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Bahrain Financial Harbour, Manama
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This Gulf nation consists of an archipelago of 33 islands and boasts an idyllic coastline and some fascinating ancient historical sites, along with a justified reputation for keeping a relatively balanced and western-friendly aspect and culture which has made it popular with travellers curious to explore the region but also occasionally wanting a drink. This oasis of liberalism is a close ally of the US and enjoys increasing freedom of expression, while having been ruled over by the al-Khalifah family since 1783, now a constitutional monarchy with an elected legislative assembly.
Visitors will be delighted by the combination of experiences on offer here, the streets of Manama being now full of glitzy shopping malls and restaurants as a sign of the increasing wealth Bahrain has enjoyed since its oil reserves were first discovered in 1931 as well as many splendid mosques and minarets. While in town, visit the excellent National Museum, which will put you in the picture as to the fascinating development of this nation. The Museum of Pearl Diving has rooms which contain displays of Bahrain's pearl-diving and seafaring heritage, exhibits of antique weapons, traditional games, medicine, costumes and musical instruments, as well as the various uses of the date palm. As well as beach resorts and smart hotels along the coast, you can visit such splendid sights as the Bahrain World Trade Centre, the King Fahd Causeway and the Dual Towers of the new Bahrain Financial Harbour of Manama.
Alongside all this and among its fascinating historical sites is the largest ancient necropolis in the world, dating back to the 3 rd millennium BC, with amazing burial mounds to be visited at Sar: A'Ali and Al Hajar, and three impressive forts recently ed to the public. Its history stretches back to the Dilmun period, through the Islamic era, and it is said to have been considered by the ancient Sumerians as an island paradise to which the wise and brave would be led to enjoy eternal life. Dilmun served as a trading post on the route between the Indus valley (now India) and Mesopotamia (now Iraq). Now, the thrill of trading focuses on the haggling over the 'rolexes' of the souks in Manama: the atmospheric Central Market, Gold Souk and Bab Al Bahrain. Muharraq has somehow avoided much of the modernising that has transformed Manama in recent years, with a more interesting souk and a couple of well-preserved 19 th century traditional houses, the Bait Shaikh Isa Bin and the Bait Seyadi.
A different kind of oasis is to be found at the Bahrain International Circuit, beside the striking landmark of the Sakhir Tower, venue for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix and a plethora of other exciting motorsports events, as well as providing one of the most popular venues for corporate functions and social occasions on the island.
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Bahrain Financial Harbour, Manama
|
This Gulf nation consists of an archipelago of 33 islands and boasts an idyllic coastline and some fascinating ancient historical sites, along with a justified reputation for keeping a relatively balanced and western-friendly aspect and culture which has made it popular with travellers curious to explore the region but also occasionally wanting a drink. This oasis of liberalism is a close ally of the US and enjoys increasing freedom of expression, while having been ruled over by the al-Khalifah family since 1783, now a constitutional monarchy with an elected legislative assembly.
Visitors will be delighted by the combination of experiences on offer here, the streets of Manama being now full of glitzy shopping malls and restaurants as a sign of the increasing wealth Bahrain has enjoyed since its oil reserves were first discovered in 1931 as well as many splendid mosques and minarets. While in town, visit the excellent National Museum, which will put you in the picture as to the fascinating development of this nation. The Museum of Pearl Diving has rooms which contain displays of Bahrain's pearl-diving and seafaring heritage, exhibits of antique weapons, traditional games, medicine, costumes and musical instruments, as well as the various uses of the date palm. As well as beach resorts and smart hotels along the coast, you can visit such splendid sights as the Bahrain World Trade Centre, the King Fahd Causeway and the Dual Towers of the new Bahrain Financial Harbour of Manama.
Alongside all this and among its fascinating historical sites is the largest ancient necropolis in the world, dating back to the 3 rd millennium BC, with amazing burial mounds to be visited at Sar: A'Ali and Al Hajar, and three impressive forts recently ed to the public. Its history stretches back to the Dilmun period, through the Islamic era, and it is said to have been considered by the ancient Sumerians as an island paradise to which the wise and brave would be led to enjoy eternal life. Dilmun served as a trading post on the route between the Indus valley (now India) and Mesopotamia (now Iraq). Now, the thrill of trading focuses on the haggling over the 'rolexes' of the souks in Manama: the atmospheric Central Market, Gold Souk and Bab Al Bahrain. Muharraq has somehow avoided much of the modernising that has transformed Manama in recent years, with a more interesting souk and a couple of well-preserved 19 th century traditional houses, the Bait Shaikh Isa Bin and the Bait Seyadi.
A different kind of oasis is to be found at the Bahrain International Circuit, beside the striking landmark of the Sakhir Tower, venue for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix and a plethora of other exciting motorsports events, as well as providing one of the most popular venues for corporate functions and social occasions on the island.