Exploring Bahrain: A Magnet For International Visitors

Bahrain is an island country in West Asia, situated in the Persian Gulf. It is officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain and comprises a small archipelago of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands. The country is ruled by a Sunni king, whose family holds the main political and military posts. The population of Bahrain is approximately 1.5 million, with roughly half being non-nationals. Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken. Bahrain's economy has long relied on processing crude oil from neighbouring countries, but the financial, commercial services, and tourism sectors have also grown significantly. The country has a universal healthcare system and is known for its tolerance towards the practice of different faiths.

Tourism: Bahrain's pearl fisheries and archaeological sites attract visitors from around the world

Bahrain's pearl fisheries and archaeological sites attract visitors from around the world. The country's pearl industry was one of the most important bases of the island's wealth, with more than 2,000 pearling boats operating during the late 1920s. The industry declined after 1935 due to the development of cultured pearls in Japan, and by 1953, only 12 pearling boats remained. However, in recent years, there has been a growing demand for natural pearls, and Bahrain's pearl fishery is experiencing a modest revival, with the number of licensed pearl divers increasing to around 2000 in 2021.

Bahrain is also home to several archaeological sites that attract visitors interested in the country's rich history. The country is believed to be the location of the ancient Dilmun civilisation, dating back to the 4th millennium BC. There are two archaeological sites that have been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Bahrain Fort and the Dilmun Burial Mounds. The Bahrain Fort, also known as Qal'at Al-Bahrain, was once the capital of the Dilmun civilisation and contains antiquities from various civilisations, including the Kassites, Greeks, Portuguese and Persians. The Dilmun Burial Mounds, constructed during the Early Dilmun Period, encompass 21 archaeological sites and include over 11,700 burial mounds.

Other notable archaeological sites in Bahrain include the Ain Umm Sujoor water wells, the Barbar Temple complex, the Diraz Temple, and the Riffa Fort. These sites provide valuable insights into Bahrain's historical and cultural significance and offer visitors a glimpse into the country's ancient past.

Expatriates: Bahrain is home to a large number of expatriates, with roughly half of the population being foreign-born

Expatriates in Bahrain

Bahrain is home to a large number of expatriates, with roughly half of the population being foreign-born. The country's population is estimated to be around 1.4 million to 1.6 million people, and as of May 2023, there were about 712,362 Bahraini nationals, indicating a significant proportion of non-nationals in the country.

The expatriate population in Bahrain is diverse, with people coming from various parts of the world. According to sources, foreign-born inhabitants include those from Iran, India, Pakistan, Britain, and the United States. The labour force in Bahrain is also largely made up of expatriates, with approximately three-fifths of the workforce being foreign-born.

The presence of expatriates has contributed to the diversity of languages spoken in Bahrain. While Arabic is the official language, English is widely used, and it is taught as a compulsory second language in schools. Other languages spoken by expatriates include Urdu, Hindi, and Tagalog.

The large expatriate population in Bahrain is a result of the country's economic development and diversification. Bahrain has invested in various sectors, including banking, tourism, and financial services, attracting professionals and workers from around the world. Additionally, Bahrain's reputation as a tolerant and relatively liberal country in the region has also made it a desirable destination for expatriates.

The Bahraini government has implemented policies to manage the presence of expatriates. For example, the country has introduced laws and regulations regarding work visas and residency permits. Additionally, Bahrain has established bilateral relations with many countries, which facilitates the movement of people between nations.

The impact of expatriates in Bahrain is significant. They contribute to the country's economic growth, cultural diversity, and social dynamics. However, there have also been tensions and controversies related to the presence of a large expatriate population, particularly regarding labour rights and political representation.

Trade and Industry: Bahrain has a diverse economy, with a focus on banking, tourism, and processing crude oil

Bahrain has a diverse economy, with a focus on banking, tourism, and processing crude oil.

Banking

Bahrain has a liberalised environment and advanced infrastructure, making it an ideal entry point for businesses into the Middle East. The country has a talented population, the lowest establishment costs in the region, and a free economy. Bahrain is also the most diversified economy in the GCC region, with particular strengths in the financial services sector.

Bahrain's finance industry is very successful, and the country was named the world's fastest-growing financial centre by the City of London's Global Financial Centres Index in 2008. Bahrain's banking and financial services sector, particularly Islamic banking, have benefited from the regional boom driven by demand for oil. The country's capital, Manama, is home to many large financial institutions, and the Bahraini Dinar is the second-highest-valued currency unit in the world.

Tourism

Bahrain is a compact country with a growing economy, offering exciting investment opportunities in a supportive business environment. The country has a well-developed transport infrastructure, with an international airport, well-constructed roads, and a modern port. Bahrain's tourism sector has been boosted by the country's proximity to Saudi Arabia, with many Saudis visiting to enjoy its restaurants and bars.

Bahrain has a rich history, with archaeological sites, ancient temples, forts, and museums. The country also combines modern Arab culture with a 5000-year-old archaeological legacy. Bahrain's tourism sector has also been boosted by the Bahrain Grand Prix, which has raised the country's international profile.

Processing Crude Oil

Bahrain was one of the first states in the Gulf to discover oil and build a refinery. However, unlike its Persian Gulf neighbours, Bahrain has limited oil wealth and has had to diversify its economy. The country has stabilised its oil production at about 40,000 barrels per day, and reserves are expected to last 10 to 15 years. Bahrain's most exported product is petroleum, which accounts for 60% of export receipts, 70% of government revenues, and 11% of GDP.

Bahrain has a well-developed communication and transport infrastructure, with multiple roads, highways, and bridges connecting the main islands. The country also has a modern port and an international airport, making it a favourable location for processing and exporting crude oil.

Politics: Bahrain's Sunni Muslim Al Khalifa royal family rules over a Shia Muslim majority, leading to civil unrest

Bahrain is a small Arab state situated in a bay on the southwestern coast of the Persian Gulf. It is officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain and is ruled by the Sunni Muslim Al Khalifa royal family. The country is named after the Arabic term 'al-baḥrayn', meaning 'two seas'.

Bahrain's population is predominantly Shia Muslim, with around 70% of Bahraini people following Shia Islam. However, the ruling Al Khalifa family are Sunni Muslims, and this religious divide has led to long-running political tensions and civil unrest.

The Al Khalifa family hold the main political and military posts in Bahrain, and the Shia majority have accused the ruling Sunni minority of shutting them out of housing, healthcare, and government jobs. This has resulted in protests and civil disobedience, with demonstrators calling for political reform and an end to sectarianism.

The Bahraini government has been criticised for its response to these protests, which included a crackdown on opposition groups, thousands of arrests, and systematic torture. The government has also been accused of violating the human rights of dissidents, political opposition figures, and the Shia Muslim population.

The divide between the Shia majority and the Sunni rulers has been further exacerbated by economic disparities. Bahrain's Shia community has been marginalised economically, missing out on the country's economic boom due to corruption, crony capitalism, and a lack of transparency.

The Al Khalifa family has ruled Bahrain since the late 18th century, when they settled in the country and appropriated land from the indigenous Shia owners. This historical context has contributed to the tensions between the Shia majority and the Sunni rulers, with the Shia community calling for an end to discrimination and a transition to a system of greater rights for all.

Culture: Bahrain's culture is influenced by its history, with a mix of modern Arab culture and ancient traditions

Culture in Bahrain

Bahrain's culture is heavily influenced by its history, with a mix of modern Arab culture and ancient traditions.

History

Bahrain is an archipelago in the Persian Gulf, consisting of Bahrain Island and around 30 smaller islands. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with burial mounds in the north of the main island dating back to the Sumerian period of the 3rd millennium BCE.

Bahrain was the seat of the ancient Dilmun Empire, a prosperous trading centre linking Sumer and the Indus Valley around 2000 BCE. It has been ruled by various groups over the centuries, including the Portuguese Empire from 1521 to 1602, and Persians from 1602 to 1783. Since 1783, Bahrain has been ruled by the Al Khalifa royal family, an Arab dynasty.

Modern Culture

Bahrain's culture today reflects both its ancient history and more recent influences. While it remains an Arab-Islamic country at heart, it has embraced modernisation and Westernisation to a greater extent than some of its neighbours.

Bahrainis generally follow conservative social customs, though these are more moderate and relaxed compared to countries like Saudi Arabia. Western-style clothing is common, though some men still wear traditional thawbs and kaffiyehs, and women in rural areas or conservative communities wear the veil and abaya.

Coffee is an important part of social life, and Bahraini cuisine typically features fish, shrimp, meat, rice, and dates. Traditional handicrafts such as ceramics, basket-weaving, and gold working are also popular.

Music and sports play a significant role in Bahraini culture, with a rich folk music culture and sports like football, horse racing, and falconry.

Religious Diversity

Bahrain is a predominantly Muslim country, with around 70% of the population following Shia Islam and 15% following Sunni Islam. However, it is also home to Christians, Jews, and followers of indigenous practices, reflecting its historical diversity.

Language

Arabic is the official language of Bahrain, and it is widely used in daily life. English is also commonly spoken, and other languages like Farsi and Urdu are used by the large Indian and Persian communities in the country.

Education

Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 14 and is free for Bahraini citizens in government schools. There are two main universities in the country: the University of Bahrain and the Arabian Gulf University, as well as specialised institutions like the College of Health Sciences.

Healthcare

Bahrain has a universal healthcare system, providing free and comprehensive medical care for both nationals and expatriates. The country has successfully eliminated tropical diseases and raised life expectancy, with several modern hospitals and health centres across the nation.

Frequently asked questions