Bahrain

Bahrain is an island nation in the Persian Gulf, just over an hour's flight from Dubai. It ranks 16th among the safest countries in the world. Oil and natural gas production, aluminum production, and pearl diving play a leading role in the national economy.

Bahrain consists of 33 islands, and despite its compact size, it contains three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of them is the Bahrain Fort, or Qal'at al-Bahrain, which preserves traces of human habitation for 4,000 years. From 2300 BC, it was the capital of the Dilmun civilization. Even then, Bahrain was an important port hub linking the Indus Valley civilization with Mesopotamia, and later China with the Mediterranean. The only surviving naval tower in the region, which likely served as a lighthouse, remains. Qal'at al-Bahrain takes its name from the Portuguese fort built here in the 15th-16th centuries. Only 25% of its territory has been explored to date, and excavations are ongoing.

It is also included in the Pearl Route World Heritage List. Bahraini pearls owe their fame to Jacques Cartier, a representative of the House of Cartier. 110 years ago, he first arrived in Bahrain in search of the perfect pearl, which, due to the development of diamond mines in what is now South Africa, was valued four times more than diamonds and was extremely rare. Since then, Bahrain has been the Cartier source for pearls.

Immerse yourself in the traditions, history, and culture of Bahrain at the Muharraq Nights festival. It takes place annually in December along the famous Pearl Route on Muharraq Island.

Visit the Tree of Life, one of Bahrain's mysteries: this green tree in the desert is hundreds of years old, and no one knows how it survives the scorching sun, as there's not a single other plant for miles around.

Visit the National Museum, home to one of the richest collections in the Gulf, the Quran Museum, with rare manuscripts from the first century to the present day, works of Islamic art and oriental calligraphy, and the Al-Fatih Mosque, one of the largest on the planet.

Bahrain's Sakhir International Circuit hosted the first Formula 1 Grand Prix in the Middle East in 2004, and it has been an annual venue ever since. The track is also open to amateur races, so everyone can enjoy the thrill of speed.

Exhibition World Bahrain was named the world's best new exhibition center in 2023, and if you're planning an event of any size or format, consider it. The Royal Golf Club is also open not only for golf but also for business and private celebrations. World-class stars perform at the Al Dana Amphitheater in Sakhir. Don't miss Metallica's concert there on December 3rd. View the capital and the Gulf from the observation deck on the 42nd floor of the Bahrain World Trade Center, built like two enormous sails connected by three walkways. Visit The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark and the Al Areen Nature Reserve, and take a cruise to Jarada Island, which only appears at low tide.

Experience the culinary diversity at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, featuring restaurants serving Lebanese, Japanese, and Asian cuisine, including one led by Wolfgang Puck.

Learn survival skills with instructors at the Bear Grylls Adventure Zone, designed personally by explorer Bear Grylls at the new eco-hotel Hawar Resort by Mantis on Hawar Island. It's an excellent choice for family vacations and team building activities. A 1.8-kilometer beach, restaurants serving Bahraini and Peruvian-Mediterranean cuisine, a water park, and a wide range of water activities, including water buggies, barbecue nights, horse and camel rides, falconry shows, tennis, and movie nights, will enrich your vacation.

Immerse yourself in royal luxury at the Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain in the resort town of Zallaq on the west coast, adjacent to the Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary and close to Exhibition World Bahrain and the Formula 1 circuit. Villa-only accommodation, a collection of Bahraini paintings, and tennis courts will delight even the most discerning guests. The hotel's botanist will lead you on a tour of the on-site gardens, and Raffles' concierge team can organize everything from wellness retreats and UNESCO site visits to jewelry workshops and pearl diving.

Bahrain is connected to Saudi Arabia by road, making it easy to combine the two countries in a single trip.