Five Amazing Things To Do on a Weekend in Bahrain

Apart from business when it comes to beauty Bahrain is not behind. This island country has a lot to offer when it comes to tourism. Did you know that the first recorded civilization in the country was the Dilmun civilization as early as the fourth millennium BCE? This is what was revealed in Background Notes: Mideast, March, 2011 by the US Department of State. So, whether you are looking for glimpses of its thousands of years old ancient culture or the modern, cosmopolitan life in Bahrain, everything will mesmerize you here. Little wonder then that the World Travel & Tourism Council pegged the tourism sector in the country as directly contributing BHD544.2 million to the GDP in 2014, with an expected rise of 4.9% per year to BHD895.3 million by 2025.

Five Must Dos

Even if you are in the country just for the weekend, you can get the real feel of life in Bahrain with these must visit places.

   

1.      Al Dar Islands

Often said to be “Bahrain’s best kept secret,” these islands make up a Mediterranean style beach resort that is known for its sparkling blue waters and pristine beaches, With strict control on the number of visitors to these islands per day, this is definitely the destination for some peaceful times, watching the dolphins swim by, You can also participate in scuba diving, pearl collecting and other water sports right here. However, it is advisable to avoid visiting Al Dar Islands during the peak summer months.

2.    Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort)

A beautiful fort dating back to 2300 BC, this is a good place to visit for all history lovers. It is considered to have been the capital city of the Dilmun Civilization. It is also one of the two UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country. You can visit this fort for a better view of its history and culture.

3.      The Pearl Trail

The other UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bahrain is the 3.5 kilometer trail located on the island of Muharraq. It was used by pearl divers  through much of the country’s history, till about 1930. Pearling has been known in Bahrain since 2000 BC. You can visit and see the cultural tradition of pearling at this trail.

4.      Royal Golf Club

This is golf club is home to the only 18-hole championship golf course in the country, while also boasting a par-3 9-hole course. Both golf courses have been designed by golfing legend and course architect, Colin Montgomerie. The club also houses award winning restaurants, a golf & leisure shop, a golf academy, country club and meeting and conference rooms.
 
5.    Bahrain National Museum

Located strategically between Muharraq and Manama, the Bahrain National Museum has nine halls that display the life in Bahrain across the centuries. You get to travel through more than 4,000 years of history, spread across six sections. Take a look at the customs and traditions, traditional handicrafts, burial traditions, ancient documents and manuscripts and much more at this museum.

5 Places You Must Visit in Bahrain

Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, located in the city of Juffair, is one the largest mosques in the world and a popular tourist attraction. It boasts the world’s largest fibreglass dome. Bahrain is one of the top choices for travellers to the Middle East. It showcases a true amalgamation of the modern Arab culture and historical landmarks that tell the story of 5,000 years of civilization in the region.

What to See in Bahrain

Bahrain also offers you a chance to indulge in adventure activities, such as bird watching, scuba diving and horse riding. Owing to its liberal laws and expat friendly environment, life in Bahrain is one of the most relaxed and enjoyable of all the gulf countries. Here are five places that you must visit when in the country. The culture and heritage here is a true reflection of what life in Bahrain is like.

1.      Bahrain National Museum – Opened in 1988, this museum covers 6000 years of history. Not only does it boast exceptional artefacts of the region, but it prides itself on being one of the most alluring buildings in the country, with a sensational patio. A host of pictures and displays cover the discovery of the Dilmun Empire. The museum has nine halls and the rich heritage of Bahrain has been classified into six different sections.

2.      Bahrain International Circuit – If the sports person in you wants to experience the adrenaline rush, then this international circuit is a must visit. It was established in 2004 and has since grown to host events like drag racing, grand prix, v8 super cars, desert 400 and more. The circuit has a host of tracks that include a grand prix track, inner track, outer track, paddock circuit, drag strip and oval track, among others. 

3.      Al Areen Wildlife Park – This is a wildlife park and zoo located in Sakhir. It is one of the five protected areas in the country. The animal species have been protected at the Al Areen Wildlife Park for 30 years and you can witness the marvellous beauty of nature with animals in their own natural habitat. The park has 500 species of animals and more than 1,000 species of plants.

4.      Qa’lat Al Bahrain – The site is made up of successive layers of mound and a fort sits on top of that mound. About 25% of the structure has been excavated to reveal various structures, such as residential, commercial, public, religious and military. It is a place with a wide variety of antique. It was the spot where the capital of the Dilmun civilization once stood.

5.      Bahrain World Trade Centre – This is viewed as a representation of life in Bahrain because of its business influence. But much more than that, it is a magnanimous structure that has won two awards for its architectural beauty.