Overview: Sophisticated, modern and cosmopolitan Bahrain, a kingdom of 33
islands in the Arabian Gulf, is welcoming an increasing number of
international tourists who come to experience the country's
fascinating blend of eastern and western cultures. Manama, on the
main island, boasts excellent hotels, restaurants, shopping malls,
an intriguing souq (bazaar) and all the other facilities visitors
need for a great holiday. In addition, there are decent beaches,
perenially hot and sunny weather, English is spoken and understood
everywhere, and the kingdom has the remnants of more than 5,000
years of civilisation to be explored. Its future as a popular
holiday destination for westerners seems assured. Back in the mists of time Bahrain was attached to the Arabian
Peninsula. Nature separated it from the mainland, but man has now
rejoined it with a 16-mile (25km) long causeway linking it to Saudi
Arabia. During construction of the causeway and a new road network,
the islands' archaeological significance came to light with the
discovery of thousands of burial mounds dating from the third
millennium BC, part of the well-ordered ancient city of Dilmun that
existed where a forest of skyscrapers now reaches for the sky. Throughout its history Bahrain has been prosperous, first on the
strength of its good position for trade and fishing, and the
abundance and quality of the pearls found in its waters, and more
latterly because of its oil resources (Bahrain was the first
country in the Gulf to exploit its 'liquid gold'). Though the government is stable than in years past, Bahrain is
still growing as a popular tourist destination in the Middle East.
A visit to Bahrain, whether on business or pleasure, is an
interesting, relaxing and rewarding experience.
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