Staying in Bahrain:
The Kingdom of Bahrain is considered a unique culture and tourism destination in the GCC region, and is well-known for its tolerant lifestyle and rich history and traditions.
Your journey in Bahrain begins by entering through its three entry ports; Bahrain International Airport, Khalifa bin Salman Port, or King Fahad Causeway which links the Kingdom of Bahrain with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from the west.
To get a visit visa to Bahrain, just fill in the form available on the eGovernment National portal (www.bahrain.bh/visa), or request a visa through the hotel you will be staying in during your stay for a small fee.
Bahrain’s weather is pleasant and cool from November until April, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. From May to October, it is sunny and relatively hot, with temperatures reaching 37 to 40 degrees Celsius.
Getting Around in the Kingdom of Bahrain:
The Kingdom of Bahrain has a public transport system which includes taxicabs and buses. All taxicabs in Bahrain run by meter, so customers are requested to make sure that the driver has indeed turned it on at the start of the ride.
Taxicabs can be found around tourist hotspots such as Bab Al-Bahrain, main shopping centers, and large hotels.
A number of private companies also offer transport services. The main companies which offer such services can be reached at:
- Alarabia Taxi: 17461746
- Speedy Motors: 17682999
Tourism, Culture, and Entertainment in Bahrain:
Those staying in Bahrain can enjoy a wide range of activities and places of which offer truly unique cultural and tourism experiences.
With regards to cultural and tourism activities, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) organizes a number of annual festivals, such as the Spring of Culture in March and April, the Bahrain Summer Festival and Ta’a Al-Shabab from August to September, and the Bahrain International Music Festival in October which features musical and theatrical performances, lectures, and much more.
As for cultural sites, residents, visitors, and tourists can re-live history through Bahrain’s many historical sites, namely its forts. Among the most famous of these forts is the historical Qala’at Al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) Site which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other examples of such sites are Bu Maher Fort and Arad Fort in Muharraq, Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al-Fateh Fort in Riffa. In addition to its forts, Bahrain also is home to many museums, such as Bahrain National Museum, Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al-Fateh Fort Museum, and Bahrain Fort Site Museum, as well as the old traditional houses in Muharraq city.
A diverse array of sports tourism activities is also available in Bahrain, such as sailing, fishing, diving, horse riding, and golf. However, its most prominent sports activity is the Bahrain Gran Prix, held each year in April at the Bahrain International Circuit.
Shopping in the Kingdom of Bahrain:
The Kingdom of Bahrain is home to many shopping malls which can be found across the country especially in Manama (Bahrain City Center, Seef Mall, A’ali Mall, Bahrian Mall, Dana Mall…) that contain an extensive range of international clothing brands, accessories, and electronics, as well many international and local restaurants and food outlets, and some have Cineplex.
For trendsetters and lovers of high fashion, Moda Mall in the Bahrain World Trade Center is home to an exclusive collection of some of the most exclusive and luxurious names in the world of fashion and accessories.
Manama is also home to other shopping malls such as Bahrain Mall and Dana Mall, all of which offer a wide range of retail outlets and services for a pleasurable shopping experience.
General Information:
Currency: The Bahraini Dinar is the country’s official currency which equals around 2.6 US Dollars, or around 2 Euros.
Time Zone: GMT +3
Language: The official language of Bahrain is Arabic, but English language is widely spoken.
Religion: The official religion of the country is Islam, and its permits followers of other religions total freedom to practice their faith, as evidenced by its many churches and temples.
Bahrain’s system of government: is a constitutional monarchy that was set up in 2002.
