The Kingdom of Bahrain is appealing to people from all walks of life: its history is rich and proud, its people are warm and friendly, its modern developments are strong and promising. It is after all, the little kingdom that could.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is only 780 km2 in size but it’s filled with a rich history and vast culture making it an irresistible gem in the Gulf. Bahrain is known for its pearl industry in the past; the white in their flag symbolizes the pearl and the red is the color of the cloth bag that holds the pearls. This island country is the site of the ancient Dilmun civilization, an important trading center at the height of its power. The Bahraini and Saudi ties have their roots embedded in Gulf-Arab Islamic relations. As the Kingdom of Bahrain celebrates its National Day on December 16, the strong relations between the two brotherly kingdoms come to mind. The strong bilateral relations are strategic, ever-growing, and evolving. According to H.E. Sheikh Hmood Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia’s historic relation is an exemplary model of sincere and deep relations bound by a long, common history and a march full of giving and developments. “Our relationship stems from the bonds of fraternity, kinship, and blood relations. We have evolved to reach a maximum extent of love, cooperation and unity.” The work of the Embassy of Bahrain in Saudi Arabia has always been important, vital, and influential. Ambassador Hmood described the work of the embassy as twofold: the first is to strengthen the relations between the two countries and the second is to take care of the affairs of the Bahrain citizens living in Saudi Arabia. The embassy enhances the bilateral cooperation in all fields from economics to trades to tourism and more. The embassy also facilitates cultural, media, business, and commercial exchanges between the two countries. This includes participation in various meetings and events that take place in Saudi Arabia, especially since Saudi Arabia is the host country of the General Secretariat of the GCC and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation of which Bahrain is an active member. “The work of the embassy is vital in achieving the noble goals and aspirations shared by our two countries and our people under the kind guidance of our leadership,” said Ambassador Hmood. Saudis comprise more than 50% of Bahrain’s tourists. The kingdom has been stepping up their tourism efforts to attract Gulf family tourists. Popular destinations include shopping malls, beaches and resorts, and entertainment centers. The country offers favorable investment opportunities to Gulf investors. Like a pearl that is known to have a calming effect that balances one’s karma and strengthens relationships, the Kingdom of Bahrain also represents a balance in the Gulf region. Its significant contributions to the GCC makes it as valuable as the gem it is known for.
WHAT TO DO
- Learn an outstanding introduction to the history and culture of Bahrain at the Bahrain National Museum. See the archaeological finds from the ancient Dilmun civilization and the vast satellite photo of the Kingdom.
- Visit the Unesco World Heritage-listed Bahrain Fort. Discover the seven layers of history represented in the area during the day. From a distance, the fort is best gazed upon at night.
- Worship at the Al Fatih Mosque, the largest mosque in the country capable of holding thousands of people.
- Bring the family to the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park, a sprawling water park that has themed zones, cabanas for rent, dining places and shops.
- For the adventure junkies, go from 0 to 100 and rev up those engines at the Bahrain International Circuit or defy gravity and skydive at the Gravity Indoor Skydiving.
WHERE TO GO
- Hike to the country’s highest point: the Mountain of Smoke also known as Jabal ad Dukhan, a hill in the Southern Governate of Bahrain. From here you can also do a side trip to see the famed Tree of Life, a 400-year-old tree steeped in legend due to its ability to thrive in harsh desert conditions. Go on a day excursion to the Dar Islands. It’s an all-in-one beach, nature, and parks getaway for the family located 12 kilometers southeast of Manama.
- Get to know all kinds of flora and fauna at the Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve where plants and animal species have been protected and taken cared of for years. Another option is to visit the Royal Camel Farm.
- Visit A’Ali, a small town of potters and bakers, and discover the burial mounds dating from the Dilmun period. These burial chambers dot the island kingdom’s landscape.
- Shop at the souks! Get your retail therapy and practice your haggling skills at the Souq Al Qaisariya and Bab Al Bahrain.
