About Bahrain
Bahrain is a collection of islands that are located within the Persian Gulf. It is situated near the east of Saudi Arabia and north of Qatar. Bahrain shares its maritime borders with Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The island has a population of over 1.6 million, with nearly 50% of them being non-nationals. Majority of the nation’s population lives on the main island, on the northern side. Manama is the capital city of Bahrain and houses a population of nearly 2,00,000 people. The most-spoken language is Arabic, with the majority of the population being Muslim.
Bahrain enjoys a subtropical climate to go along with its deserts, palm trees, and camels. It is ruled by the House of Khalifa and is known for its petroleum and aluminium business.
Places to visit in Bahrain
Bahrain is one of the most beautiful nations in the Middle East as it houses several magnificent islands. It features many tourist attractions that you can visit when you are in Bahrain. Some of these attractions include the following:
- The beautiful Manama City: Manama is Bahrain's capital city, which features several popular tourist attractions. The massive skyscrapers and architectural marvels reflect the contemporary style of Bahrain. The city is relatively close to the Bahrain International Airport and features traditional markets along with examples of Islamic architecture. The popular tourist attractions in Manama include the Manama Souq, Bahrain National Theatre, Beit Al Quran, Sheikh Isa Bin Ali House, and Al Fatih Mosque. The city has so much to offer that you would need at least three days to visit all the popular attractions. The best time to visit Manama is from December to March as the weather remains relatively pleasant.
- Bahrain National Museum: Spread over nearly 28,000 square metres, Bahrain National Museum is one of the biggest in the world. The museum was built by Hartvig Rasmussen in 1988. It houses various archaeological artefacts that represent Bahrain’s rich history. This popular tourist attraction provides a refined learning experience and is the perfect location for history buffs. It is situated by the Shaikh Hamad Causeway in Manama. The place is open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. but remains closed on Tuesdays. Entry to the museum requires a nominal fee.
- The Riffa Fort: Bahrain is an ideal country for history buffs as it is filled with myriad historical structures. Riffa Fort is a popular tourist attraction known for its stunning architecture. This historical structure will take you back in time, during the reign of the Khalifas. The fort was built in the early 19th century by Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmad Al Fatih. It houses a small museum that features artefacts from ancient times, adding to the experience of the visitors. Located on Road Number 368, Riffa Fort is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. but remains closed on Sundays. There is no fee required for entry.
- Hawar Island: Hawar Island serves as the perfect location for tourists who enjoy spending time amidst nature. Situated in the Persian Gulf, the island is home to different species of flora and fauna. It also offers tourists a few opportunities for water sports and leisure activities. The island also houses some of the best resorts in the Middle East including the Hawar Beach Hotel, Bahrain Beach Resort, Marina Residence Canal View, Al Areen Palace, and Jaw Resort.
- Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve: For all the people who love nature, Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve is the place to be. The park acts as a natural reserve with over 20 species of flora and nearly 80 types of birds. It houses the Water Birds Park, Desert Flora Garden, Wild Birds Park, and Wild Animals Complex. Established in 1976, the sanctuary is located in Zallaq, Bahrain. Entry into the park requires a nominal fee and is free for children below two years of age.
Bahrain International Airport
Established in 1927, Bahrain International Airport is one of the oldest airports in the Persian Gulf. The airport is quite close to the capital, Manama, and serves as the focal point for Gulf Air. Located on Al Muharraq Island, the IATA code for the airport is BAH.