By Lynda Schmidt
If you are looking for a weekend getaway jam-packed with things to do, places to explore, and amazing varieties of food and drink experiences, Bahrain is only moments away and waiting for you to discover.
Heading east on a paved three lane highway, barreling along at the posted speed of 120 km/h, the drive from Riyadh to Bahrain is miles and miles of beige and burnt orange sand, broken only by the occasional camel, sheep, oil refinery and the somewhat infamous abandoned ferris wheel. Three and a half hours later, you arrive at the Persian Gulf, smelling the salty air before seeing the steely blue water. The drive across the King Fahd Causeway leads to a series of custom booths and tolls that can take anywhere from half an hour to two hours. After that, within minutes, you reach the capital city of Manama.
Bahrain, derived from the Arabic “al-bahrayn” meaning two seas, was once the site of the ancient Dilmun civilization. Bahrain declared independence from Britain in 1971 and became a kingdom in 2002. It is one of the first states in the Gulf to discover oil, which constitutes approximately eighty percent of the economy.
There are a multitude of interesting places to discover in Bahrain. There are museums, forts, and mosques including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Bahrain National Museum, Beit al Quran, is a world-renowned Islamic museum showcasing an impressive collection of ancient art.
Jasra Handicraft Centre and the Shaikh Mohammed Centre offer a variety of crafts. Families will appreciate the Adhari Amusement Park, Al Areen Wildlife Park, and the Formula Grand Prix Race Track. Fans of bird watching can check out the Azizia Bird Kingdom including a twenty-minute boat ride to Hawar Island. You can also take a day trip via the traditional dhow to view the Dar Islands.
The Tree of Life is a 9.75-metre-high Prosopis cineraria tree over 400 years old located on a hill in the barren Arabian desert.
Shopping enthusiasts will find a wide range of choices from the ultra -luxury Al Aali Mall to the boutiques in Block 338. Bahrain also boasts exceptional restaurants featuring everything from street-market shawarma to upscale international cuisine.
Many modern projects can be found in bustling Bahrain. Diyar Al Muharraq is a holistic modern city. Durrat Al Bahrain is a manmade island. And the expanding financial and banking industries are growing in the impressive Bahrain Financial Harbour. Currently, Bahrain is experiencing a huge recovery in the real estate sector, with six new projects under construction.
Bahrain Bay, the waterfront wonder, is one of Manama’s most important landmarks, valued at $2.5 billion.
The Bahraini people are friendly, open, and love to share their history, culture and traditions. With so much to do and see, Bahrain is an exciting adventure that is just a moment away.
Must-Visit Restaurants
- Senor Paco’s Mexican Restaurant in Adliya featuring southwest décor and dishes made from scratch using fresh ingredients from local markets and imported exotic spices.
- Sato Authentic Japanese Eatery located in the iconic Gulf Hotel exudes a peaceful zen-like atmosphere and serves up scrumptious sushi.
- Cut in Four Seasons Hotel, Bahrain Bay features panoramic views and the best steak in the city; don’t miss out on the chef’s four-course set menu with pairings.
- Le Meridian Hotel restaurant in the City Centre Mall hosts its famous Friday brunch buffet with a sensational assortment of culinary decadence for every palate.
Must-Try Food
- Shawarma, from any of the grills located in Shawarma Alley, also known as Osama bin Zaid avenue in Adliya.
Must-Visit Places
- The Al-Fateh Grand Mosque is an architectural monument of intricate beauty and design.
Local Products
- Qahwah, a cardamom and saffron infused coffee, is the national beverage.
