Bahrain - FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 2025

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.

Currency 

Local currency: Bahraini Dinar 
Symbol: BD 
ISO code: BHD 
Subunit: Fils 
Banknotes: BD 1, 5, 10, 20 
Coins: Fils 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: Typically 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM 
Weekends: Some banks may be open on Saturdays for limited hours 
Public Holidays: Yes, with reduced hours 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Gulf Air, Bahrain Air 
International Airports: Bahrain International Airport (BAH) 
Domestic Airports: No 

Road: 
Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: No 
Water taxis: Limited 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Usually safe 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Bahraini cuisine features dishes such as Machboos, a spiced rice dish with meat, and Khubz, traditional Arabic bread. Other highlights include Samboosa (samosas) and Maqluba, a flavourful rice dish. 

Drinks: Traditional drinks include tea, coffee, and refreshing beverages like Jellab and Tamar Hindi. 

Tipping: 10-15% if no service charge is included. If included, 5-10% extra for good service.

Annual rainfall: Low 
Average temperature: 20-30°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 35-40°C 
Average lows: 25-30°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 20-25°C 
Average lows: 15-20°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Bahrain is from November to March when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: No 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes