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This wealthy Persian Gulf kingdom - an archipelago of one large island and dozens of smaller ones off the coast of Saudi Arabia (and connected to it by causeway - is one of the Middle East´s smallest countries – packing a population of 1.6 million into a territory just a fifth the size of Wales and smaller even than the U.S. state of Rhode Island – you can drive across the main island in just under an hour. But it also boasts one of the region´s longest inhabited histories. stretching back more than 4,000 years to the Dilmun civilization (3000–500 BCE), a prosperous, nearly mythical land that acted as a prosperous trading hub between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley civilization of west Asia.
Over the centuries, these islands came under the influence or control of Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians before becoming Islamic in the 7th century; it´s been ruled since the 18th century by the Al Khalifa dynasty and was a British protectorate from 1861 to 1971. Economically, for generations Bahrain was known for its pearl diving and production, but oil was discovered in 1932, making the kingdom one of the first Gulf states to develop a petroleum economy, and today it´s a constitutional monarchy which has diversified its economy into finance, services, and tourism while maintaining its strategic position in Gulf geopolitics.
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It´s also considered perhaps socially open country in the Gulf, for example with women are prominent in society here; some wear the hijab, but in capital Manama you´ll see plenty of them uncovered and dressing in western style. Attitudes toward LGBTQ are also a bit more open and less restrictive - especially in Manama, where there are a number of gay-friendly venues. Islamic traditions do still shape public life and “modest” dress is encouraged, but the capital is pretty cosmopolitan, with international restaurants, hotel bars, and a good-size foreign population. Alcohol is available in licensed venues and there´s also a nightlife scene, although it´s relatively low-key compared to Dubai.
As far as what it has to offer to visitors, Bahrain may not be as flashy as the Emirates or as monumentally stunning as Egypt, but it does have a compact mix of ancient heritage, Islamic traditions, British colonial legacies, urban pleasures, desert nature, and even great beaches. And here are five essential experiences for first-timers:
Manama, a Capital Experience
Founded in the mid-14th century and with a population of 759,000, Bahrain´s capital feels smaller, older, and more layered than many Gulf capitals. It has its share of flashy Dubai-style skyscrapers, but at Manama´s heart is an unfancy, lived-in core (above) centered around the Bab Al Bahrain and Manama Souq, a maze of traditional market lanes selling gold, spices, textiles, and sweets.
Then heading east and north from the souq area is where you´ll find the financial district towers, luxury hotels, waterfront developments, and shopping malls like The Avenues. Districts like Seef and the Diplomatic Area are more contemporary, with wider streets and Gulf-style glass architecture, while farther south, areas such as Juffair are nightlife-oriented (and heavily expatriate), with hotels, apartment towers, bars, and restaurants.
Some highlights not to miss include the Bahrain National Museum, which lays out the archipelago´s history dating back to the Dilmun, as well as a lot of material on traditional life and the pearl production which was so important before the discovery of oil (and still remains a thing today). Also definitely check out the Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort), a UNESCO World Heritage Site located a ten-minute drive from the center, which reveals layers of settlement dating back to 230 BCE, from ancient Dilmun till the 18th century. Also worth a visit is Al Jasra House, the family home of independent Bahrain´s first emir, Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, for a look at traditional Bahraini furnishings and crafts. Visitors are welcome (outside of worship times) to the 38-year-old Al Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the world´s largest, accommodating some 7,000. Take some time out to enjoy the trendy galleries, boutiques, and cafés of Block 338 in the Adliya district a ten-minute drive south of the souq, and check out the Beit Al Quran, a complex in the suburb of Hoora featuring the world´s foremost Islamic museum.
Muharraq — Pearls and the Past
Located on the island of the same name just a 20-minute drive across a causeway from Manama, Bahrain’s oldest and second most populous city (pop. 97,000) feels quieter and more intimate than Manama. It has roots in Dilmun and rose to its greatest prominence after the Al Khalifas took control in 1783, remaining the national capital until 1932. Though it has its own considerable modern side, very walkable central Muharraq also retains much of its traditional character, with historic houses such as Dar Alfann, Kurar House, and Maison Jamsheer, mosques, the 15th-century Arad Fort, and the Souq Al Quaiseriya and other markets that reflect its maritime heritage. Another landmark not to miss when it reopens after renovations is the Shaikh Isa Bin Ali House, a 19th-century royal residence and one of Bahrain’s finest examples of traditional Gulf architecture. As if all that weren´t enough, the city is also famously home to the Pearling Path, the country´s second UNESCO World Heritage Site, a trail of just over two miles connecting various squares, narrow lanes, and 17 historic buildings including merchant houses and traditional wind-tower homes, along with the 1840 seafront Bu Mahir Fort on the island´s southern tip.
Zallaq, its Beaches, and More — Gulf Coast Cavorting
On the southwest coast, about an hour from the capital, this village has a fun and relaxed beach atmosphere. While resorts and public strands such as nearly-two-mile Al Jazayer (above) provide swimming, jet skiing and other water sports, and great sunset views across the Gulf, you can also find amusements such as the Bahrain International Karting Circuit, indoor "skydiving" at Gravity; The Lost Paradise of Dilmun water park; rock climbing at The Crag; and concerts and other shows (some with international headliners) at the Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre.
Visit Bahrain
Sakhir — Wild Desert, Fast Cars, and Critters
Some 40 minutes south of the capital, the region of Aṣ-Ṣaḫīr showcases Bahrain’s desert landscape of wide, open, undulating terrain, and you can take a desert safari, which includes adventure activities like sandboarding, "dune bashing" in a 4x4, and quad biking, along with a camel farm, camel riding, and spectacular stargazing (at desert camps on overnight safaris).
Also out in the Sakhir Desert is the Bahrain International Circuit, a challenging racetrack of just over three miles where the Formula 1 Grand Prix along with various other races are held. Visitors can take tours of the track and control tower as well as hop into racing simulators; ride in (and even drive) F1 cars; and go karting. There are also several restaurants out here.
And don´t forget the nearly three-square-mile zoo-meets-wildlife reserve Al Areen Wildlife Park (aka Mohamed bin Zayed Nature Reserve), where you can see various Arabian species as well as cheetahs, lions, zebras, hyenas, and more.
Hawar Islands — Where the Wild Things Are
This protected archipelago of a half dozen flat, sandy islands off the southern coast is known for birdlife, marine ecosystems, and secluded beaches. From Manama you drive an hour south, typically to the town of Durrat Al Bahrain), then take an hourlong ferry ride. The Hawars are best known for wildlife including flamingos, migratory birds, and the Gulf’s largest population of dugongs (related to Western-Hemisphere manatees). There are no towns—just open landscapes and a strong sense of isolation. You can visit the Hawars as a day trip from Manama, arranged through tour operators, but these are tight on time, so for a more complete experience, a better option is an overnight stay, either at resorts on Hawar Island (the largest) or eco-lodges.
Get more info at Bahrain.com.
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