Bahrain

Activities:
Shopping: The central market, (Al- Souq) completed in 1978, provides modern facilities for traders. It is well worth to visit if only to enjoy the brightly colored display of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as the scents of herbs, nuts and spices. There is a special market for gold ( Gold Souq) and for fabrics ( Cloth Souq)

Historic Sites:
Bahrain Fort:
The first dwellings on the site are believed to have been constructed around 2800 BC and have subsequently been overlaid by numerous fortified settlements. The last was built in early 16th century to defend Portugal’s acquisition of the islands- for this reason it is also known locally as the Portuguese Fort.

Arad Fort:
This 16th century fort of Arabic construction is probably one of the first landmarks you will see upon arrival in Bahrain due to its proximity to the airport. It has undergone extensive restoration and is now illuminated at night, presenting a magnificent sight. Little is known about the fort’s history and there is no firm evidence of the precise date of its construction, but comprehensive excavations have been undertaken in order to discover its past. Nowadays, balanced shoes should be worn if you intend to pay a visit, in order that you can explore it. Full- high heeled footwear is not suitable for climbing about on the ramparts.

Barbar Temples: Excavations conducted in 1950s and 1969s, have revealed three stone built temples dating from the third millennium BC. It is believed that they were places of worship for the God of Spring Waters, Enki, and the presence of a sacred well within the complex strengthens this theory.

Salman Al Fateh Fort: Standing on a low escarpment, overlooking the valley between east and west Riffa, the fort held an ideal strategic position during the 18th century. It is now restored and is open to the public.

Bait Al Qur’an: The House of the Qur’an was built to accommodate a comprehensive and valuable collection of the Holy Qur’an and manuscripts. All visitors are welcome, and the
complex comprises a mosque, library, an auditorium, a school and a museum consisting of five exhibition halls.

Al- Khamis Mosque: The twin minarets of this ancient mosque are easily identifiable as you drive along the Sheikh Salman Road. It is considered one of the oldest relics of Islam in the region, and its foundation is believed to have been laid as early as 692 AD. However, an inscription found on the site, suggests the foundation date to be sometimes during the 11th century. It has since been rebuilt twice in the 14th and 15th centuries, when its minarets were constructed.

Siyadi House: This is one of the most impressive examples of the 19th century architecture. It was built by the pearl merchant Ahmed Bin Qassem Siyadi, and has many fine features to look out for, including ornate ceilings, stained glass windows, carved screens and a large safe set into the wall of a small ,upper reception room.

Museums:
Museum of Pearl Diving: The building of the Pearl Diving Museum is regarded as one of the most important and historic buildings in Bahrain. Its importance is derived from being the first official centre the courts of Bahrain. The building was first opened on October 18th 1937, by the late H.H. Sheikh. Hamad bin Eassa Al- Khalifa. The building at that time consisted of 4 Supreme Courts and 3 Directorates: (1) Sunni Waqf (Religious Endowment of the Sunnis), (2) Jaffaria Waqf (Religious Endowment for Shiites), and (3) Minors Estate (Properties of the Underage).

There were also rooms used as offices and a room for filing purposes. In 1986 the building was transformed into the Traditional Heritage Centre. .However, rooms of the Supreme Courts remained unchanged. The Supreme Courts at the time included (1) The Civil Court, (2) The Appellant Court, and The Criminal Court.

Sports:
Horse Riding: The Middle East is renowned for its love of horses, and Bahrain is no exception. There are a few stables to choose from, with mounts for all ages and abilities.
Horse Racing: Bahrain’s love of all things equestrian is further revealed in its splendid racetrack; together with grandstand those seats of 10,000 spectators. Meetings are held every Friday from October to March. Car parking and programs are free, however,
betting is strictly prohibited.

Riffa Golf Club: The Riffa of Club is constructed on a dramatic Wadi terrain and has 18- holes green course around and over four lakes. The site is nearly 63 hectares (155 acres). The course is par 72, and is 6.286m (6.875 yards) in length, with some 24 hectares (60 acres) of grass and landscaped with palms and shrubbery to give a tropical feeling in the desert terrain. Daily Newspapers (English):
• Bahrain Tribune
• Gulf Daily News

Location:
Middle East, archipelago in the Arabian Gulf, east of Saudi
Arabia
Geographic coordinates:
26 00 N, 50 33 E
Map references:
Middle East
Area:
total: 665 sq km
land: 665 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:
3.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
None
Coastline:
161 km
Climate:
Arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
Terrain:
Mostly low desert plain rising gently to low central
escarpment
Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
Highest point: Jabal ad Dukhan 122 m
Natural resources:
Oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish, pearls
Natural hazards:
Periodic droughts; dust storms
Geography:
Close to primary Middle Eastern petroleum sources;
strategic location in Persian Gulf, through which much
of the Western world’s petroleum must transit to reach
open ocean
People:
Bahraini
Population:
698,585
note: includes 235,108 non-nationals (July 2006 est.)
Religions:
Muslim (Shia & Sunni) 81.2%, Christian 9%, other 9.8%
(2001 census)
Languages:
Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu
Country name:
Conventional long form: Kingdom of Bahrain
Conventional short form: Bahrain
Local long form: Mamlakat al Bahrayn
Local short form: Al Bahrayn
Former: Dilmun
Government type:
Constitutional hereditary monarchy
Capital:
Manama
geographic coordinates:
26 13 N, 50 35 E
Administrative divisions:
5 governorates; Asamah, Janubiyah, Muharraq,
Shamaliyah, Wasat
note: each governorate administered by an appointed
governor
Independence:
15 August 1971 (from UK)
National holiday:
National Day, 16 December (1971); note - 15 August
1971 is the date of independence from the UK, 16
December 1971 is the date of independence from British
protection
Currency:
Bahraini dinar (BHD)
Exchange rates:
Bahraini dinars per US dollar - 0.376 (2006), 0.376
(2005), 0.376 (2004), 0.376 (2003), 0.376 (2002)

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