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The Kingdom of Bahrain is an island nation in the Persian Gulf. Its population is roughly 1.3 million, about half of whom are migrant workers, mainly from Iran, Pakistan and India. The capital, Manama, is home to almost a third of the population. The official language is Arabic.
Climate in Bahrain
The climate is tropical, with light rain falling only in winter. Winter temperatures run from +17°C to +20°C, spring and autumn from +20°C to +27°C, and summer months are rarely below +40°C. Humidity is extremely high, which makes the heat much harder to handle, so it's worth timing your trip for the more comfortable months.
Tourism in Bahrain
As oil reserves dwindle, the local government is putting serious effort into finding other sources of income, and tourism is seen as a strong replacement for hydrocarbons. To keep up with the growing flow of visitors, the island has built a number of four- and five-star hotels.
Bahrain welcomes roughly 8 million tourists a year, most of them from neighbouring Arab states, drawn by the country's more liberal laws. In recent years, though, more and more visitors have been arriving from Europe, Australia and the Americas. Numbers spike especially around the Bahrain Grand Prix, one of the Formula 1 championship races — during the event the island's population swells by almost a third with competitors and fans.
Attractions and Things to Do in Bahrain
It's a small country, but there are several sights worth seeing, chief among them the Barbar Temple, Bait Al Sayadi (the House of Seyadi) and the famous "Tree of Life" — a mesquite tree that has stood alone in the desert for some 400 years, despite there being no visible water source nearby.
Be sure to visit Al Areen Wildlife Park, not far from the capital. It covers just 8 km², but is home to more than 100,000 plants along with tortoises, porcupines, camels and other animals.
There are plenty of beaches, most of them private and paid, though public beaches exist too and tend to get crowded. The islands are ringed by coral reefs rich in colourful marine life, so diving is well developed here. Bahrain is also a hub for equestrian sport, drawing horse and racing enthusiasts from around the world.
Visa Requirements for Bahrain
Most travellers need a visa to visit Bahrain, typically issued for 90 days. The application process takes some effort — you'll need to provide a passport, two photographs, forms filled out in English and Arabic, and an invitation letter. Booking your trip through a travel agency online spares you most of this hassle. Important: if your passport carries any Israeli stamps or visas, you will be refused entry to Bahrain.
Currency in Bahrain
The currency is the Bahraini dinar (BHD), divided into 1,000 fils. Exchange rate: 1 BHD = $2.65.
Good to Know Before You Go
Haggling isn't just allowed, it's expected — a shopkeeper may take it almost as an insult if you don't. The exception is hotels and larger shops, where prices are fixed. In cafés and restaurants, a service charge is usually already included in the bill, though a dinar or two extra is always welcome.
Safety-wise, Bahrain is a haven for tourists. That said, it's a Muslim country, and while the laws are considerably more relaxed than in neighbouring Saudi Arabia or Qatar, it's still best to be mindful of local customs.
