Bahrain

Bahrain, Bahrain

It is easy to overlook this small island-nation, having, as it does, such powerful and flashy neighbours as Qatar and the Emirates, but to ignore Bahrain would be a huge mistake. It is an emerging power in the region, with all the luxury and worldliness of a cosmopolitan destination and all the charm and personality of a small island. Add to this the growing arts scene and burgeoning international cuisine in the country, and you have the newest prime travel destination in the region, and the most socially liberal one, to boot.

Population:

Bahrain: 1,468,463
Manama: 147,074

Currency:

1 Bahraini Dinar (BHD) = 1,000 fils (fuloos)

Emergency Numbers:

Emergency (Police, Fire and Ambulance): 999

Opening Hours:

Most businesses open at about 8-9am and close between 6-8pm.
Restaurants: 11am-3pm 16pm-1am
Bars and cafes stay open late, usually until 2-3am.
Many establishments close on Friday an Saturday or work only half the day.

Newspapers:

Bahrain This Week
Gulf Weekly
Voice of Bahrain

The Island

Bahrain more than holds its own in terms of the luxury and finesse one expects from a Gulf oil nation, yet it strongly holds on to its roots, boasting a long and rich history, spectacular desert vistas and some of the finest pearls on the planet. It offers a wonderful opportunity to experience an authentically Arab destination while also enjoying the socially liberal advantages that Bahrain provides. Dress norms for women are not as strict as in other societies in the region, and alcohol is legal for locals and tourists alike.

Though the expat population is growing, Bahrain receives far fewer tourists than some other, more "fashionable" destinations in the vicinity (such as Dubai and Doha). But travelers in the know are taking advantage of this fact and enjoying everything the island has to offer without worrying about big crowds of tourists putting a damper on the experience.

Do & See

Bahrain's long and rich history has left its mark wherever one looks on the island. The Bahrain Fort speaks to its colonial past, the Dilmun Burial Grounds give us a glimpse of prehistoric times, while the Oil Museum is a testament to recent development. The stunning National Museum, the world-class National Theatre and the International F1 circuit are all proof of the state-of-the-art facilities of the country.

Dining

Bahrainis enjoy a wealth of varied and tasty eating options on the island. Local flavours rich in spices are available at small and large eateries alike, and international cuisine from across the globe can be enjoyed at any of the numerous high-end restaurants found in the country, from Italian and Mexican to Iranian and Japanese.

Cafes

The blazing desert heat is not enough to stop the people of Bahrain from enjoying a hot cup of coffee. There is an abundance of stylish cafes throughout the island that serve delicious coffee and tea drinks as well as fresh pastries and desserts.