Exploring Bahrain By Car: A Full-Circle Adventure

Bahrain is a small island country in the Persian Gulf, with a population of 1.5 million people. Given its small size, you can get around most of the country in just a few hours by car. In fact, it takes just 5 to 7 hours to drive from one end of the country to the other, via the 25-kilometer King Fahd Causeway, which connects Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Driving from Qatar to Bahrain via Saudi Arabia

To drive from Qatar to Bahrain, you will need to pass through Saudi Arabia as Qatar has no direct border access to Bahrain. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this journey:

Visas and Documents

Firstly, ensure that you have sorted your visas ahead of your travel. You will need a visa to Saudi Arabia to cross the Abu Samra border from Qatar and a visa to enter Bahrain from Saudi Arabia. Note that Qatari citizens do not require a visa to enter either Bahrain or Saudi Arabia. As a GCC resident, you are eligible for a visa on arrival or can apply for a tourist visa online.

Vehicle Insurance

Vehicle insurance is mandatory for both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. You will need to purchase separate insurance for each country. The Saudi Arabian vehicle insurance will cover you while you are in Saudi Arabia, and the Bahraini vehicle insurance will cover you while in Bahrain. You can purchase the insurance online or at the border.

Qatar to Saudi Arabia

Exit Qatar via the Abu Samra border. At the border, you will need to complete the necessary documentation and procedures. Provide your personal documents for validation at the Qatar immigration booth and have your photo taken at the Qatar immigration office. After crossing the border, drive until you reach the Saudi Arabian entry point and continue until you see the Saudi Immigration/Passport control booth on your right. Your documents will be checked again here.

Next, park your car and enter the 'Passports' building to complete the biometrics procedure (fingerprints and eye scan) and have your photo captured. There are separate buildings for men and women, and separate queues for GCC citizens and other nationalities. After this, your personal documents and visa documents will be checked and validated.

Finally, proceed to the next stop, a short drive away, where your vehicle documents will be checked. If you have not already purchased vehicle insurance, you can do so at this point.

Saudi Arabia to Bahrain

Once you have entered Saudi Arabia, continue your journey and drive via Al Khobar to reach the King Fahd Causeway, a 25 km bridge connecting Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. At the toll gate, you will need to make a payment to use the causeway. After driving halfway, you will reach the exit point of Saudi Arabia and continue on to the Bahrain entry point, also known as 'Passport Island'.

At the Bahrain immigration office, provide your passport copy, GCC residency (Qatar ID), and visa documents. If you need to make any payments, note that Qatari Riyals are not accepted, and card payments must be made at a separate building on the left. If it is your first time entering Bahrain, you will need to do biometrics. Once your documents are validated and your passport is stamped, proceed to the next stop for a vehicle security check. After this, provide your vehicle insurance documents, and you will then enter Bahrain.

The total journey time from Qatar to Bahrain via Saudi Arabia is approximately 5 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and immigration procedures.

Driving around Bahrain

Now that you have arrived in Bahrain, you may be interested in exploring the country by car. The driving time around Bahrain depends on your route and speed, but it generally takes around 5 hours to drive around the entire country at a steady speed.

Enjoy your road trip and take in the unique landscapes and cultural experiences that Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain have to offer!

Bahrain's capital, Manama

Manama has been a vital trading centre in the Persian Gulf for centuries. In the 20th century, Bahrain's oil wealth helped spur fast growth, and in the 1990s, a diversification effort led to expansion in other industries, transforming Manama into a prominent financial hub in the Middle East.

Manama's economy in the early 20th century relied heavily on pearling, with shipbuilding also employing several hundred people in the city. However, with the discovery of oil in 1932, the country's economy began to shift away from pearling. Today, the primary industry in Manama is financial services, with over two hundred financial institutions and banks based in the city's CBD and Diplomatic Area.

Manama has a bus service with routes extending across Bahrain and the city itself. Bahrain International Airport, located on the nearby island of Muharraq, serves as a premier hub airport in the Middle East. Strategically situated between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the airport offers a wide range of regional and international connections.

The city experiences arid climatic conditions, with summer temperatures reaching up to 45°C and winter lows of 7°C. The most pleasant time to visit is in the spring, when temperatures are milder, and sunshine is comparatively low.

The Tree of Life

The tree holds cultural and historical significance for the people of Bahrain, who regard it with reverence and awe. It has become a symbol of endurance, strength, and the resilience of life in the face of adversity, making it a cherished part of the country's natural heritage. It serves as a powerful reminder of the power of nature and life's ability to adapt and thrive, even in the most unforgiving environments.

The mystery of how the Tree of Life sustains itself has sparked several theories. Some speculate that its roots reach deep underground to access hidden water reserves, while others believe it draws moisture from the morning dew, the sand, or even the air. Its survival is even attributed by some to the blessings of the Sumerian God of Water, Enki.

Visiting the Tree of Life can be a magical and meditative experience. It provides welcome shade from the desert heat and offers a peaceful setting for reflection and photography. However, finding the tree can be challenging as it is located in swaths of desert and sand. It is recommended to travel in a 4x4 vehicle and keep an eye out for soft sand traps.

In conclusion, the Tree of Life in Bahrain is a remarkable natural wonder that captures the imagination of locals and visitors alike. Its resilience, beauty, and historical significance make it a cherished symbol of the country's natural heritage and a popular destination for those seeking inspiration and awe in the heart of the Arabian Desert.

Al Jazair Public Beach

The beach is a good drive from Manama, the capital of Bahrain, and is easily accessible from the city. It offers a long stretch of coastline with good walkways, cafes, and the sea. The water is salty, and there are safe borders set up by the authorities for swimming. There are also several shops and restaurants nearby, including Papa John's, Fuddruckers, Caribou, and Dose Cafe. Visitors can also bring their own food and drinks for a picnic.

Now, regarding the driving time around Bahrain, it is important to note that the country is relatively small, and one could potentially drive across the country in a day. However, there is limited information on how long it would take to drive specifically "around" Bahrain. One source mentions driving times from Qatar to Bahrain, which shares a causeway with Saudi Arabia, and suggests that it can take around 5 hours to drive to the causeway from Qatar, and then an additional 3 hours to reach Dubai, which borders Bahrain. This gives a rough estimate of the driving times and distances involved in the region.

Bahrain's rental cars

Bahraini Rental Cars

Bahrain is a collection of 33 islands in the Arabian Gulf, with Bahrain Island being the largest. The country has a lot to offer, from cultural breaks in the capital city of Manama to relaxing holidays on the islands, and from historical landmarks to outdoor activities like camping in the desert or horseback riding.

Rental Companies

There are several rental car companies in Bahrain, including Sixt, Budget, Avis, National Enterprise, Alamo, Dollar, and Payless. These companies offer a range of vehicles, from compact cars to minibusses, and allow for one-way rentals within Bahrain with prior approval.

Requirements

To rent a car in Bahrain, you must be at least 18 years old and have held a valid driver's license for at least one year. Some companies may require an International Driving Permit or an official translation of your license. Additionally, you will need to provide an ID or passport, and credit cards are generally the only accepted form of payment.

Driving Tips

When driving in Bahrain, keep in mind that you will be driving on the right-hand side of the road. There are strict rules against smoking, drinking, or eating while driving, and there is a zero-tolerance policy on drinking and driving. The country also has many speed cameras and sensors on the roadways, so be aware of your surroundings to avoid getting a ticket.

Places to Visit

• Manama: Explore the Manama souk, the largest traditional craft market in Bahrain, and the newly opened Gold City for a dazzling collection of jewellery. The capital city also boasts art galleries, museums, and historical landmarks such as the Bab el-Bahrain Souk.
• Hawar Island: This resort community offers beach hotels, jet-skiing, biking, golfing, and spa treatments.
• Riffa: Home to several museums, including the Bahrain Military Museum and the Clock Tower, as well as Riffa Fort, the former home of the royal family.
• A'Ali: See the ancient Sar and A'Ali tombs, located among 170,000 burial mounds.
• Al Areen Wildlife Park: Located on the edge of the desert, this park is home to a herd of Arabian Oryx.
• Jabal ad Dukan: Bahrain's highest point, where you can visit the Oil Museum and learn about the country's history with oil.

Frequently asked questions