The capital, Manama, at sunset © Haeroldus Laudeus
Sophisticated, modern and cosmopolitan Bahrain, a kingdom of 33
islands in the Arabian Gulf, is welcoming an increasing number of
international tourists who come to experience the country's
fascinating blend of eastern and western cultures. It is one of few
middle-Eastern countries where the Government is currently
prosperous and stable, and the capital, Manama, on the main island,
boasts excellent hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, an intriguing
souq (bazaar) and all the other facilities visitors need for a
great holiday. In addition, the beaches are stunning, the weather
hot and sunny, English is spoken and understood everywhere, and the
kingdom has the remnants of more than 5,000 years of civilisation
to be explored: its future as a popular holiday destination for
westerners, despite a currently high risk of terrorist attacks,
seems assured.
Back in the mists of time Bahrain was attached to the Arabian
Peninsula. Nature separated it from the mainland, but man has now
rejoined it with a 16-mile (25km) long causeway linking it to Saudi
Arabia. During construction of the causeway and a new road network,
the islands' archaeological significance came to light with the
discovery of thousands of burial mounds dating from the third
millennium BC, part of the well-ordered ancient city of Dilmun that
existed where a forest of skyscrapers now reaches for the sky.
Throughout its history Bahrain has been prosperous, first on the
strength of its good position for trade and fishing, and the
abundance and quality of the pearls found in its waters, and more
latterly because of its oil resources (Bahrain was the first
country in the Gulf to exploit its 'liquid gold').
A visit to Bahrain, whether on business or pleasure, is an
interesting, relaxing and rewarding experience.
