One of the shining jewels of the Arabian Gulf, Bahrain personifies the bewitching sensuality, mysticism and affluence often associated with the Middle East. A cultural composite of ancient Greek, Portuguese and Arabic influence, Bahrain exudes a captivating old-world charm, reminiscent of the sultry romances of the ‘Arabian Nights’.

The name Bahrain originates from two Arabic words "Thnain Bahr", meaning "Two Seas", referring to the sweet water springs under the sea that mingle with salty water. This unique geological phenomenon belies the kingdom’s historical role as a strategic seaport between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley.

Hailed as the Pearl of the Gulf for its political stability and progressive mind-set, the Kingdom of Bahrain consists of an archipelago of 33 islands, covering a total area of 707 square kilometers. Steeped in ancient history, Bahrain was the center of the lost civilization of Dilmun around 3000 BC. The islands prospered so remarkably under the Babylonian Empire, they caught the attention of two of Alexander the Great’s ships in 323 BC. New trade routes were started and a new chapter of Bahrain’s history was recorded.

Known as the ‘Garden of Eden’ in the Babylonian’s ‘Epic of Gilgamesh’, present day Bahrain boasts a fascinating cross-section of Greek, Babylonian and Islamic cultural influences. Islam became the official religion of the kingdom when the Prophet Mohammed visited in the 7th century A.D. Today, Bahrain’s population is made up of a sizeable number of expatriates, bringing with them an intricate tapestry of faiths and cultural practices from all across the globe.

Cultural Nuggets
The architecture of Bahraini buildings borrows from the different aspects of Middle Eastern design and religion, namely arches, domes, minarets and towers engraved with Arabic calligraphy.The Al-Fateh mosque is one such example of the integration of divine and aesthetic sensibilities. Located in Juffair, this is the largest mosque in Bahrain and can hold up to 7000 worshippers. Moderate dress is a necessity for all, and abayas (the traditional Middle Eastern black cloak) will be provided for female visitors. Wander further afield through the atmospheric streets of Bharain’s capital Manama, and you cannot help but encounter the ornate geometrical carvings and breath-taking vistas of this ancient desert citadel.

With a myriad of forts, temples and mosques dotted in all directions, Bahrain is an archaeological connoisseur’s dream. Its world-famous prehistoric cemeteries are located on six sites in the northern end of Bahrain Island. Over 150,000 of these burial mounds – commemorating the Dilmun and Tylos civilizations - were constructed over a period of 500 years.

A favorite with visitors, the Barbar Temple, where excavations began in the 1950s and 1960s, encompass three stone-built temples dating from the second and third millennia BC. Other attractions like the Bahrain Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1522 when they occupied the island, has its first dwellings - since overlaid by numerous fortified settlements – traced back to 2800 BC. Arrange a photocall at the Pearl Roundabout, Bahrain's renowned landmark, or unravel the mysteries of the intriguing 'Tree of Life'. Bahrain's mix of the ancient and new is anything if not inspired.

General Informations

Geography
The Kingdom of Bahrain is an archipelago of over 33 islands situated in the middle of the Arabian Gulf, off the Eastern Coast of Saudi Arabia.

Area
Bahrain consists of a total land area of about 711 square kilometers. Bahrain Island is the largest of the islands, and cover-up some 586 square kilometers.

Capital
Manama, the capital, is the central business district.

Language
Arabic is the official language in Bahrain and is spoken throughout the Middle East region. English is the business language widely understood and spoken.

Religion
Islam, the religion of Bahrain, is widely practiced by the majority of its population. However, other religions are permitted to practice freely.

Climate
Bahrain offers fine weather all year round. The climate is hot in summer with high humidity, and mild in winter with a low rainfall. The annual average rainfall is approximately 77 millimetres.

National Anthem & National Flag
The flag of the Kingdom of Bahrain is vertically divided into two parts by a serrated line. The colour is red and white and the five triangles, represent the five pillars, i.e. the five elements of Islam.

Public Holidays
The above holidays are based on the Islamic Calendar. Hence, there might be discrepancies between the actual and future dates listed so we list only the month

• Islamic Holidays
• New Year - Jan 1
• Eid Al Adha (sacrifice feast for pilgrimage to Mecca) - Feb
• Al-Hijri (Islamic New Year) Feb / March
• Ashoora - Mar
• International Workers - May 1
• Prophet Mohammed's Birthday Lailat Al Miraj (ascension of Prophet Mohammed) - May
• Ramadan (holy month of fasting) Oct / Nov 26
• Eid Al Fitr - Nov
• National Day - Dec