Meet Bahrain
About Bahrain
About Bahrain
Area
Bahrain is an island nation, with an area of 770 km² (an archipelago consisting of more than 33 islands).
Capital City
Manama is the largest city in Bahrain and located in the northern part of its main island.
Warm & Welcoming
Bahrain is home to many religions, Islam being the state religion. Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Jews and others live together in harmony and a sense of national belonging. Bahrain is widely known to be a nation of tolerance and acceptance. All people are respected regardless of ethnicity or religion.
Geographic Coordinates
26.0667° N, 50.5577° E.
Languages
Arabic is the official language in Bahrain, English is widely spoken and recognised as a second language. Both are common to see in all signages across the Kingdom.
Open to the World
All nationalities are welcome in Bahrain.
Currency
Bahraini Dinar (BD) (US 1 = 0.376 BD fixed peg).
Time zone
Strategically situated in the centre of the world, Bahrain is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +3).
Climate in Bahrain
Seasons in Bahrain are divided into two main climatic periods, Summer from June to September and a pleasant Winter from December to March. These are separated by two short transitional periods, Autumn in April/May, and Spring in October/November. Average daily sunshine is 9 hours, and average annual rainfall is 70.8mm.
Winter temperature range °76.25 – °62.6 (24.6 – 17C).
Spring temperature range °79.16 – °71.06 (26.6 – 21.7C).
Summer temperature range °103.82 – °83.6 (39.9 – 32C).
Autumn temperature range °100.22 – °86 (37.9 – 30C).
Welcome to the Pearl of Arabia
Friendly and welcoming, the Kingdom of Bahrain is widely known for its hospitality and warm nature. It is a most exciting destination to host the world’s most prestigious business events.
Known for its rich history, art, culture and traditions.
For decades, Bahrain has been welcoming visitors to enjoy its idyllic shores and relaxed lifestyle and embrace its rich history, art, culture and heritage. The Kingdom is proud to have been deservedly adorned with many global accolades that most recently include:
2022 Ranked 1st in the Arab world and 21st Globally in the World Happiness Index
2022 World’s Highest Score in Nikkei COVID-19 Recovery Index
2022 Top Ten Countries to Live for Expats
Bahrain is internationally recognised as the financial hub of the GCC region, and one of the easiest countries in the region to do business.
Welcome to the Kingdom of Bahrain
Business Friendly
Business Friendly
The Kingdom of Bahrain has established itself as the financial hub of the Middle East, by offering business-friendly solutions to investors and stakeholders to establish their business. The Kingdom’s easy and convenient business solutions have attracted multinational companies to set up their head offices. Bahrain offers valuable opportunities for businesses and provides the best market access to growing Gulf economies and beyond, with an estimated value of USD 1.5 trillion within the GCC market.
The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) is a dynamic public agency with overall responsibility for attracting investment into the Kingdom and supporting initiatives that enhance the investment climate. The EDB works with the government and both current and prospective investors to ensure that Bahrain’s investment climate is attractive, to communicate the key strengths, and to identify where opportunities exist for further economic growth through investment. The EDB focuses on several economic sectors that capitalise on Bahrain’s competitive advantages. These sectors include financial services, manufacturing, ICT, tourism, logistics, and transport.
Air Access
Air Access
The Kingdom of Bahrain is easily accessible for international visitors placed within 6 hours to Europe, and 1 -2 hours to the neighbouring Gulf destinations of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The Bahrain International Airport is only 30 minutes from Exhibition World Bahrain.
The stunning new Bahrain International Airport has a capacity of 14 million passengers annually, allowing 130,000 air traffic movements per annum.
Bahrain International Airport
Gulf Air
Gulf Air has been on a continuous path of progression for over 70 years and covers over 58 worldwide destinations.
Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, commenced operations in 1950, becoming one of the first commercial airlines established in the Middle East to operate daily flights to cities in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, and the Far East from the hub located at the new Bahrain International Airport terminal building.
Renowned for their Arabian hospitality evidenced by signature family and business-friendly products, Gulf Air connects Bahrain to the world and, as such, is a key national infrastructure asset, serving as a powerful driver for the economy and supporting the Kingdom’s ongoing economic growth.
Visit Gulf Air
Airlines Directly Operating at Bahrain International Airport
Visa Requirements
Visa Requirements
All nationalities are welcome in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The Island enjoys cordial relations with its neighbours and the world. Travel with ease and apply for visas online or acquire your visa on arrival (applicable countries), and experience the Kingdom’s hospitality from the minute you land at the Bahrain International Airport.
Visit Bahrain eVisa for more information
Countries Eligible to Get Visa Online
Hotels & Resorts
Hotels & Resorts
The Kingdom of Bahrain offers 18,000 hotel rooms across world-class international chain hotels all situated within a 30 minute drive to Exhibition World Bahrain.
Transport
Transport
A business-friendly destination, the Kingdom offers a variety of transportation options to create an unforgettable experience for all visitors.
The Kingdom’s infrastructure boasts international state-of-the-art roads and motorways. With a multitude of options available for transportation namely; shuttles, private limousines, Uber, Kareem, Buses, and regulated Taxis are operated within the Kingdom.
Bahrain is well connected to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the King Fahad Causeway with recorded traffic of 11.1 million visitors in 2020. In addition, the Kingdom regularly attracts Saudi visitors to enjoy the variety of events being hosted.
Dining & Entertainment
Dining & Entertainment
Bahrain has many excellent restaurants offering traditional and international cuisine options for every taste. Feast on an all-day traditional Bahraini breakfast consisting of Khubz (oven-baked flatbread), Balaleet (sweet vermicelli and eggs), Keema (minced meat), and more.
A traditional Bahraini lunch consists of classic dishes such as Machboos – meat and rice with plenty of traditional spices, or Guzi – slow cooked lamb with roasted nuts and raisins served with rice.
Block 338
Located in the heart of Adliya, Block 338 is a charming pedestrian quarter crammed with international restaurants, art galleries, and small boutiques.
As Bahrain’s hot dining district, Block 338 offers a wide range of restaurants appealing to all ages and tastes for those seeking extraordinary culinary delights, a traditional Bahraini dish, or simply cool refreshments. Block 338 is renowned as a vibrant space for the arts and shopping experiences.
Bahrain International Circuit
Bahrain International Circuit is an ultramodern motorsport facility that is located in the heart of the Sakhir desert.
BIC features five FIA certified track layouts, more than anywhere else in the world. This allows the circuit to host a range of motor racing events. The 5.412 kilometre Grand Prix Track regularly hosts international races, including the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, the FIA World Endurance Championship Six Hours of Bahrain, races in the GP2 Series, and the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
Al Dana Amphitheatre
Carved from the rock of the spectacular Sahkir desert, Al Dana Amphitheatre is Bahrain’s newest live entertainment destination. Driven by a vision to create globally recognised entertainment experiences in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the extraordinary venue merges the desert landscape with state-of-the-art technology. A place where imagination comes to life with four dynamic event spaces – the breath-taking open-air Amphitheatre, the extraordinary Quarry Lounge, the refreshing Desert Garden and the spacious open-air Plaza. Catering for everything from iconic star-studded concerts to special indoor celebrations, Al Dana Amphitheatre seeks to ignite the imaginations of guests and artists alike, creating magical and unforgettable moments in a one-of-a-kind setting.
Places to visit in Bahrain
Places to visit in Bahrain
Things to do in Bahrain
Things to do in Bahrain
Bahrain offers a wide range of activities to make lasting memories, experience and enjoy all that Bahrain has to offer.
Explore the Souqs
in Manama, Muharraq, Riffa, and Hamad Town – Take a stroll to the local souqs across various areas of the Kingdom for an authentic bazaar experience.
Pottery in A’ali
Explore the wonders of traditional pottery making in A’ali, a true Bahraini heritage passed down for generations. Meet the talented pottery masters and get a chance to learn from them.
The Royal Golf Club Bahrain
Home to Bahrain’s only 18-hole championship standard golf course and to a par 3 9-hole course, both designed by course architect and golfing legend Colin Montgomerie.
Cycling Tours
Book a cycling tour across Bahrain Bay via Manama Tours or rent a bicycle and explore the streets of Manama to live the experience of the Bahraini culture.
Dolphin Watch
The seas of the Kingdom attract dolphins. Marvel at the beauty and the sounds of these creatures in the vast seas. Tours are available for Dolphin watching.
Snorkeling
The Kingdom offers a variety of water activities. Snorkeling can easily be availed via professional tour operators.
Pearl Diving
An ancient heritage, experience the art of pearl diving in Bahrain. Dive into the seas and hunt for oysters, you may get lucky and find a pearl
PEARL DIVING
Scuba Diving
The Kingdom offers various opportunities via professionals to book a scuba diving experience. Witness the sea life of the Kingdom and create memorable experiences.
Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve
The home of wildlife in Bahrain, all plant and animal species have been protected and taken care of for over 30 years. Enjoy the sight of different animals, birds, and desert plants in their natural environment, including endangered species.
Camping at the Desert
Indulge in a true Arabic camping experience at Sakhir. The camps are set up with all amenities to experience the desert in all its glory. Equipped with a Majlis, live the true Arabic traditional camping tradition.
Camel Rides
Visit the Camel Farm in Janabiyah and get a chance to ride these ships of the desert. Located in a serene environment, the activity will leave you relaxed.
Horse Riding
Soak in the sunrise or the sunset, book a horse riding class or a tour with Kashta Tours and experience the sunset/sunrise by the sea.
Go Karting
Test your karting skills at the BIKC Go Karting Facility. Challenge your friends for some unforgettable fun.
Gravity Indoor Sky Diving
Bahrain’s indoor skydiving experience, located in close proximity to Exhibition World Bahrain; you can’t resist the incredible feeling of a freefall in one of the tallest wind tunnels in the world.
Explore the Souqs
in Manama, Muharraq, Riffa, Hamad Town – Take to the local souqs across various areas of the Kingdom for an authentic bazaar experience.
Pottery in A’ali
Explore the wonders of traditional pottery making in A’ali, a true Bahraini heritage passed down for generations. Meet the talented pottery masters and get a chance to learn from them.
The Royal Golf Club Bahrain
Home to Bahrain’s only 18-hole championship standard golf course and to a par 3 9-hole course, both designed by course architect and golfing legend Colin Montgomerie.
Cycling Tours
Book a cycling tour across Bahrain Bay via Manama Tours or rent a bicycle and explore the streets of Manama to live the experience of the Bahraini culture.
Dolphin Watch
The seas of the Kingdom attracts dolphins. Marvel at the beauty and the sounds of these creatures in the vast seas. Tours are available for Dolphin watching.
Snorkeling
An island, the Kingdom offers a variety of water activities. Snorkeling can easily be availed via professional tour operators.
Pearl Diving
An ancient heritage, experience the art of pearl diving in Bahrain. Dive into the seas and hunt for oysters, you may get lucky and find a pearl within.
Scuba Diving
The Kingdom offers various opportunity via professionals to book a scuba diving experience. Witness the sea life of the Kingdom and create memorable experiences.
Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve
the home of wildlife in Bahrain, all plant and animal species have been protected and taken care of for over 30 years. Enjoy the sight of different animals, birds and desert plants in their own natural environment, including endangered species.
Camping at the Desert
Indulge in a true Arabic camping experience at Sakhir. The camps are set up with all amenities to experience the desert in all its’ glory. Equipped with a Majlis, live the true Arabic traditional camping tradition.
Camel Rides
Visit the Camel Farm in Janabiyah and get a chance to ride these ships of the desert. Located in a serene environment, the activity will leave you relaxed.
Horse Riding
Soak in the sunrise or the sunset; book a horse riding class or a tour with Kashta Tours and experience the sunset/ sunrise by the sea.
Go Karting
Test your karting skills at the BIC Go Karting Facility. Challenge your friends for some unforgettable fun.
Gravity Indoor Sky Diving
Bahrain’s indoor skydiving experience, located in close proximity to Exhibition World Bahrain; you can’t resist the incredible feeling of a freefall in one of the tallest wind tunnels in the world.
Shopping
Retail Shopping Malls with dining and entertainment experiences are dotted all over Bahrain, where you can find everything you need. Head to City Centre Bahrain, Seef Mall, The Avenues, Capital Mall, or for the fashion lovers, try MODA Mall near the World Trade Centre, should luxury goods be on your shopping list.