Discover Our Beautiful Country Bahrain
An ancient land rich in culture and history, The Kingdom of Bahrain is also characterized by a cosmopolitan outlook and modernization. An archipelago of 33 islands, Bahrain lies in the Arabian Gulf with Saudi Arabia to its west and Qatar to the south east. Its name stems from the Arabic for “two seas”- reflecting its unique natural combination of freshwater springs amongst salty sea beds.
Perhaps most well-known for its history of civilizations that dates back more than 5,000 years, Bahrain has achieved an impressive status as a progressive powerhouse in the region in terms of economy, vision and lifestyle. The landscape of modern skyscraper buildings and highways is mixed with mosques old and new, and lively traditional markets, or souqs. The island nation has a population of just over 1 million people, and offers ample opportunity to explore history and culture.
Facts & Figures Bahrain
- Location & Land Area : Arabian Gulf 780sq km
- Capital City: Manama
- National Day : 16th December
- Population : 1,101,230
- Bahrain is divided into Four Governorates : The Capital, Muharraq, Northern and Southern Governorates.
- Official Language : Arabic though English is widely used
- Religion : The official religion of the country is Islam & Permits Followers of other religions total freedom to practice their faith.
- Currency : The Bahraini Dinar (BD) is the country’s official currency which equals around 2.6 US Dollars, or around 2 Euros.
- Currency Denominations : Notes come in denominations of ½ BD, 1BD, 5BD, 10BD, 20BD while Coins are denominated at 100Fils, 50Fils, 25Fils. 10Fils & 5fils.
- Country Code : +973
- Time Zone : 3 Hours Ahead GMT (GMT +3)
Visiting Bahrain
The Kingdom of Bahrain is considered a unique culture and tourism destination in the GCC region, and is well-known for its tolerant lifestyle and rich history and traditions.
Your journey in Bahrain begins by entering through its three entry ports; Bahrain International Airport, Khalifa bin Salman Port, or King Fahad Causeway which links the Kingdom of Bahrain with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from the west.
To get a visit visa to Bahrain, just fill in the form available on the eGovernment National portal (www.bahrain.bh/visa), or request a visa through the hotel you will be staying in during your stay for a small fee.
Bahrain topped InterNations 2018 list of the best ex-pat countries. It is certainly one of the most friendly and welcoming of all the countries within the Middle East. Among the highlights noted were how well ex-pats are able to communicate, the country’s overall friendliness, how easily ex-pats are able to make friends and settle in. Working hours, job security, and overall job satisfaction also received high rankings internationally. Bahrain is considered the most liberal of all Gulf States and prides itself on its open and inclusive culture with a more relaxed atmosphere and society.
The Kingdom of Bahrain holds a unique place thanks to its geographic location in the Arabian Gulf and to its deep-rooted history. Both elements have created one of the most liberal cultures within the Middle East. It also enjoys an excellent regional and international reputation with regard to its efforts that aim to establish regional peace thanks to the initiatives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
The Culture
Those staying in Bahrain can enjoy a wide range of activities and places of which offer truly unique cultural and tourism experiences. With regards to cultural and tourism activities, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) organizes a number of annual festivals, such as the Spring of Culture in March and April, the Bahrain Summer Festival and Ta’a Al-Shabab from August to September, and the Bahrain International Music Festival in October which features musical and theatrical performances, lectures, and much more.
As for cultural sites, residents, visitors, and tourists can re-live history through Bahrain’s many historical sites, namely its forts. Among the most famous of these forts is the historical Qala’at Al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) Site which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other examples of such sites are Bu Maher Fort and Arad Fort in Muharraq, Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al-Fateh Fort in Riffa. In addition to its forts, Bahrain also is home to many museums, such as Bahrain National Museum, Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al-Fateh Fort Museum, and Bahrain Fort Site Museum, as well as the old traditional houses in Muharraq city depict Bahraini style during the last century.
The island has a history of pearl diving which is still a popular experience for visitors. Nature lovers visit the Al Areen wildlife sanctuary where they will see flamingos, ostriches, camels and Oryx. The Tree of Life which has survived for hundreds of years in the desert is a popular attraction.
Bahrain has become a hub of sports in the Middle East, including, golf, horse racing at Sakhir and of course the annual F1 Bahrain Grand Prix held at The Bahrain International Circuit in March. As you would imagine, water sports are common, and diving is a popular pastime with a recently opened Diving Theme park featuring a Boeing 747 as well as many natural and artificial reefs.
The Climate
The climate of Bahrain is typical of the Middle East with mild winters (average 22°C) and hot summers (average 41°C). Rainfall is light and mostly confined to the more temperate winter months. The winters in Bahrain feel like a European springtime, with crisp, cool but sunny days.
Summer Starts : July To September, very hot and humid (Avg. 36°C).
Winter Starts : December To February cool or mild with occasional rain (10°C – 20°C).
Remaining Months : March To May & October To November; warm with occasional pleasant breezes (20°C – 30°C).
Life as an Expat
Bahrain has a wide range of living options for expats. The main capital city, Manama, offers many international chain restaurants and plenty of shopping opportunities. Getting around Bahrain is a breeze. More than 90% of locals speak English, making it easy to travel within Bahrain or ask for directions in Arabic! And thanks to modern infrastructure like great public transportation, taxis and a well-developed airport system, you can reach all corners of Bahrain in no time at all.
Bahrain is an expat-friendly country with a deep appreciation for anyone who comes to call Bahrain home. In fact, many expats in Bahrain are pleasantly surprised by how involved people get in their lives. For example, expats often find themselves invited to events and parties even if they just moved into town. The more in you become with your community, the more generous people are with their homes and hospitality – Bahrainis love giving tours of their homes and sharing stories over dinner or coffee.
Bahrain welcomes ex-pats from all countries resulting in a diverse community making it warm, caring, and easy to settle into as a single person or as a family. Life as an ex-pat tends to focus on a person or family’s interests. Socialising is common within the numerous social and sporting clubs the Dilmun Club, Rugby Club, British Club etc among many others.
Housing & Accommodation
Bahrain has many different areas to live in. The capital city of Manama is a position of the historical old Bahrain and the modern development of this thriving city. The area of Muharraq contains the ancient houses of the pearl traders and is worth visiting to learn the diverse cultural history of the country. The district of Adliya is known for its vibrant nightlife, and many restaurants and bars can be found.
The Diplomatic area and Financial Harbour are home to tall modern glass buildings, bright lights and luxury hotels. Expats looking for accommodation in Bahrain will almost certainly find bigger and better property options available to them than back home. Regardless of whether expats prefer a modern apartment in a lofty high-rise, an expansive villa outside of the city centre, or a home in a safe and secure expat compound, there are options to satisfy all tastes and budgets.
General factors while looking a perfect home for is the location of the property. You will need to decide whether they want to be in the city centre of Manama or farther out in the suburbs. Though the difference is a mere 10- to 30-minute commute, the type of accommodation available differs according to area. Expats with families who want larger properties are more likely to find these outside the city centre. They will also need to consider proximity to international schools.
Most properties in Bahrain are furnished or semi-furnished. Villas tend to be semi-furnished. This typically includes large appliances like a fridge, washer and dryer, oven and sometimes curtains. Apartments are generally fully furnished, but it is possible to find unfurnished apartments. It’s also possible to negotiate with the property owner to remove the furniture when renting long term. Tenants will usually need to pay a security deposit upfront. This deposit typically equates to one month’s rent. The amount is fully refundable depending on the state of the property at the end of the contract or 3 – 2 Months Rent in advance.
Rental contracts are available for various lengths of time, although most leases are signed for one year with the option to renew. The rent for a fully furnished accommodation often already includes municipality tax, electricity and water. In some cases, rent can also include luxuries like internet, satellite television and housekeeping. On the other hand, semi-furnished accommodation usually excludes utility bills. You will need to make sure of what their rent includes before signing their lease.
Getting Around in the Kingdom of Bahrain :
The Kingdom of Bahrain has a public transport system with Buses are available as a means of public transportation. To view the Public Bus Schedule and Route Information, please visit the following link.
All taxicabs in Bahrain run by meter, so customers are requested to make sure that the driver has indeed turned it on at the start of the ride. Taxicabs can be found around tourist hotspots such as Bab Al-Bahrain, main shopping centers, and large hotels.
A number of private companies also offer transport services. The main companies which offer such services can be reached at Alarabia Taxi: 17461746 & Speedy Motors : 17682999
Business Hours For Public & Private Sector
Work schedules in most Government Entities 07:00 – 14:15 (Sunday to Thursday).
Banking and financial institutions & Private Sector Regular working hours for retail baking are from 07:30 AM – 01:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday) Working hours in the evening vary depending on the bank or entity.
Post Offices : Are available within different regions of the Kingdom, and their working hours start from 07:00 – 02:00 (Saturday to Thursday).
Shopping Centers : Operating times vary, but the Malls working hours are often between 10:00 am – 11:00 pm throughout the week. Some retail shops and shopping centers are closed on Fridays, and reopen after Friday prayers.
Public Holidays In Bahrain 2022
Weekly Holidays : Friday & Saturday
New Year : 1st January 2022
Labour Day : 1st May
Eid AlFitr * : 1st, 2nd, 3rd Shawwal (2nd, 3rd, 4th May 2022)
Arafat Day * : 9th Dhu Al-Hijjah (9th July 2022)
Eid Al Adha * : 10th, 11th, 12th Dhu Al-Hijjah (10th, 11th, 12th July 2022)
Hijri New Year * : 1st Muharram (30th July 2022)
Ashoora * : 9th, 10th Muharram (7th, 8th August 2022)
Prophet’s Birthday * : 12th Rabi Al-Awwal (8th October 2022)
National Day : 16th & 17th December
*Islamic holidays are subject to confirmation at the time