In Arabic, the name ‘Bahrain’ means ‘two seas’. Since the dawn of history, Bahrain has been a trading center and until about a generation ago, virtually all trade came and went via the sea. Bahrain’s history goes back to the roots of human civilization during the 3rd Millenium BC when the island nation was home to ‘Dilmun’, an ancient civilization founded during the Bronze Age. The island’s strategic position along key trade routes linking Mesopotamia with the Indus Valley helped to make Bahrain a vital trade hub for many different groups and peoples through the ages.

Bahrain’s strategic location in the region still serves it to this day, as Bahrain has become the focal point of business in the Gulf. The island is the financial hub of the Middle East and offers some of the most advanced business and tourist services in the region. From history and heritage to shopping and leisure, Bahrain has become a destination for every kind of traveler

Sea'n Sand

A country of 33 islands, Bahrain provides a wide range of water recreational facilities for individuals, families and groups. A regular tourist destination as the Hawar islands, a group of six islands, that have been designated as a nature reserve. A resort on the main island of Hawar includes all hotel and recreation facilities including swimming pools, wind-sailing, jet-skiing and other water sports.

Other resorts include Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Lost Paradise and Al-Bander resort, where duplex rooms and beachfront chalets are available for rent. Sailing aboard beautifully crafted Bahraini Dhow boat is also available for those wishing to explore Bahrain’s waters, including scuba diving and pearl diving day trips.Arts &

Arts & Crafts

The crafts of Bahrain are as diverse as its people. From the creel baskets that are still used by the island’s fishermen, to the lovely circular reed mats used for date harvesting and drying, Bahrain’s traditional crafts products are as useful as they are decorative.

During Bahrain’s annual heritage festival, one can see many village craftsmen displaying their skills in weaving, embroidery, and boat-making to name a few. Dhows, the traditional wooden sail boats of Bahrain, are still built today and widely used. With the modernization of Bahrain, the community has taken care to preserve the island’s traditional crafts and skills which date back thousands of years.

Shopping

From traditional favorites to the trendiest international brands, you’ll find it all in Bahrain. A visit to Bahrain is incomplete without a visit to the local ‘Souq’ or central market-place. While in the Souq, you will be attracted by the tradional Bahrain Halwa maker (Confectionery), and fresh spice shops. You will be dazzled by the sparkling gold of the Gold Souq.

To keep abreast of modern shopping facilities, there are contemporary shopping malls and recreational centers, such as Seef Mall (the largest mall on the island), and Al A’ali mall. Additionally the newly built Bahrain Mall, Dana Mall and GOSI Complex offer visitors a wide array of shopping facilities. Additionally, for the short-stay travelers, a wide range of products can be found at the Bahrain Duty Free shopping facilities for departing and transit visitors 24 hours a day. Additionally, the Bahrain Duty Free offers a pre-order service to its customers over the web at www.bdutyfree.com

Cuisine

Bahrain is a veritable gourmet’s delight, offering a gastronomic tour of a variety of international cuisines. Savor the finest Spanish, Mexican, Indian, Turkish, Lebanese, Mediterranean, and of course, Bahraini cuisine. Bahrain’s own selection of street food and snacks runs from the traditional to the modern. At the traditional end are shawarma and sambousa (samosa) sellers which you are likely to find sold alongside Western fare as burgers and fries.