Bahrain is a small Arab state in Southwest Asia. It is located on the eponymous archipelago washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf. The country is connected to the continent by a multi-kilometer automobile bridge named after the Saudi King Fahd.
Why go?
People come here in search of Arabian exoticism and natural beauty, there is rich flora and fauna. Every year, Bahrain hosts a stage of the Formula 1 World Championship, which invariably attracts fans of this sport.
The islands of the archipelago are a desirable vacation spot for people keen on diving. Comfortable water temperatures almost all year round, a diverse underwater world, picturesque coral reefs – all this creates excellent conditions for diving.
The main thing about the country
- The capital and largest city is Manama.
- The official language is Arabic, but English, Farsi and Urdu are also spoken.
- The state is ruled by a king, and the legislation combines secular principles with Sharia norms.
- The cost of the trip is 10-15 thousand rubles per day excluding tickets.
- The time zone is the same as Moscow (GMT+3).
- More than 70% of the local population professes Islam.
- The attitude towards tourists is friendly, there is no strict dress code.
- The economy is based on oil production and refining, and pearls and aluminum are also exported.
- The climate is tropical, with mild winters, the coldest month being January.
- The relief of the archipelago is flat.
- The islands are dominated by desert landscapes and there are no rivers.
When to go
Winters in Bahrain are moderate and dry, and summers are very hot and humid. The average air temperature in summer (June-August) is in the range of +37…+45 °C. In winter (December-January) – +8…+20 °C.
The best time to visit the country for tourism is from November to March. But when planning your trip, it is worth considering that this is the period when the largest influx of tourists occurs. If you want to avoid crowds when sightseeing, you should choose October or April for your trip.
Summer clothes are comfortable for most of the year. A sweater, jacket or coat may be needed only in winter, mainly in the evening. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high protection factor are essential attributes for a vacation in the Middle East.
Holidays and non-working days
- January 1 – New Year;
- May 1 – Labor Day;
- December 16 – Independence Day;
- December 17 – the beginning of the reign of King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa;
- Friday and Saturday are official days off.
Currency
The national currency is the Bahraini dinar (BD). One dinar is divided into 1000 fils (similar to our kopecks). In shops, cafes and restaurants you will have to pay with the local currency. Dollars are accepted only in markets, and not everywhere. Bank cards are widely used: you can even pay with them to hotel guides for excursions.
One Bahraini dinar costs 2.65 dollars. This is the official rate, which is maintained artificially and has not changed for many years. All banks and exchange offices accept dollars at this rate, so there is no point in looking for a more favorable one. You can also come with another currency, for example, euros or Turkish lira. Exchanging rubles will be problematic.
Prices
Bahrain has a fairly high standard of living, which is reflected in the cost of vacations. Tourists note that prices here are about the same as in the UAE and Qatar. Alcohol and rent are especially expensive.
- The cost of a bottle of table wine starts from 7 Bahraini dinars (about 18-20 US dollars.
- A taxi ride will cost at least 3-5 Bahraini Dinars (8-10 USD).
- Lunch at a mid-range restaurant without alcohol – from 10 Bahraini dinars (US$26.50).
- A room in a 4-star hotel costs about 70 local dinars (approximately $180-200).
Beaches
The main places for beach recreation are located in Manama and its suburbs. The most popular beach in the capital, Corniche, is located right in the city center. Not only tourists, but also permanent residents relax here. The beaches of the Sitra Lagoon are the property of hotels, so they are open only to their guests. Armed guards monitor the safety of tourists and maintain order.
Resorts
Manama is the modern capital of Bahrain. Since ancient times, it has been located at the crossroads of major trade routes, which contributed to its development and prosperity. Many monuments of traditional architecture have been preserved here, shopping and beach recreation are well developed.
Muharraq Island with the resort town of the same name is separated from Bahrain Island by a very narrow strait, across which 3 bridges are thrown. There is a very small distance between the islands, but sometimes it seems as if they are in different countries. Guests are attracted here by the ancient fortress, as well as the picturesque coast with moored ships and delicious lobsters.
Attractions
The first thing you need to visit in Bahrain is the Al-Fateh Mosque. It is from here that the adhan, the mullah’s call to prayer, is heard 5 times a day. This is a magnificent building, capable of accommodating up to 7,000 people.
The Bahrain National Museum (Manama) displays artefacts from the ancient Dilmun civilization, which played an important role in the region for thousands of years.
No less popular among tourists is the “Tree of Life” – a giant acacia that stands in the middle of a desert without water on a 25-meter sand hill. Scientists believe that it is at least 400 years old. Many believers consider this acacia to be the tree from the Garden of Eden.
Al Areen National Park is another attraction in the country. About 500 species of animals and birds live here in their natural habitat, and tens of thousands of rare plants grow here. In the oasis you can meet zebra, Arabian gazelle, beyza antelope, giant tortoise, desert porcupine, ostrich, flamingo and even the rarest white oryx – a representative of the endangered species of oryx.
Entertainment
Tourists actively engage in water sports, falconry, pearl fishing. In addition, here you can play golf, ride an Arabian horse or a camel, and feel like a real racer by visiting the international Formula 1 circuit Sakhir.
Like other Arab countries, Bahrain has many shopping malls and traditional markets. Shopping enthusiasts will find almost everything here, from branded items to luxurious hand-made fabrics.
Kitchen
Bahrain is famous for its gastronomic delights. There is a wide choice of restaurants with cuisine from different countries of the world – from Arabic to European and even Russian. Exquisite dishes of traditional cuisine are complemented by a wide choice of fish and seafood, freshly caught by local fishermen.
Sweetened brown rice, fruits and dried fruits, traditional oriental sweets are served as desserts. Lunch is usually washed down with black coffee, which is prepared by local baristas in a special way. Alcoholic drinks in the region are represented by beer and aniseed vodka, which is called “arak” here.
Souvenirs
The most common items brought from Bahrain are jewelry with natural pearls, which are mined and exported here. There are different types: white, pink, black. It is better to buy pearls in specialized stores and on farms where they are grown. Make sure to get all the certificates right away, as they will be required when crossing the border.
No less interesting souvenirs will be items of Arabic decorative and applied art:
- national coffee pots with long spouts;
- lamps with an original openwork design;
- figurines of camels and other animals;
- all kinds of kitchen utensils;
- copper trays with traditional ornaments;
- Hand-woven carpets and fabrics.
Transport
Public transport in the country is poorly developed, so most tourists prefer to travel by taxi or as part of organized excursions.
Uber is available in Manama. You can also rent a car to explore the sights on your own. Renting a budget sedan will cost $70-100 for 3 days.
Safety
Bahrain has a very low, almost zero, crime rate. Tourists can move freely throughout the country without fearing for their lives and property. Crimes committed against foreigners are extremely rare, especially compared to other countries in the Middle East.
Please note that it is forbidden to take photos of the Emir’s palace, government buildings, and military installations. If you want to take photos of local residents, always ask their permission.
Medicine
Medicine is well developed. Urgent medical care is provided free of charge and fairly quickly. Along with state clinics, there are private clinics, the services in which are not cheap.
Traditions
Local traditions are closely linked to Islamic culture. Although the country has a fairly liberal attitude towards alcohol, it is not recommended to drink it openly (except in specially designated places). During Ramadan, eating or drinking outside during daylight hours will also be frowned upon. Shoes must be removed before entering a mosque, and women must cover their heads.
Bahrain is a relaxed clothing style. But it is important to remember that it is a Muslim country: tourists should wear modest and relatively covered clothing, especially outside the city. The general rule is to cover your hands up to the wrist and knees, and this applies to both women and men. Beachwear is only allowed in beach clubs, beach hotels, and swimming pools.
Internet
There are 3 local mobile operators in Bahrain – Batelco, Zain and Viva. On a short tourist trip, you can continue to use the services of your mobile operator by connecting the appropriate options. If you plan to stay in a hotel, there will almost certainly be free Wi-Fi. If you need the Internet for work, it is wise to clarify this point in advance.
Useful facts
- For 24 hours after sunset on the eve of religious holidays, the sale of alcohol is suspended.
- The sockets in Bahrain are type G. To use them properly, you need an adapter.
- The traffic rules are the same as the Russian ones.
- You can bargain at the markets: the sellers are ready for it and speak English well. Bargaining is not appropriate in shopping centers and restaurants.
- Tips are included in the bill almost everywhere. Whether you should leave them separately is up to you, in any case, no one will judge you.
Local laws
You must always have identification documents with you.