Exploring Bahrain: A Traveler's Curiosity Unveiled

Bahrain is a small but fascinating island country in the Persian Gulf, with a rich history and culture. With a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern attractions, it offers a memorable experience for travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination. Here are some reasons why you may want to visit Bahrain:

- Historical Significance: Bahrain boasts a long and illustrious history, dating back to the ancient Dilmun civilization. It has been a power centre for centuries, known for its pearling wealth and as a source of freshwater for traders.

- Cultural Diversity: Bahrain's culture is heavily influenced by its diverse population, including Arabs, Persians, Indians, and Pakistanis. This cultural melting pot is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions, making it a fascinating place to explore.

- Natural Beauty: From the azure waters surrounding its islands to the majestic Tree of Life in the heart of the desert, Bahrain offers a range of natural attractions. The Al Dar Islands, with their crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, are a peaceful retreat.

- Gourmet Delights: Bahrain's culinary scene is a foodie's paradise, offering a variety of cuisines from across the Middle East. From traditional dishes like machboos and ouzi to the trendy restaurants in Block 338, there's something for every palate.

- Outdoor Adventures: Beyond its historical and cultural attractions, Bahrain provides a range of outdoor activities. You can go birdwatching at the Hawar Islands, scuba diving, or horse riding. The Bahrain International Circuit, hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix, is a must-visit for racing enthusiasts.

- Art and Entertainment: Bahrain has a growing art scene, with galleries and museums showcasing both traditional and contemporary works. The country also hosts the annual Spring of Culture festival, featuring international musicians and artists.

- Ease of Travel: Bahrain is easily accessible, with a well-developed road network and modern highways. Getting around the island is convenient, and its compact size makes exploring a breeze.

- Luxury and Hospitality: Bahrain offers a range of luxury hotels and resorts, ensuring a comfortable stay. The country is known for its hospitality, and its people are friendly and welcoming to expats and tourists alike.

- Safety and Relaxation: Bahrain is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates. Its relaxed atmosphere and laid-back lifestyle provide a peaceful escape from bustling tourist hubs.

- Shopping Extravaganza: From the traditional Manama Souq to modern malls like The Avenues Bahrain, the country caters to all shopping preferences. You can find everything from local crafts and spices to high-end fashion and gourmet dining.

Bahrain's unique history

Bahrain has a rich and unique history. The country's name is derived from the Arabic word 'Bahr', meaning 'sea'. It is an archipelago consisting of Bahrain Island and about 30 smaller islands.

Bahrain was a central location of the ancient Dilmun civilisation, which traded with ancient Sumer. It has been ruled by various groups, including the Persians, Sumerians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Portuguese, Arabs, and British.

Bahrain was a pivotal part of the Persian Empire of the Achaemenids, an Iranian dynasty, from the 6th to the 3rd century BC. From the 3rd century BC to the arrival of Islam in the 7th century AD, it was controlled by two other Iranian dynasties, the Parthians and the Sassanids.

Bahrain was referred to as Tylos by the ancient Greeks and was a centre of pearl trading. From the 4th to the 8th century, the Bahraini population followed Nestorian Christianity, also known as the Eastern Church.

In the 1830s, the British signed treaties with Bahrain, offering protection from the Turks in exchange for access to the Persian Gulf. Bahrain officially declared its independence on 14 August 1971.

Bahrain is the smallest Arab state and has been a continuing power centre and a hub of wealth, stability, and culture. It has a tolerant and open social model, with a diverse range of influences from the cultures that have passed through.

The country's modern amenities

Bahrain is a modern country with a lot of amenities to offer. Here are some reasons why you may want to visit or even move to Bahrain:

Safety and Security:

Bahrain is known for its low crime rate and is considered one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is rare, and the country has strict laws and penalties for crimes such as drug possession and trafficking. However, it is important to remain vigilant as terrorist groups may target tourist sites, transportation hubs, markets, and other locations.

Tourist Paradise:

Bahrain offers a wide range of attractions for visitors, including beaches, cultural and historical sites, diverse cuisine, and leisure activities. It has relatively relaxed dress codes and is known for its safety and relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular tourist destination in the region.

Economic Opportunities:

Bahrain's economy stands out in the Middle East due to its economic openness and diversification beyond oil. It has a thriving private sector and expanding banking, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Bahrain also has a favourable business environment, with initiatives to strengthen its regulatory and financial framework and attract foreign investment.

Transportation and Infrastructure:

Bahrain has a well-developed transportation system, including an expanded public bus system and accessible taxi services like Uber. Road travel is generally safe, with well-maintained highways and major roads. The country also has impressive real estate developments, such as the Golden Gate luxury apartments, offering modern and luxurious living with easy access to amenities and transportation.

Healthcare:

While basic medical care is available through public and private hospitals, some aspects of healthcare fall below US standards. However, appropriate medical treatment is widely available, and first responders and medical professionals are typically on hand for organised activities and emergencies.

Technology and Communication:

English is widely spoken in Bahrain, and most residents have access to modern technology. Popular apps like Uber and international SIM card providers like aloSIM are available, making communication and navigation convenient for visitors.

With its combination of cultural attractions, modern infrastructure, and favourable economic conditions, Bahrain offers a unique blend of tradition and contemporary amenities.

The Bahraini cuisine

Bahraini cuisine is a blend of flavours influenced by the country's history, geography, and cultural diversity. As Bahrain was an important seaport and trading junction since ancient times, its cuisine is a mixture of Arabic, Persian, Indian, Balochi, African, Far East, and European food.

Arabic coffee (qahwah) is the national beverage, while tea is commonly drunk for hospitality. Other popular beverages include laban (a kind of salty buttermilk), yoghurt drinks, sharbat (sweet drinks), and soft drinks.

• Masli – rice cooked with chicken, meat, fish or shrimp with the ingredients cooked directly into the pot.
• Biryani – heavily seasoned rice cooked with chicken or lamb, originating from the Indian subcontinent.
• Fi Ga'atah or taht al aysh – white rice cooked with tomatoes, potatoes, and aubergine in the bottom of the pan.
• Harees – wheat cooked with meat and mashed, usually topped with cinnamon sugar.
• Jireesh – a mash of cooked spelt with chicken or lamb, tomatoes, and some spices.
• Machboos – the national dish of Bahrain, made with mutton, chicken or fish served over fragrant rice that has been cooked in a well-spiced chicken/mutton broth.
• Mahyawa – a tangy, anchovy-based, Persian-inspired sauce.
• Mumawwash – rice cooked with green lentils and can be topped with dry shrimp.
• Muhammar – a distinctive rice dish made from local rice with dates or sugar, always served with fried fish.
• Quzi or Ghoozi – a dish consisting of a roasted lamb stuffed with rice, meat, eggs and other ingredients.
• Falafel – a dish consisting of fried fava beans served as fried balls in sandwiches with vegetables.
• Al-Mudalal – rice cooked with herbs and mixed with small pieces of chicken, and then a special kind of butter is added.
• Malgoum – a dish of shawarma served inside chapati or paratha bread with cheese, french fries, and a variety of sauces.
• Fūl – a stew of cooked fava beans served with olive oil, cumin, and optionally with chopped parsley, garlic, onion, lemon juice, chilli pepper, and other vegetables, herbs, and spices.
• Ghuraiba – brittle cookies made from flour, butter, powdered sugar, and cardamom, usually served with Arabic coffee.
• Qirs altaabi – a dish made of flour, eggs, and ground cardamom to make a paste that is heated on a hot surface.
• Khabeesa – a sweet dish made of flour and oil.
• Gaimat or Luqaimat – sweet fried yeast dumplings soaked in saffron syrup (sugar, lemon and saffron) or honey or date molasses.
• Khanfaroosh – a popular fried dessert prepared using molasses or milk, usually served at breakfast with tea or coffee.
• Zalabia – fried dough soaked in syrup (sugar, lemon and saffron) with a distinctive swirly shape.
• Samboosa – a popular appetizer or snack, similar to samosas found in other parts of the world, consisting of deep-fried pastry filled with a mixture of meat, onions, and spices.
• Balaleet – a sweet and savoury dish made with vermicelli noodles cooked with sugar, spices, and occasionally saffron, typically served with a side of fried eggs.
• Halwa Showaiter – a traditional Bahraini dessert made from cornstarch, ghee, sugar, and various flavourings like saffron and rosewater, often garnished with nuts.

The country's natural wonders

Bahrain is an archipelago of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands, with a landscape that is mostly desert. The country has a rich history, having been inhabited by the ancient Dilmun civilisation, and was famed for its pearl fisheries, which were considered the best in the world until the 19th century.

Bahrain has several natural wonders, including:

• The Tree of Life: This approximately 400-year-old mesquite tree is a popular tourist attraction, standing alone in the Arabian Desert with no other vegetation around it. It is believed to draw water from an underground stream or from breezes originating from the Persian Gulf.
• Burial Mounds: Bahrain has several large burial mounds, or tumuli, from the Dilmun period, including the A'ali East Burial Mound Field, which has 4,669 mounds, and the A'ali West Burial Mound Field, which has 723 mounds.
• Forts: Bahrain has several impressive forts, including Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort), which was the former centre of the Dilmun civilisation, and Arad Fort, which was built by Arabs in the 15th century.
• Natural Springs: In the north and northwest of the country, there are natural springs and aquifers that are used for irrigation.

The ease of getting around the island

Bahrain is an archipelago consisting of Bahrain Island and about 30 smaller islands. The islands are connected by an excellent road system, with road signs in English and Arabic. The capital, Manama, is located on the northeastern tip of Bahrain Island.

Getting Around by Car

You can easily hire a car from most major international car hire companies, which have representatives at the airport and big hotels. Driving is done on the right, and speed limits are 60km/h in towns, 80-100km/h on open roads, and 120km/h on motorways. You can drive in Bahrain for up to a year with an International Driving Permit.

Getting Around by Taxi

You can hail a taxi on the street or find one at stands outside hotels and tourist attractions. They are identifiable by orange side wings and yellow number plates. Fares should always be agreed upon beforehand, and meters are not used. Share-taxis, which carry up to five passengers, are also available and are recognisable by a yellow circle with the licence number in black painted on the driver's door and white and orange number plates. Radio cabs are also available.

Getting Around by Boat

Transport between the smaller islands is by motorboat or dhow.

Frequently asked questions