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Bahrain

Bahrain

Continent

Asia

Best States to Visit

  • Manama
  • Riffa
  • Isa town
  • Hamad town
  • Muharraq

Best Cities to Visit

  • Al Hidd
  • A'Ali
  • Arad
  • Jidhafs
  • Budaiya

Size

765 KM2

Population

1,701,575

GDP

$34

Spending Budget

$120 - $128

Famous For

  • Date palms
  • Natural resources

Best Time to Visit

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • December

History

Known in ancient times as Dilmun, Bahrain was an important center of trade by the 3rd millennium B.C. The islands were ruled by the Persians in the 4th century A.D., and then by Arabs until 1541, when the Portuguese invaded them. Persia again claimed Bahrain in 1602. In 1783 Ahmad ibn al-Khalifah took over, and the al-Khalifahs remain the ruling family today. Bahrain became a British protectorate in 1820. It did not gain full independence until Aug. 14, 1971.Although oil was discovered in Bahrain in the 1930s, it was relatively little compared to other Gulf states, and the wells are expected to be the first in the region to dry up. Sheik Isa ibn Sulman al-Khalifah, who became emir in 1961, was determined to diversify his country's economy, and he set about establishing Bahrain as a major financial center. The country provides its people with free medical care, education, and old-age pensions.

Present Day

Bahrain, is a country in the Arabian Gulf. The island nation comprises a small archipelago made up of 70 natural islands and an additional 33 artificial islands, centered around Bahrain Island which makes up around 83 percent of the country's landmass. The country is situated between the Qatari peninsula and the north eastern coast of Saudi Arabia to which it is connected by the 25-kilometre (16 mi) King Fahd Causeway. According to the 2020 census, Bahrain's population numbers 1,501,635 people, of which 712,362 are Bahraini nationals. At 760 square kilometres (290 sq mi) in size, it is the third-smallest nation in Asia after the Maldives and Singapore.The capital and largest city is Manama.Bahrain developed the first post-oil economy in the Arabian Gulf, the result of decades of investing in the banking and tourism sectors;many of the world's largest financial institutions have a presence in the country's capital. It subsequently has a high Human Development Index and is recognised by the World Bank as a high-income economy. Bahrain is a member of the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement, Arab League, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Future

Reducing dependence on oil is the main focus of the new economic strategies developed by countries across the Arab Gulf. Such strategies are embodied by the Vision 2030 programmes already under way in most countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In the case of Bahrain, a sustainable development and economic growth model, as promoted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is complementary to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy and can positively impact future plans aimed at improving the lives of ordinary citizens. To explore the extent in which UNPD guidelines inform Bahrain’s government action, the Euro-Gulf Information Centre invited Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli, the Program Director for International and Geo-Political Studies at Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (DERASAT), Associate Professor of Economics at George Mason University and, previously, a Visiting Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago.
Must Visit Places ------------

Manama

Manama is one of the best Bahrain attractions that reflects a beautiful amalgamation of traditional with contemporary style. Manama’s skyline is brimmed with glistening skyscrapers and other architectural buildings that reflect the beauty of the artistic skills of the people of Bahrain.

Bahrain National Museum

Spread in an area 27,800 sq meters, Bahrain National Museum is the biggest public museum in the country that houses various artefacts that reflect the rich history of Bahrain. It is definitely one of the best tourist places in Bahrain which offers an enriching experience to all the history buffs out there.

Beit Al Quran

One of the most important places to visit in Bahrain in terms of religion is Beit Al Quran that houses a rich collection of Qurans. The place has Qurans from almost every century and also one of the very first translations into a European language. There is also a library where you can find books and works of some of the most renowned Islamic writers from across the world.

Riffa Fort

History buffs will find Bahrain a very pleasing place as the country is brimmed with myriad historical attractions. One of the best tourist attractions in Bahrain is Riffa Fort which is known for its stunning architecture and will take you back to history during the reign of Al Khalifas.

Hawar Island

One of the most famous places in Bahrain is Hawar Island which offers a tranquil getaway to tourists who love nature and serenity. Dotted with the Persian Gulf, Hawar Island offers opportunities for water sports. One can also find some of the best resorts in Bahrain here as Hawar Island is famous as a popular resort destination.

Amwaj Island

Bahrain being an island country is full of the exotic island and one such famous island is Amwaj Island which is a group of a number of artificial islands. One of the best places to visit in Bahrain, Amwaj Island houses not just some of the best beaches of Bahrain but also luxurious restaurants, resorts, cafes and shopping malls making it a top-notch place to visit in Bahrain.

Al areen wildlife park

For all the lovers of flora and fauna, Al Areen Wildlife Park

Manama Souq

A visit to Bahrain would be incomplete without strolling through its traditional markets and buying some antique stuff from here. Located in the heart of Manama, Manama Souq is one of the best Bahrain tourist attractions where you will get a true insight into the local culture of Bahrain. It is a great place to buy souvenirs from Bahrain, spices, jewelry and places which are popular items to buy from Bahrain.

Juffair

Juffair is one of those places where development has rapidly happened over the years city sees new towers pop up almost every year which travelers coming here can see.

Isa town

One of the best places to go in Bahrain as far as shopping is concerned, Isa Town is a fine place that doesn't disappoint travelers. One may think of it as a simple town brimming with luxurious homes and villas. However, there's a lot more to Isa Town that travelers know about.

Al Jasra

Another of those places to visit in the Middle East, Al Jasra is nestled at the crossroads of King Fahd Causeway and the straits of the western coast of Bahrain. Popularly known as the heritage heartland of the region, the village is where one can find the best of arts and crafts. From the best of weavings, pottery, souvenirs and so much more, there's a lot to look forward to at Al Jasra.

Saar

Nestled close to Manama and one of the finest places to go in Bahrain, Saar offers the tranquility that one can expect to get on a holiday in the Middle East. If you're considering planning your vacation in Bahrain during the upcoming months, well, this is the place you should definitely visit. It is often considered to be one of the best places to visit in April in the world due to the number of attractions it offers.

Muharraq

Muharraq is one of those places in Bahrain that date back a long way in history. This is a place that dates back to the Dilmun Civilization and is one of the finest places to visit on a holiday today. What is interesting about this place is that Muharraq used to be the capital of Bahrain but was then later changed.

Hawar Islands

The islands that are situated right on the edge of Bahrain and are very close to Qatar, Hawar Islands are virtually uninhabited. This is, in fact, one of those parts of Bahrain where sourcing water is a humongous task. Hence, these islands remain virtually uninhabited today.

Hamad town

Nestled in the northern side of Bahrain, the name Hamad town refers to the present king of the kingdom, Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifah. Travelers coming here will find the city to be culturally diverse. This is where people from all backgrounds of life live together in harmony. In fact, Hamad is often recognized as the epitome of Bahraini multiculturalism where no single religious group forms a majority.

A'Ali

Another town that is part of the Northern Governorate and one of the biggest towns in Bahrain, A'Ali is known for its burial mounds spread across here. One can find about 17 royal mounds here that were constructed about 4000 years ago. Just goes to show how A'Ali was an important place in antiquity. Interestingly, there are more than 100,000 Dilmun-era burial mounds scattered across Bahrain.

Qal’at Al Bahrain

Now here's a thing, Bahrain attracts travelers for many reasons. While some think of it as one of the finest food destinations in the world, others would probably live to explore the islands here. But there are also certain sites in the country that historical lovers would certainly love. One of them is Qal’at Al Bahrain.

Sitra

One of the many islands in Bahrain, Sitra is a fine place that sits in the Persian Gulf and is located on the eastern side of Bahrain. Although Bahrain is a country where one can expect to see historical sites in abundance, Sitra is one island where travelers can get to see a different side of Bahrain. The side is largely occupied by oil companies and local fishermen which makes it an interesting place to visit in Bahrain.

Zallaq

Zallaq hugs the western coastline of Bahrain and you will find limpid turquoise lagoons and date palms dotting the shore.This part of Bahrain is famous for the white sands of Al Jazaer Beach and here you will find a shimmering arc which is also one of the best-loved public beaches in the region.

The tree of life

Don’t miss visiting ‘The Tree of Life’, a grand tree in Bahrain that is situated on the top of 25 feet sandy tell which was created about a 500-years-old bastion. This tree, also well-known as ‘Shajarat-al-Hayat’, is about 400-years-old and 32 feet tall, and it is supposed to be the area for cults practicing ancient rituals.

Bab-Al-Bahrain

Plan to visit Bab-Al-Bahrain a historic building, which was built in 1949, in the capital Manama. From here you can find the entry to the fabulous market in Bahrain where you can find a host of things.

Barbar Temple

Another worth-visiting place to visit in Bahrain is the Barbar Temple, which is a well-known archaeological site that you can find in the village of Barbar. It is known to be the part of the Dilmun culture. The Barbar temples were constructed by using limestone blocks. Of the total three Barbar temples, one is known to be discovered again in 1954 by a Danish team of expert archaeologists.

Bahrain International Circuit

If you are fond of watching motor racing, make sure you visit Bahrain International Circuit. Thousands of visitors pay visit to this destination every year to watch Formula One annual Bahrain Grand Prix. You can also enjoy a host of thrilling rides and activities and have a fun-filled, memorable experience by visiting the Bahrain International Circuit

Mountain of Smoke

Jebel Al Dukhan, widely popular as the Mountain of Smoke, is an magnificent hill situated about 134 meters above the mean sea level in Bahrain. It is called the ‘Mountain of Smoke’ due to the haze that covers it most often during the humid days. This outstanding hill is well-known as the highest point in the Bahrain.

Al Fateh Grand Mosque

A guided walk around Al Fateh Grand Mosque is the perfect way to learn more about Islam in the Kingdom. Everything from the doors to the floors has an interesting origin story behind it and you’ll come away from the experience with more facts than you know what to do with.