festivites
Some of the major festivities and holidays celebrated in Bahrain are:
1. Eid al-Fitr: This is a religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. It is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims gather for special prayers, exchange gifts, and share traditional sweets like ka'ak and ma'amoul with family and friends.
2. Eid al-Adha: Another important Islamic holiday, Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims perform the ritual of sacrificing an animal, usually a sheep or goat, and then distribute the meat to the needy, relatives, and friends.
3. National Day: Bahrain's National Day is celebrated on December 16th each year, marking the country's independence from Britain in 1971. Festivities include parades, fireworks, and cultural shows, with many people displaying national flags and dressing up in traditional costumes.
4. Ashura: This is a significant Shia Muslim holiday commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. It falls on the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. Many Bahrainis participate in processions and reenactments, and some engage in self-flagellation as a form of mourning.
5. Milad al-Nabi: This day celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and is observed on the twelfth day of Rabi' al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims gather for special prayers and sermons, and many decorate their homes and mosques with lights and banners.
These are just a few examples of the many holidays and festivities celebrated in Bahrain that reflect the diversity of its culture and religious traditions.
seasons
Bahrain experiences two main tourist seasons:
1. Winter Season (November to March): The weather during this season is pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C. This is the peak tourist season in Bahrain, and it's recommended to book your accommodation and activities in advance.
2. Summer Season (April to October): The weather during this season is hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. This season is less popular among tourists, but it's an ideal time to visit if you're looking for budget-friendly deals on accommodations and activities.
It's recommended to pack light cotton clothing, sunscreen, and a hat if you plan to visit Bahrain during the summer season. Additionally, it's important to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during the mid-day heat.
visa
As of my knowledge cutoff date (September 1, 2021), citizens of certain countries were eligible for visa on arrival in Bahrain, while others needed to apply for a visa in advance. Here are some of the special Visa rules for visiting Bahrain:
1. Citizens of GCC countries do not require a visa to enter Bahrain.
2. Nationals of over 100 countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport or the King Fahd Causeway. The cost of this visa is BD 25 (approximately $66 USD).
3. Citizens of certain countries are required to obtain a visa in advance from a Bahraini embassy or consulate. The cost of this visa varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality.
It should be noted that visa rules and fees may change over time, so travelers are advised to check with their nearest Bahraini embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information before traveling.
souvenirs
Here are some popular souvenirs to buy from Bahrain, along with their average prices and suggested shopping destinations:
1. Pearl Jewelry: Bahrain is known for its pearl diving history, with pearl jewelry being a popular souvenir. The price varies depending on the type of jewelry, but you can expect to pay around BHD 20 ($53 USD) and up. Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre in Manama or the Muharraq Souq are good places to look.
2. Spices: Bahraini spices are a delicious reminder of the country's cuisine flavors. A kilogram of mixed spices can cost around BHD 5-10 ($13-$26 USD). Check out the Manama Central Market or the Bab Al Bahrain Souq.
3. Traditional Clothing: You can find traditional clothing like abayas and thobes in many shops throughout the country. Prices range from BHD 20-50 ($53-$130 USD) depending on the quality and design. Visit the Manama Souq or the Isa Town Market for options.
4. Dates: Dates are an important part of Bahraini culture and can be found in various forms, including fresh, dried, and chocolate-covered. Prices vary depending on the variety, but you can expect to pay around BHD 2-5 ($5-$13 USD) per kilogram. Check out the Manama Central Market or the Ramez Hypermarket.
5. Pottery: Handcrafted pottery is available in many shops throughout Bahrain. Prices depend on the size and intricacy of the piece, but you can expect to pay around BHD 5-20 ($13-$53 USD). Visit the Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre or the A'ali Potteries for options.
If you have 1 week
Hello, my friend in Bahrain! I'm excited to suggest a one-week itinerary for you. There are so many places to see and things to do in this world, so I'll do my best to make some unique suggestions that will make your trip unforgettable.
Day 1: Start your journey with a visit to the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. This historic city is carved into rock and features stunning architecture and intricate details. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of this fascinating place.
Day 2: Next, head to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to enjoy some modern luxuries. Visit the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, for stunning views of the city. Take a desert safari and try sandboarding or camel riding. End your day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Take a flight to Istanbul, Turkey, where you can experience the rich culture and history of this bustling city. Visit the Hagia Sophia, a former church turned mosque turned museum, and the Blue Mosque, known for its beautiful blue tiles. Explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, and try some traditional Turkish sweets.
Day 4: Enjoy a scenic train ride from Istanbul to Cappadocia, Turkey. This region is known for its unique landscape, featuring fairy chimneys and caves. Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise for an unforgettable experience.
Day 5: Fly to Athens, Greece, to explore the birthplace of democracy and Western civilization. Visit the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Parthenon, one of the most famous landmarks in Greece. Take a stroll through the Plaka neighborhood to experience the local culture and cuisine.
Day 6: Take a ferry to the island of Santorini, Greece, for a relaxing day by the sea. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque villages perched on cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Day 7: End your trip with a visit to the city of Rome, Italy. Explore the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Pantheon to learn about the history of the Roman Empire. Wander through the charming streets of Trastevere and enjoy some delicious Italian food before heading back home.
I hope you enjoy this itinerary, my friend. Remember to take lots of photos and make memories that will last a lifetime!
If you have 2 weeks
Awesome, Bahrain is a great starting point! Here's a two-week itinerary for you:
Week 1:
Day 1-3: Dubai - Visit the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city. Shop at the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the world. Take a desert safari tour to experience dune bashing, camel riding, and a BBQ dinner.
Day 4-6: Istanbul - Explore the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque. Wander around the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world. Take a boat tour on the Bosphorus Strait.
Day 7-8: Athens - Discover the Acropolis and its ancient ruins. Visit the National Archaeological Museum and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Week 2:
Day 9-10: Santorini - Enjoy the romantic atmosphere of this beautiful island known for its white-washed houses and stunning sunsets. Relax on the black sand beach of Perissa or the red sand beach of Akrotiri.
Day 11-12: Rome - Visit the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Vatican City. Take a stroll through the charming Trastevere neighborhood.
Day 13-14: Paris - Explore the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Walk along the Champs-Élysées Avenue and enjoy some French pastries.
Why should you follow this itinerary? This itinerary takes you to some of the most iconic destinations in the world. You will be able to experience the culture, food, and architecture of different countries while enjoying unique activities such as dune bashing, a desert safari tour, a boat tour on the Bosphorus Strait, and relaxing on beautiful beaches. These places offer a mix of history, adventure, and romance, making it a perfect itinerary for anyone who wants to explore the world.
Culture
Islam is the main religion, and Bahrainis are known for their tolerance towards the practice of other faiths. Intermarriages between Bahrainis and expatriates are not uncommon—there are many Filipino-Bahrainis like Filipino child actress Mona Marbella Al-Alawi.
Rules regarding female attire are generally relaxed compared to regional neighbours; the traditional attire of women usually include the hijab or the abaya. Although the traditional male attire is the thobe which also includes traditional headdresses such as the keffiyeh, ghutra and agal, Western clothing is common in the country.
Although Bahrain legalized homosexuality in 1976, many homosexuals have since been arrested, often for violating broadly written laws against public immorality and public indecency.
The modern art movement in the country officially emerged in the 1950s, culminating in the establishment of an art society. Expressionism and surrealism, as well as calligraphic art are the popular forms of art in the country. Abstract expressionism has gained popularity in recent decades. Pottery-making and textile-weaving are also popular products that were widely made in Bahraini villages. Arabic calligraphy grew in popularity as the Bahraini government was an active patron in Islamic art, culminating in the establishment of an Islamic museum, Beit Al Quran. The Bahrain national museum houses a permanent contemporary art exhibition. The annual Spring of Culture festival run by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities has become a popular event promoting performance arts in the Kingdom. The architecture of Bahrain is similar to that of its neighbours in the Persian Gulf. The wind tower, which generates natural ventilation in a house, is a common sight on old buildings, particularly in the old districts of Manama and Muharraq.
Literature retains a strong tradition in the country; most traditional writers and poets write in the classical Arabic style. In recent years, the number of younger poets influenced by western literature are rising, most writing in free verse and often including political or personal content. Ali Al Shargawi, a decorated longtime poet, was described in 2011 by Al Shorfa as the literary icon of Bahrain.
In literature, Bahrain was the site of the ancient land of Dilmun mentioned in the Epic of Gilgamesh. Legend also states that it was the location of the Garden of Eden.
The music style in Bahrain is similar to that of its neighbours. The Khaliji style of music, which is folk music, is popular in the country. The sawt style of music, which involves a complex form of urban music, performed by an Oud (plucked lute), a violin and mirwas (a drum), is also popular in Bahrain. Ali Bahar was one of the most famous singers in Bahrain. He performed his music with his Band Al-Ekhwa (The Brothers). Bahrain was also the site of the first recording studio amongst the Persian Gulf states.
With regards to cultural and tourism activities, the Ministry of Culture 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.
Bahrain is the first nation other than United States of America to host International Mixed Martial Arts Federation World Championships of Amateur MMA in partnership with Brave Combat Federation. Bahrain have recorded an influx in global athletes visiting the nation for Mixed Martial Arts training during 2017. Brave Combat Federation is a Bahrain-based Mixed Martial Arts promotion that has hosted events in Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Kazakhstan, and India. Bahrain MMA Federation (BMMAF) has been set up under the patronage of Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the jurisdiction of the Sports Minister, Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The development of MMA in the nation is convened through KHK MMA, which owns Brave Combat Federation which is the largest Mixed Martial Arts promotion in the Middle East. Bahrain will be hosting Amateur World Championships 2017 in association with International Mixed Martial Arts Federation. Bahrain will be the first Asian and Arab country to host the amateur MMA championship.
In 2018, Cricket was introduced in Bahrain under the initiative of KHK Sports and Exelon. Bahrain Premier League 2018 comprised six franchise squads of 13 resident cricketers competing in the T20 format. The teams were SRam MRam Falcons, Kalaam Knight-Riders, Intex Lions, Bahrain Super Giants, Four Square Challengers and Awan Warriors.
Football is also a popular sport in Bahrain. Bahrain's national football team has competed multiple times at the Asian Cup, Arab Nations Cup and played in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, though it has never qualified for the World Cup. Bahrain has its own top-tier domestic professional football league, the Bahraini Premier League. On 3 August 2020, the Kingdom of Bahrain bought a minority stake in the Paris F.C., a team that plays in France's second tier. Bahrain's entry into the soccer club spurred criticism that the country is trying to whitewash its human rights record and this is another way of buying influence in Europe.
Basketball, rugby and horse racing are also widely popular in the country. The government of Bahrain also sponsors a UCI WorldTeam cycling team, Bahrain Victorius, which participated in the 2017 Tour de France.
Bahrain has a Formula One race track, which hosted the inaugural Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix on 4 April 2004, the first in an Arab country. This was followed by the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2005. Bahrain hosted the opening Grand Prix of the 2006 season on 12 March of that year. Both the above races were won by Fernando Alonso of Renault. The race has since been hosted annually, except for 2011 when it was cancelled due to ongoing anti-government protests. The 2012 race occurred despite concerns of the safety of the teams and the ongoing protests in the country. The decision to hold the race despite ongoing protests and violence has been described as "controversial" by Al Jazeera English, CNN, AFP and Sky News. The Independent named it "one of the most controversial in the history of the sport".
In 2006, Bahrain also hosted its inaugural Australian V8 Supercar event dubbed the "Desert 400". The V8s returned every November to the Sakhir circuit until 2010, in which it was the second event of the series. The series has not returned since. The Bahrain International Circuit also features a full-length dragstrip where the Bahrain Drag Racing Club has organised invitational events featuring some of Europe's top drag racing teams to try to raise the profile of the sport in the Middle East.
On 1 September 2006, Bahrain changed its weekend from being Thursdays and Fridays to Fridays and Saturdays, to have a day of the weekend shared with the rest of the world. Notable holidays in the country are listed below:
Religion
The state religion of Bahrain is Islam and most Bahrainis are Muslim. The majority of Bahraini Muslims are Shiites. It is one of three countries in the Middle East in which Shiites are the majority, the other two nations being Iraq and Iran. Public surveys are rare in Bahrain, but the US department of state's report on religious freedom in Bahrain estimates that Shias constitute approximately 55–60% of Bahrain's citizen population. Although the majority of the country's citizens are Shia, the royal family and most Bahrani elites are Sunni. The country's two Muslim communities are united on some issues, but disagree sharply on others. Shia have often complained of being politically repressed and economically marginalized in Bahrain; as a result, most of the protestors in the Bahraini uprising of 2011 were Shia.
The Muslim population is numbered 866,888 according to the 2010 census.
Christians in Bahrain make up about 14.5% of the population. There is a native Christian community in Bahrain. Non-Muslim Bahraini residents numbered 367,683 per the 2010 census, most of whom are Christians. Expatriate Christians make up the majority of Christians in Bahrain, while native Christian Bahrainis (who hold Bahraini citizenship) make up a smaller community. Alees Samaan, a former Bahraini ambassador to the United Kingdom is a native Christian. Bahrain also has a native Jewish community numbering thirty-seven Bahraini citizens. Various sources cite Bahrain's native Jewish community as being from 36 to 50 people. According to Bahraini writer Nancy Khedouri, the Jewish community of Bahrain is one of the youngest in the world, having its origins in the migration of a few families to the island from then-Iraq and then-Iran in the late 1880s.
Due to an influx of immigrants and guest workers from Asian countries, such as India, the Philippines and Sri Lanka, the overall percentage of Muslims in the country has declined in recent years. According to the 2001 census, 81.2% of Bahrain's population was Muslim, 10% were Christian, and 9.8% practised Hinduism or other religions. The 2010 census records that the Muslim proportion had fallen to 70.2% (the 2010 census did not differentiate between the non-Muslim religions).
Demographics
In 2010, Bahrain's population grew to 1.2 million, of which 568,399 were Bahraini and 666,172 were non-nationals. It had risen from 1.05 million (517,368 non-nationals) in 2007, the year when Bahrain's population crossed the one million mark. Though a majority of the population is Middle Eastern, a sizeable number of people from South Asia live in the country. In 2008, approximately 290,000 Indian nationals lived in Bahrain, making them the single largest expatriate community in the country, the majority of which hail from the south Indian state of Kerala. Bahrain is the fourth most densely populated sovereign state in the world with a population density of 1,646 people per km2 in 2010. The only sovereign states with larger population densities are city states. Much of this population is concentrated in the north of the country with the Southern Governorate being the least densely populated part. The north of the country is so urbanised that it is considered by some to be one large metropolitan area.
Bahraini people are ethnically diverse. Shia Bahrainis are divided into two main ethnic groups: Baharna and Ajam. The Shia Bahrainis are Baharna (Arab), and the Ajam are Persian Shias. Shia Persians form large communities in Manama and Muharraq. A small minority of Shia Bahrainis are ethnic Hasawis from Al-Hasa.
Sunni Bahrainis are mainly divided into two main ethnic groups: Arabs (al Arab) and Huwala. Sunni Arabs, while a minority, are the most influential ethnic group in Bahrain. They hold most government positions and the Bahraini monarchy are Sunni Arabs. Sunni Arabs have traditionally lived in areas such as Zallaq, Muharraq, Riffa and Hawar islands. The Huwala are descendants of Sunni Iranians; some of them are Sunni Persians, while others Sunni Arabs. There are also Sunnis of Baloch origin. Most African Bahrainis come from East Africa and have traditionally lived in Muharraq Island and Riffa.
The state religion of Bahrain is Islam and most Bahrainis are Muslim. The majority of Bahraini Muslims are Shiites. It is one of three countries in the Middle East in which Shiites are the majority, the other two nations being Iraq and Iran. Public surveys are rare in Bahrain, but the US department of state's report on religious freedom in Bahrain estimates that Shias constitute approximately 55–60% of Bahrain's citizen population. Although the majority of the country's citizens are Shia, the royal family and most Bahrani elites are Sunni. The country's two Muslim communities are united on some issues, but disagree sharply on others. Shia have often complained of being politically repressed and economically marginalized in Bahrain; as a result, most of the protestors in the Bahraini uprising of 2011 were Shia.
The Muslim population is numbered 866,888 according to the 2010 census.
Christians in Bahrain make up about 14.5% of the population. There is a native Christian community in Bahrain. Non-Muslim Bahraini residents numbered 367,683 per the 2010 census, most of whom are Christians. Expatriate Christians make up the majority of Christians in Bahrain, while native Christian Bahrainis (who hold Bahraini citizenship) make up a smaller community. Alees Samaan, a former Bahraini ambassador to the United Kingdom is a native Christian. Bahrain also has a native Jewish community numbering thirty-seven Bahraini citizens. Various sources cite Bahrain's native Jewish community as being from 36 to 50 people. According to Bahraini writer Nancy Khedouri, the Jewish community of Bahrain is one of the youngest in the world, having its origins in the migration of a few families to the island from then-Iraq and then-Iran in the late 1880s.
Due to an influx of immigrants and guest workers from Asian countries, such as India, the Philippines and Sri Lanka, the overall percentage of Muslims in the country has declined in recent years. According to the 2001 census, 81.2% of Bahrain's population was Muslim, 10% were Christian, and 9.8% practised Hinduism or other religions. The 2010 census records that the Muslim proportion had fallen to 70.2% (the 2010 census did not differentiate between the non-Muslim religions).
Arabic is the official language of Bahrain, though English is widely used. Bahrani Arabic is the most widely spoken dialect of the Arabic language, though it differs widely from standard Arabic, like all Arabic dialects. Arabic plays an important role in political life, as, according to article 57 (c) of Bahrain's constitution, an MP must be fluent in Arabic to stand for parliament. In addition, Balochi is the second largest and widely spoken language in Bahrain.The Baloch are fluent in Arabic and Balochi. Among the Bahraini and non-Bahraini population, many people speak Persian, the official language of Iran, or Urdu, an official language in Pakistan and a regional language in India. Nepali is also widely spoken in the Nepalese workers and Gurkha Soldiers community. Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Bangla and Hindi are spoken among significant Indian communities. All commercial institutions and road signs are bilingual, displaying both English and Arabic.
Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 14. Education is free for Bahraini citizens in public schools, with the Bahraini Ministry of Education providing free textbooks. Coeducation is not used in public schools, with boys and girls segregated into separate schools.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Qur'anic schools (Kuttab) were the only form of education in Bahrain. They were traditional schools aimed at teaching children and youth the reading of the Qur'an. After World War I, Bahrain became open to western influences, and a demand for modern educational institutions appeared. 1919 marked the beginning of modern public school system in Bahrain when the Al-Hidaya Al-Khalifia School for boys opened in Muharraq. In 1926, the Education Committee opened the second public school for boys in Manama, and in 1928 the first public school for girls was opened in Muharraq. , there are a total of 126,981 students studying in public schools.
In 2004, King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa introduced the "King Hamad Schools of Future" project that uses Information Communication Technology to support K–12 education in Bahrain. The project's objective is to connect all schools within the kingdom with the Internet. In addition to British intermediate schools, the island is served by the Bahrain School (BS). The BS is a United States Department of Defense school that provides a K-12 curriculum including International Baccalaureate offerings. There are also private schools that offer either the IB Diploma Programme or United Kingdom's A-Levels.
Bahrain also encourages institutions of higher learning, drawing on expatriate talent and the increasing pool of Bahrain nationals returning from abroad with advanced degrees. The University of Bahrain was established for standard undergraduate and graduate study, and the King Abdulaziz University College of Health Sciences, operating under the direction of the Ministry of Health, trains physicians, nurses, pharmacists and paramedics. The 2001 National Action Charter paved the way for the formation of private universities such as the Ahlia University in Manama and University College of Bahrain in Saar. The Royal University for Women (RUW), established in 2005, was the first private, purpose-built, international university in Bahrain dedicated solely to educating women. The University of London External has appointed MCG (Management Consultancy Group) as the regional representative office in Bahrain for distance learning programmes. MCG is one of the oldest private institutes in the country. Institutes have also opened which educate South Asian students, such as the Pakistan Urdu School, Bahrain and the Indian School, Bahrain. A few prominent institutions are the American University of Bahrain established in 2019, the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance, the Ernst & Young Training Institute, and the Birla Institute of Technology International Centre. In 2004, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) set up a constituent medical university in the country. In addition to the Arabian Gulf University, AMA International University and the College of Health Sciences, these are the only medical schools in Bahrain.
Bahrain has a universal health care system, dating back to 1960. Government-provided health care is free to Bahraini citizens and heavily subsidised for non-Bahrainis. Healthcare expenditure accounted for 4.5% of Bahrain's GDP, according to the World Health Organization. Bahraini physicians and nurses form a majority of the country's workforce in the health sector, unlike neighbouring Gulf states. The first hospital in Bahrain was the American Mission Hospital, which opened in 1893 as a dispensary. The first public hospital, and also tertiary hospital, to open in Bahrain was the Salmaniya Medical Complex, in the Salmaniya district of Manama, in 1957. Private hospitals are also present throughout the country, such as the International Hospital of Bahrain.
The life expectancy in Bahrain is 73 for males and 76 for females. Compared to many countries in the region, the prevalence of AIDS and HIV is relatively low. Malaria and tuberculosis (TB) do not constitute major problems in Bahrain as neither disease is indigenous to the country. As a result, cases of malaria and TB have declined in recent decades with cases of contractions amongst Bahraini nationals becoming rare. The Ministry of Health sponsors regular vaccination campaigns against TB and other diseases such as hepatitis B.
Currently, Bahrain has an obesity epidemic as 28.9% of all males and 38.2% of all females are classified as obese. Bahrain also has one of the highest prevalence of diabetes in the world (5th place). More than 15% of the Bahraini population are affected by the disease, and they account for 5% of deaths in the country. Cardiovascular diseases account for 32% of all deaths in Bahrain, being the number one cause of death in the country (the second being cancer). Sickle-cell anaemia and thalassaemia are prevalent in the country, with a study concluding that 18% of Bahrainis are carriers of sickle-cell anaemia while 24% are carriers of thalassaemia.
Cities:
