Resting on the western shores of the Persian Gulf, the small island Kingdom of Bahrain offers an intriguing blend of modern Arab culture and the archaeological legacy of five thousand years of civilisation. This rich historical heritage is evident at every turn and is showcased in numerous fascinating museums including the Bahrain National Museum, which houses artefacts dating back to 9000 years ago; and the Beit Al Quran which exhibits ancient Islamic artefacts of the Qur'an. The kingdom is renowned as a bird lover’s paradise with over 330 distinct species of bird, 26 species of which breed in the country. Other popular tourist activities include: scuba diving, horse riding and shopping in the luxury boutiques and state-of-the-art malls in the capital city of Manama. Must-see sites include: the Al Khamis Mosque, the Arad Fort in Muharraq, the ancient Barbar Temple, as well as the Tree of Life, a 400-year-old tree which inexplicably thrives in the exceptionally arid Sakhir Desert.
The thriving capital of Bahrain, Manama is a flourishing modern city at the centre of ancient trade routes. This is a cosmopolitan hub where past and present meet, with historic sites and chic contemporary attractions in equal number. Behind dramatic skyscrapers, glamourous malls and numerous extraordinary, cutting-edge culinary spots lie a wealth of temples, theatres, and traditional markets. Highlights include the iconic, lavishly-decorated Al Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the largest in the world (accommodating 7000 worshippers at a time); the prestigious Bahrain National Museum, sharing the stories of one of the oldest civilisations on earth (of the Dilmun people, who lived 6000 years ago); and the numerous multi-ethnic ‘souks’ where shoppers may feel like they have stepped back in time. Art lovers will delight in Manama’s impressive array of galleries.
