Bahrain

Bahrain is a remarkable island nation in the Arabian Gulf, offering a unique blend of ancient history and ultra-modern dynamism. This compact archipelago, comprising over 30 islands, attracts tourists with its rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and contemporary leisure opportunities. It is a place where East meets West, creating a truly distinctive atmosphere.

The heart of the country is its vibrant capital, Manama, where modern skyscrapers stand in harmony alongside traditional souqs and historic quarters. Bahrain prides itself on a history that spans millennia, with roots stretching back to the ancient Dilmun civilisation. This is evidenced by numerous archaeological sites, including the famous Qal'at al-Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Equally fascinating is the old Bab Al Bahrain souq, which serves as a gateway to a world of oriental aromas and crafts.

Beyond its rich historical heritage, Bahrain offers a wealth of modern entertainment. It is home to the world-renowned Formula 1 circuit, which draws motorsport fans from across the globe. The country is also famous for its luxurious shopping centres and diverse dining scene, with plentiful halal options available. Bahrain's climate is arid, with hot summers and mild, pleasant winters, making it an excellent destination for a visit during the cooler months of the year. Cities such as Muharraq retain the charm of their old-world architecture and traditional way of life, completing the picture of this multifaceted kingdom.

The national currency of Bahrain is the Bahraini Dinar (BHD). The dinar is divided into 1,000 fils. Banknotes are typically adorned with images of local landmarks, cultural symbols, and portraits of the ruling family. Coins also feature distinctive designs that reflect the country's heritage. When planning your trip, it is worth noting that the Bahraini Dinar is the second highest-valued currency in the world, after the Kuwaiti Dinar.

For the convenience of travellers from the UAE, it is useful to know that the Bahraini Dinar is pegged to the US Dollar, similar to the UAE Dirham. Currency can be exchanged at banks, specialised exchange bureaux, and some hotels. It is advisable to avoid exchanging money with unauthorised individuals. Credit and debit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, and tourist facilities throughout Bahrain, making them a convenient payment method. However, it is always a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for minor purchases, especially at local markets or smaller shops.

For travellers from the UAE, entry requirements for Bahrain depend on your nationality. Citizens of the United Arab Emirates, as part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), do not need a visa to enter Bahrain. They can travel using their passport or national ID card.

Expatriate residents of the UAE, however, will need a visa to enter Bahrain. Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible to obtain an e-visa online before you travel or a visa on arrival. The e-visa is a convenient option available to residents of GCC countries for tourism or business purposes. To apply, you will generally need a passport with at least six months' validity from your entry date, a valid UAE residence visa, and proof of onward travel and accommodation.

Visa regulations can change, so it is strongly advised to verify the latest information on the official Bahrain eVisa website or with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the UAE before planning your trip.

When planning a trip to Bahrain, you will not need to worry about changing time zones within the country. The entire Kingdom of Bahrain operates on a single time zone, Arabian Standard Time (AST), which is UTC+3. For travellers from the UAE, it is useful to know that Bahrain is one hour behind the UAE's Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4). This means the time in the capital, Manama, and any other part of the country will be the same.

Thanks to the absence of internal time differences, travelling around Bahrain is very convenient. You will not need to adjust your watch or account for time differences when planning journeys between different parts of this island nation.

There are several ways to get to the island Kingdom of Bahrain, but air travel is the most popular and convenient option for most international tourists. The country's main gateway is Bahrain International Airport (BAH), located near the capital, Manama. This modern airport welcomes flights from many global carriers, offering direct and convenient connections from major cities in Europe, Asia, Africa, and, of course, the Middle East. From the UAE, there are numerous daily direct flights operated by airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, and flydubai, making it a short and easy trip. Bahrain's national carrier, Gulf Air, also operates an extensive network of international flights.

For travellers from Saudi Arabia or those on a road trip across the Gulf region, it is possible to enter Bahrain by land. The country is connected to mainland Saudi Arabia by the impressive 25-kilometre-long King Fahd Causeway. This makes for a popular and scenic drive for residents of the UAE, who can travel through Saudi Arabia to reach Bahrain. International buses may also use this causeway. As for sea connections, while Bahrain is an island nation with ports, scheduled passenger ferry services for tourists are less common than air travel. Occasionally, cruise liners include Bahrain on their Arabian Gulf itineraries.

Regardless of your chosen mode of travel, it is advisable to book your tickets and accommodation in advance, especially if your trip coincides with the peak tourist season or major events in the country. This will not only help you save money but also guarantee availability.

For clarity, here is a summary of the main airport:

Bahrain, an island kingdom in the Arabian Gulf, offers travellers a blend of modern urban centres, sites of rich history, and opportunities for coastal relaxation. The heart of the country is undoubtedly its capital, Manama. This dynamic city attracts travellers with a mix of gleaming skyscrapers, traditional souqs such as Bab Al Bahrain, historic forts, and contemporary shopping malls. Manama is more than just a business hub; it's the cultural heart of the nation, offering a deep dive into Bahrain's rich heritage.

Equally captivating is Muharraq, Bahrain's former capital. It has preserved the charm of an old town with its narrow alleyways and traditional architecture, part of which forms the 'Pearling Path', a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you can immerse yourself in the country's history by visiting the Sheikh Isa bin Ali House and other heritage buildings. Also worth visiting are Sitra, an island city that plays a vital role in the country's economy and offers fine coastal views, and Madinat Hamad, a modern residential town that reflects Bahrain's ongoing development. Each of these locations offers its own unique perspective on the multifaceted kingdom of Bahrain.

Bahrain, the pearl of the Arabian Gulf, entices travellers with its unique blend of ancient history and modern luxury. The country offers a wealth of interesting places that can impress even the most discerning tourist. Among them, several attractions stand out and are essential additions to any itinerary.

One of the capital's symbols is Bab Al Bahrain, which translates to "Gateway of Bahrain". This historic building, constructed in 1949, once stood at the water's edge and served as the main entrance to the city from the sea. Today, following land reclamation that has pushed back the coastline, Bab Al Bahrain opens the way to the bustling Manama Souq. Here, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a traditional bazaar, shopping for spices, textiles, and traditional crafts.

For those who prefer modern entertainment and shopping, a visit to City Centre Bahrain is a must. It is one of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in the country, offering visitors a vast selection of world-renowned brands, a multitude of restaurants and cafés to suit every palate, a state-of-the-art cinema, and the unique indoor-outdoor Wahooo! Waterpark – an excellent place for family fun.

If you are looking for a place for quiet relaxation and leisurely walks, head to The Lagoon Park, located on the picturesque Amwaj Islands. This modern park, with its beautiful lagoon views, offers well-maintained walking paths, and cosy cafés and restaurants with outdoor terraces. It is the perfect spot for an evening stroll, a romantic dinner, or simply to enjoy some tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

When planning a trip to Bahrain, it's important to consider the local climate to ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible. The high season in the country runs from approximately November to April. During this time, the weather is most favourable: air temperatures are moderate, there are plenty of sunny days, and the evenings can be pleasantly cool. This is the ideal period for sightseeing, strolling through Manama and other cities, and for beach holidays. However, it is worth noting that the high season sees the largest influx of tourists, and prices for accommodation and services can be higher.

The low season, from May to October, is characterised by very hot and humid weather, especially in July and August. Similar to the summer in the UAE, daytime temperatures often exceed +40°C, which can make being outdoors uncomfortable. Nevertheless, travelling during this period has its advantages: there are significantly fewer tourists and the opportunity to find better deals on accommodation. If you plan to visit Bahrain at this time, it is best to focus on indoor, air-conditioned spaces such as museums and shopping centres. An important event that might influence your travel dates is the Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix, which usually takes place in the spring (the 2025 race is scheduled for 11-13 April) and attracts a large number of visitors. It is also worth paying attention to the dates of Islamic holidays, as they can affect the opening hours of some establishments.

Thanks to Bahrain's compact size, climatic conditions are quite uniform across the country, so there is no need to choose different times to visit specific regions. However, it is always useful to check the short-term weather forecast just before your trip.

When visiting Bahrain, you will immerse yourself in a world of ancient traditions and sincere Arabian hospitality. Local people greatly appreciate respect for their culture. Greetings are typically warm, with a handshake using the right hand being common practice. When greeting women, it is polite to wait for them to initiate a handshake. Hospitality is a sacred concept for Bahrainis. Being invited into a local home is a great honour. It is customary to bring a small gift for the hosts, such as sweets or dates, but avoid alcohol unless you are certain of their preferences. You should not refuse refreshments offered to you, as this can be seen as disrespectful.

In Bahrain, much like in other Muslim countries, modest dress is important, especially when visiting religious sites and in public places. Women are advised to cover their shoulders and knees, and men should avoid wearing very short shorts. When entering a mosque, women will be required to cover their hair. At the dining table, it is customary to eat and pass food with your right hand. If the meal is served in a traditional style and eaten by hand, the right hand is also used. It is important to remember that photographing people, particularly women, without their explicit permission is considered impolite. You should also avoid public displays of affection.

Key religious holidays that offer insight into the culture are Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice. During these holidays, families gather together, perform prayers, and enjoy celebratory feasts. During Ramadan, show particular respect for those who are fasting by refraining from eating, drinking, and smoking in public places during daylight hours. These simple gestures of respect for local customs will make your trip to Bahrain all the more pleasant and memorable.

Bahrain offers its guests diverse opportunities for leisure and entertainment, capable of satisfying a wide variety of tastes. Fans of active recreation will appreciate the country's coastal location, with popular water sports such as diving, snorkelling, sailing, and fishing. While the country is not famous for mountains for hiking or ski resorts, its expansive waters provide plenty of options for an active holiday, from jet skiing to parasailing.

For connoisseurs of cultural entertainment, Bahrain offers an introduction to its rich historical heritage through visits to museums, forts, and archaeological sites. In the capital, Manama, and other cities, you can find contemporary art galleries and traditional markets where life is bustling. The country does not quiet down in the evening either: its nightlife is mainly concentrated in the capital, offering guests a wide selection of restaurants with diverse, often halal, cuisine, as well as cosy cafés and lounges where you can relax after a busy day. Some establishments offer live music and entertainment programmes.

Shopping in Bahrain is a pleasure in itself. Tourists can visit modern shopping centres with global brands, such as The Avenues Bahrain, or traditional bazaars (souqs) like the Manama Souq. There, you can purchase authentic souvenirs: pearl items for which Bahrain is famous, Arabian perfumes, spices, carpets, and ceramics. There are also suitable options for a family holiday – the country has modern amusement parks, water parks like The Lost Paradise of Dilmun, and well-maintained public beaches where you can comfortably spend time with children.

Planning a trip? That's wonderful! To ensure the financial side of your journey doesn't come as a surprise, it's important to remember that currency exchange rates are always changing. Therefore, we strongly advise monitoring the latest rates, both before you depart and throughout your trip. You can use the data provided below for this; we monitor currency rates 24/7 to bring you the most up-to-date information.