of medical facilities being offered there.

Education System

Education in Bahrain is given a great priority as literacy has reached a high level and there are several quality schools and universities. Primary and secondary education are free in the government, but a large number of international schools exist, which serve the expatriate population. The educational system of Bahrain is also at a high level and such further educational institutions as the University of Bahrain, the Arabian Gulf University with their degree programs in different fields are considered to be of high quality.

Transport Network

Bahrain also enjoys a complete transportation system because it has an adequately planned network of roads and highways linking the major cities and towns. The main entrant into the country is the Bahrain International Airport and the King Fahd Causeway offers a connection with Saudi Arabia. The country has buses and taxis as the means of public transportation and there are continuous attempts to improve infrastructure to fit the increasing number of people.

Urban Development

Bahrain has experienced very expeditious urbanization over the recent past and some cities such Manama and Muharraq have modern residential and business development. The government has embarked on mega infrastructure, through construction of new roads, bridges and housing areas to accommodate the increasing population and the economy of the country.

Ideal Seasons

Bahrain is best visited in autumn and winter, which is between November and April as it is when the days are not so hot, which makes exploration easier. The summer gets very warm and it is usually above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees F), and therefore you will not want to enjoy the outdoor attractions.

Special Events and Festival

The dates of national day of Bahrain in December, Bahrain International Airshow and other cultural and religious festivals during the year provide some distinctive experience to the visitors. All these are events that will give one a better understanding of the culture, traditions and current accomplishments of the country.

Conclusion

Bahrain remains a modern and a dynamic country. Having a favorable geographic position, rich cultural background, and fast developing economy, Bahrain is likely to continue playing a central role in the Arabian Gulf. The focus on diversification, innovation, and sustainable development in the country will help Bahrain to remain prosperous even in several years.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the time to visit Bahrain?

Bahrain is best visited between November and April since the weather is mild and the weather is good for sightseeing.

What is the best in Bahrain?

Some of the most popular destinations are Bahrain Fort, the Bahrain National Museum, Al Fateh Grand Mosque and Bahrain World Trade Center.

Which languages are used in Bahrain?

The official language spoken is Arabic, English is however widely used, especially in business and tourist regions.

Which industries is the economy of Bahrain based on?

The economy of Bahrain depends on the oil and gas industry, banking and finance, production, and tourist industry.

Is Bahrain tourist friendly?

Well, Bahrain is a safe country regarded as a tourist destination, and there are low crime rates and the willing attitude of people.

Which culture festivals in Bahrain am I to attend?

One should see the National Day of Bahrain, the religious festival of Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Bahrain International Airshow.

Being an ingenious combination of cultural traditions preserved and new innovation, Bahrain is an interesting location where people may travel both as cruise and business tourists. Having a strategic position and stable economic set-up, Bahrain remains to be a vibrant country in the Arabian Gulf.