Located in the Arabian Gulf, the Kingdom of Bahrain is the only island country in the Middle East. With over 5000 years of history, year round sunshine and an abundance of shopping and dining options this small, island destination has a lot to offer!
Bahrain’s history and culture dates back over 5000 years to the ancient Dilmun civilisation. The island nation has two UNESCO world heritage sites including Qal’at al-Bahrain, the archaic fort that was once the capital of Dilmun. The story of Bahrain’s heritage has been expertly preserved in the Bahrain National Museum, which will take you on a 4000 year journey through its majestic halls.
Bahrain's temperature and climate are ideal for water sports, enabling enthusiasts to enjoy their hobbies almost all year round. Bahrain is also famous for diving and is rumoured to be the spot where diving was invented, with Bahrainis diving for pearls as far back as 4000 years. Bahrain still boasts over 400 sq. miles of oyster beds where you can try your luck, if you find a pearl then it’s yours to keep forever!
A short boat ride could take you to Bahrain’s pristine surrounding islands. Head to Jarada island, a stunning tidal island that appears and disappears with the ebb of the tide, or visit Hawar Islands where you can look out for the dolphins who play in the calm Gulf seas. When back on the mainland you can shop until you drop at Manama’s ancient souk, or one of the island’s modern malls, before heading to Block 338 for dinner, a charming pedestrian quarter crammed with international restaurants, art galleries and small boutiques.
