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Bahrain

Capital city description

Manama is Bahrain’s capital city. It is the center of trade and commerce in Bahrain. It has become a crucial financial hub in the Middle East due to its heavy-growing industry such as aluminum smelting, ship repair, etc. Moreover, banking, finance, and tourism are among the industries which have experienced recent growth. The primary industry in Manama itself is financial services, with over two hundred financial institutions and banks based in the CBD and the Diplomatic Area. Several multinationals have facilities and offices in and around Manama. 

Climate

  • During January, February, March, and December, you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20 degrees Celsius (68°F) and 25 degrees Celsius (77°F).
  • The hottest season/summer is in April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
  • Bahrain has dry periods in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December.
  • The warmest month is August, with an average maximum temperature of 39°C (102°F).
  • The coldest month is January, with an average maximum temperature of 20°C (68°F).
  • February is the wettest month. This month should be avoided if you are not a big fan of rain.
  • September is the driest month.
  • June is the sunniest month.

Languages spoken

In Bahrain, the spoken language is Arabic, Farsi, Urdu, and English, and the written language is Arabic. The official language is Arabic; however, many people speak English because it is used in business and is taught in school as a second language.

Fun/Fascinating Facts

  1. The British School of Bahrain holds the world record for the largest simultaneous coin toss. As part of World Maths Day in 2010, 1,117 staff and students took part in the toss, making it into the Guinness Book of Records.
  2. Bahrain World Trade Centre is the first skyscraper in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design. Each turbine is 29m in diameter, and its capacity is 675kw of wind power production. The 240m-tall tower has won several international awards, including the LEAF (Leading European Architects Forum) award for best use of technology in a large scheme.
  3. The name given to the country means “two seas,” which makes sense because Bahrain has one of the longest coastlines in the world, has no land borders, and used to serve as home to two cultures.
  4. Bahrain is the smallest country in the Middle East and the third smallest country in Asia, covering an area of only 295 square miles.
  5. In Bahrain, the natives consider the “ritual” of coffee drinking one of the most important aspects of their social life. That’s why there are so many coffee shops where one can enjoy a cup of coffee while talking with friends. The coffee offered in Bahrain has a different taste than European coffee since it’s flavored with either cardamom or saffron.

Unique Customs/Traditions

  •  People tend to shy away from conflict and uncomfortable feelings in public. In addition, friendships are essential to doing business. Each person takes ample time to get to know the other person so a deep trust can develop between them.
  • Muslim holidays are commonly the occasion for large family meals. The breaking of the fast month of Ramadan is celebrated with feasts of traditional food and a variety of special sweets and pastries.
  • Arranged marriage is still common. The bride and groom often have a chance to meet before they marry. While it was customary for girls to be married at twelve or thirteen years of age, they now tend to wait until they have finished their education and have a job.
  • Henna is used to decorate women's hands. Henna is worn for special occasions such as weddings. The dye is piped onto the hands and is left on until it dries. Every pattern is distinctive.
  • Kohl was used to emphasizing the eyes. It is also used to protect the eyes from evil spirits and disease.

Popular universities

Name Description
The University of Bahrain The University of Bahrain is a non-profit public higher education institution located in Sakhir, Southern Governorate. This institution also has a branch campus in Isa Town. Established in 1986 and officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Bahrain. The University of Bahrain (UoB) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees in several areas of study.
Arabian Gulf University Arabian Gulf University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the medium city of Manama, Capital Governorate. Established in 1981 and officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Bahrain. Arabian Gulf University (AGU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
Bahrain Institute Bahrain Institute for Banking and Finance is a private higher education institution located in the medium city of Manama, Capital Governorate. Established in 1981 and officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Bahrain. Bahrain Institute for Banking and Finance (BIBF) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees in several areas of study.
Kingdom University Kingdom University is a for-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Riffa, Southern Governorate. Established in 2002 and officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Bahrain, Kingdom University (KU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
Ahlia University Ahlia University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Manama, Capital Governorate. Founded in 2001 and Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Bahrain, Ahlia University (AU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study.
Royal University Royal University for Women is a private higher education institution located in West Riffa, Southern Governorate. Founded in 2005 and officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Bahrain, Royal University for Women (RUW) is a women-only Bahraini higher education institution. Royal University for Women (RUW) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study.
Gulf University Gulf University is a private higher education institution located in the large town of Sanad Capital Governorate. Founded in 2001 and officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Bahrain, Gulf University (GU) is a coeducational Bahraini higher education institution. Gulf University (GU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study.
AMA International University Bahrain AMA International University Bahrain is a for-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium town of Salmabad Bahrain Island. Founded in 2002 and officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Bahrain. AM AMA International University Bahrain (AMAIUB) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e., certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees in several areas of study.
Applied Science University Applied Science University is a for-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Manama, Capital Governorate. Established in 2004 and officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Bahrain. Applied Science University (ASU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees in several areas of study.
University College of Bahrain University College of Bahrain is a private higher education institution located in the medium city of Manama, Capital Governorate. Founded in 2002 and officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Bahrain, the University College of Bahrain (UCB) is a coeducational Bahraini higher education institution. University College of Bahrain (UCB) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees in several areas of study.

Festivals & Events

Bahrain Speed Racing Championship

Date: January and February

Darrag is one of the most popular sports in Bahrain, and the Bahrain International Championship is the largest in the Arabian Gulf region.

 It is one of the most important events in Bahrain, where drivers from all over the region compete. The drivers come from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.

July

Date: Marassi Diving Festival

Bahrain celebrates the Marassi Diving Festival on the occasion of World Diving Day every year. It is an occasion on which fantastic diving trips are arranged around the country, and travelers get to witness the stunning marine life of the region.

Muharram - Islamic New Year

Date: January

Muharram is a festival that is widely celebrated in the nation. The occasion is also known as the Islamic New Year. During the Muharram holidays in Bahrain and the whole month, there is a complete ban on alcohol to encourage purity. 

The festival is celebrated in January, just as the Christian New Year. Hence, the two festivals merge to make for a whole month of celebration. 

Ashura

Date: February

Ashura is one of the most celebrated events in February. It is mainly celebrated by the Shiite population in Bahrain, observed in memory of the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali.

Some also observe this day as the foundation day of Kaba in Mecca. It is considered the day when Noah’s Art came to a standstill and corresponded to when Ka’aba was built in Mecca and Prophet Abraham was born.

Milad Al-Nabi

Date: April

 Milad Al-Nabi is an occasion when both the Sunnis and the Shi’ites factions of Bahrain come together, Milad Al Nabi honors the birth of the Prophet Mohammed.

It is a festival celebrated in April and is marked by feasts, processions, storytelling, and so much more to add to the festivities. Although different factions celebrate the festival, it does bring the two Islamic sections together and unites them on occasion.

Bahrain Shopping Festival

Date: November

The Shopping Festival, another of those famous festivals in Bahrain, is a spectacle that provides a shopping treat and presents a range of entertainment activities to travelers. Activities like a shadow box, virtual reality gaming, arcade games, and so much more.

There are ballet shows and Indian parades alongside musical performances that catch the visitors' eye. 

Festival of Lights

Date: May

Festival of Lights is a festival that celebrates the art of light, one of Bahrain's most prestigious festivals, where there are numerous light performances in Manama. With international artists participating in the spectacle, the festival is also an opportunity for the local artists in Bahrain to showcase their talent. 

Attractions / Top Sights

Royal Camel Farm

When to visit: November to April

When to visit: https://osmiva.com/bahrain-tourist-attractions/

Royal Camel Farm is an exciting place in Al Janabiyah, Bahrain. There are more than five hundred camels of all ages around here. Camels are well-taken care of here, and you can see them from a close distance. You may get a chance to pet them if a caretaker is around. It will hardly take an hour to wander around here and talk with locals. 

Bahrain National Museum

When to visit: November to April

When to visit: https://www.bahrainthismonth.com/venue/bahrain-national-museum

Bahrain National Museum is the most extensive and one of the oldest public museums in Bahrain. Located in the capital Manama and was opened in 1988. The museum possesses an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, covering over 5000 years of Bahrain's history from Dilmun to pre-industrial.

Aside from being a source of knowledge and understanding of history, the museum also promotes global culture to the locals through numerous exhibitions and art expos.

Al-Fatih Mosque (Great Mosque)

When to visit: November to April

When to visit: https://www.inspirock.com/bahrain/manama/al-fatih-mosque-great-mosque-a812212707

 Al-Fatih Mosque (Great Mosque) stands as one of the largest mosques in the world. It can welcome over 7,000 worshippers--it's also the home of Bahrain's national library.  Al-Fatih Mosque was constructed in 1987; the mosque boasts impressive architectural features that include Italian marble, Indian teak, Austrian chandeliers, and a monumental fiberglass dome. 

Al Areen Wildlife Park

When to visit: November to April

When to visit: http://www.alareenholding.com/wildlife.htm

The Al Areen Wildlife Park is a nature reserve and zoo located in Sakhir, Bahrain. It is one of five other protected areas in the country, and it is the only designated protected area on land in the country. The park is perfect for families and animal lovers to explore at leisure and enjoy the opportunity of seeing animals in the wild.

The wildlife sanctuary protected rare Arabian species, including the Oryx, Adax, and Reem Gazelle. Today hundreds of other animals and bird species live contentedly in Al Areen Wildlife Park.

Bahrain World Center, Manama

When to visit: November to April

When to visit: https://bahrainwtc.com/about-us/

The Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC) is an office space like no other in the Kingdom. The graceful sail-shaped towers with their interconnecting wind turbines are instantly recognizable, rising out of the heart of the financial and business hub as they dominate the city skyline.

Designed by Shaun Killa of Atkins, the BWTC has won multiple awards for its ground-breaking architecture and its innovative design that integrates renewable energy solutions into a comfortable yet sophisticated office space.

Qal’at al-Bahrain

When to visit: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1192

Qal’at al-Bahrain is an artificial mound created by many successive layers of human occupation. About 25% of the site has been excavated, revealing structures of different types: residential, public, commercial, religious, and military. On the top of the 12 m mound, the impressive Portuguese fort gave the site its name, Qala (fort).

The place was the capital of the Dilmun, one of the most important ancient civilizations of the region. It contains the richest remains of this civilization, which was formerly only known from written Sumerian references.

Bahrain International Circuit

When to visit: November to April

Bahrain International Circuit is popularly known as the best venue for motorsport and drag racing events. GP2 and the Bahrain Grand Pix are usually held here. The unique infrastructure is genuinely made for the said race.