Tourist Attraction
The Souk
No Visit to Bahrain would be completed without a trip to the souk , with its profusion of colours, sounds and aromas. All wares are sold, from clothes of colours and textures to gold and jewelry as well as the traditional array of spices and local produce. Bartering is expected, and indeed turns the whole experience of shopping into a challenge to see who can obtain the best price. The central market, completed in 1978, provides modern facilities for trades, which were unavailable, when the market took place in the souk. It is well worth a visit, if only to enjoy the brightly colored display of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as the scents of the herbs, nuts and spices.The Gold Souk
Bahrain gold is usually 21 carat and hallmark; it is available in an infinite number of styles, including traditional Bedouin designs as well as the more contemporary European jewelry. If you can't see what you want, then don't worry pieces can also be made to order, although it is wise to confirm a price before the craftsmen go to work.The Cloth Souk
Materials of all textures, colors and origins are available here from silk to cotton and wool. If you have a sketch or an item to be copied, the many tailors shops which are dotted throughout the soukh can make you a new suit or outfit- at a fraction of the original price!Siyadi House
This is one of the most impressive examples of a 19th century 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.Al Khamis Mosque
The twin minarets of this ancient mosque are easily identifiable as you drive along the Sheikh Salman Road. It's considered being one of the oldest relics of Islam in the region, and the foundation are believed to have been laid as early as 692AD. An inscription found on the site, however, suggests a foundation date sometimes during the 11th Century. It has since been rebuilt twice in both 14th & 15th centuries, when the minarets were constructed. The mosque has been partially restored recently.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 the early 16th century to defend Portugal's recent acquisition of the islands-for this reason, it is also known locally as the Portugueese Fort. Numerous excavations have uncovered a variety of relics from the forts past.Barbar Temple
Excavations, which were begun in the 1950s and 1960s, have revealed three stone-built temples dating from the second and third millennia BC. It is believed that they were built as a place of worship for the God of Spring Waters, Enki, and a sacred well within the complex strengthens this theory.Museum of Pearl Diving
The 'Museum of Pearl Diving' building is regarded as one of the most important and historic buildings in Bahrain. Its importance derives from being the first official centre for the Bahrain Courts.In addition, it is a vital witness to what Bahrain has achieved through its long history in regard to the application of civil law and regulations, and the establishment of the principles of justice on solid legal foundations.
The building was opened by the late H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Essa AI Khalifa, then governor of Bahrain, in the Hijrah year 1356 (Islamic Calendar), October 18th, 1937.
The building at that time consisted of four Supreme Courts, in addition to three Directorates: (1) Sunni Waqf (Religious Endowments of the Sunnis), (2) Jaffaria Waqf (Religious Endowments of the Shiites), and (3) Minors Estate (Properties of Underage). In addition, there were rooms used as offices, and another room for filing purposes.
In 1984, the building was transformed into the Traditional Heritage Centre. Its departments and rooms were dedicated to the display of various traditional aspects of Bahrain's heritage, except the Supreme Courtroom, to which no significant change has been made for 65 years. The Supreme Courts at that time included (1) a Civil Court, (2) an Appellate Court, and (3) a Criminal Court.
The current 'Museum of Pearl Diving' building is under the authority of the Directorate of Archaeology and Heritage, which is one of the major Directorates of the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and Information. The 'Museum of Pearl Diving' building is a source of pride to Bahrain, for it contains the story of Bahrain, its governors, and its people from the past till the present.
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, a concept which is unique in the Arabian Gulf. All visitors are welcome, and the complex comprises a mosque, a library, an auditorium, a school and museum consisting of five exhibition halls.Arad Fort
This 16th century fort of Arabic construction is probably one of the first landmarks you will see upon arrival to 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 of the fort history, and there is no firm evidence of the precise date of construction, but comprehensive excavations have been undertaken in order to discover its past. N.B. Stout shoes should be worn if you intend to pay a visit, in order that you can explore to the full- high heels are not suitable for climbing about on the ramparts!Sheikh Isa's House
Sheikh Isa's house, in the old town of Muharraq, was once the home of the Emir`s great-grandfather, Sheikh Isa Bin Ali Al Khalifa . It provides a fine example of local architecture, complete with wind tower, wall carving and lattice work, and its representative of traditional 19th century life. One of the early forms of " air conditions" was the wind tower, a traditional landmark of local architecture. This would act as a funnel, catching the breeze and drawing it down it down into the cavities below, as well as allowing the release of hot air like a chimney.Tree of Life
Standing alone in the desert about 1.2 miles (two kilometers) from the Jebel Dukhan, this flourishing mystic tree provides welcome shade from the heat of the day, although its source of water remains a mystery.Oil Well No.1
As its name suggests, this is the first oil well in the Gulf. "Spurted" on 16th October 1931, the well finally began to blow heads of oil on the morning of 2nd June 1932, too much celebration on the part of those involved in the project. It is situated below jebel Dukhan, the Mountain of Smoke, which, at a height of 134 meters (450 feet), is the highest point of the island. Its name comes from the misty haze, which frequently surrounds it on a hot and humid day.King Fahd Causeway
Opened in 1986, this remarkable 15.5 miles (25km) feat of engineering links Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. It is one of the most expensive bridges in the world. The causeway traverses Umm Nasan Island, which is a sanctuary for wildlife, and at halfway point there is a facility area, including a restaurant, which you can visit even if you don't travel the whole distance to Saudi Arabia.Al Jasra House
The house was built by Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa in 1907, and was the birthplace of the present Emir in July 1933. When the family moved to Riffa later in the 1930, the building fell into disrepair, but they were restored in 1986 and are now open to the public.Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort
Standing on a low escarpment, overlooking the valley between the east and west Riffa the fort held an ideal strategic position during the 18th century. In more recent times, it was used as a private dwelling, but it has now been restored and is open to the public. A section in Arabic calligraphy, including a beautiful display of illuminated Qur'an and other religious documents, is breathtaking, and course of visit world be complete without closer look at the traditional trades and crafts which have been cleverly displayed in a reconstruction of a typical soukh of the 1930s. There are also photographs and models pealing exhibitions and artifact to represent the former source of Bahrain's wealth before the advent of oil. Many, many more exhibits add up to memorable experience, and a deeper understanding of the fascinating history of the island.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 a grandstand those seats 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
Construction work has started on the first 18-hole green course in Bahrain. US-based Karl Litton, one of the leading golf course designers, has designed the BD 7 million ($18.6m) Riffa Golf Course. The Riffa Golf Club is being constructed to professional Golf Association standards with the first seven holes on a dramatic Wadi terrain and remaining 11 holes lay out around and over four lakes. The nearly 63 hectares (155 acre) site for the new golf course on undeveloped land has been carefully chosen for both access and terrain. The course is par 72 and is 6.286m (6.875 yards) in length with some 24 hectares (60 acres) of grass and will landscaped with palms and shrubbery to give a tropical feeling in the desert terrain. Environment will be cheered to know that the green terrain will be watered and irrigated by using recycled wastewater brought in from the sea, factories and various plants, and not precious water destined for public consumption. Doing what is ecological correct has been as important to the committee as creating a course of International caliber.Diving
History and ancient history would suggest that diving itself was probably born in and around the warm shallow waters of Bahrain. Recorded as far back as 5000 years ago, Pearl Diving has been Bahrain's heritage for millennia and ,today, these same productive oyster beds (the largest of their kind in the world) continue to flourish, offering some very unique, rewarding and exciting recreational diving opportunities all year round. With water temperatures ranging from 34C in summer to 20C in winter, providing comfortable diving conditions year round, up to 30 species of coral and in excess of 200 species of fish can be found, in particular, on the northern offshore reefs of Bahrain. Here, divers, underwater photographers and snorkellers can discover a myriad of Indo Pacific species including clown fish, trigger fish, surgeon fish,turtles, rays, lion fish,grouper, snapper, crayfish and even whalesharks; while tuna, mackerel, trevally and barracuda cruise above. In addition to reef diving there are a number of wrecks around the island, including ships, planes, tugs and barges that have something special to offer the inveterate diver. Dugongs (sea cows) can also be seen feeding on the sea grass in the southern waters of Bahrain during the cooler winter months. Scuba and snorkelling education, equipment, experiences and excursions are available to an international standard through a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre located in Manama.Arabic Coffee & Hospitality
The drinking of coffee is a traditional part of Bahrain welcome, and begins with the preparation of the coffee itself. Three cupfuls of vaster and a rounded teaspoon of coffee (gahwa) are poured into a saucepan and then boiled for about two minutes. Next comes the "relaxation" process, which is very important, as it allows time for the traditional exchange of greetings and welcome. After adding cardamom and saffron in rosewater, the liquid is poured gently from the saucepan into the coffeepot, or dalla, taking care that the sediment remains in the pan. The coffee is then left to brew for five or ten minutes before being served in a small cup, or finjan. It is polite to accept a second cup if offered, but for third and subsequent helpings, the shaking of the cup from side to side indicates refusal. Coffeepots can be found in many shops on the island, as well as in the soukhs. They make an ideal reminder for the hospitality and welcome extended to visitors by the people of Bahrain.Oil Museum
Situated near "Oil Well No.1" the museum was inaugurated on the 2nd June 1992 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the discovery of oil in Bahrain, the first country of the Middle East to do so, despite the pessimistic pronouncement of a leading geologist that he would "drink every drop of oil produced South of Basra". It houses some fascinating exhibits, including drilling equipment, documents, old photographs and a working model of an oil rig.Formula One
Bahrain is the home of Formula One racing in the Middle East. It started hosting the Gulf Air Grand Prix on 4th April 2004, the first for an Arab country. This was followed by the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2005. Bahrain has successfully hosted the opening Grand Prix of the 2006 season on 12th March.Dilmun Excavation Site
The earliest recorded references to Bahrain date back to the third millennium BC, when it was known as Dilmun. An entire 100 by 150 metre village from the Dilmun era is presently being excavated, with the digs revealing breathtaking secrets of that period. The digs at Saar have proved the existence of a very organised lifestyle, with well-ordered roads, proper houses, workshops and a central marketplace.Bab Al Bahrain
You will quickly discover that life in Bahrain somehow revolves around this landmark. 'Bab Al Bahrain' quite literally means Gateway to Bahrain. When it was originally designed by Sir Charles Belgrave in 1945, it housed the government offices of the time and overlooked the sea. The sea has long been reclaimed (Government Avenue, which runs alongside Bab Al Bahrain, was built on reclaimed land), and the monument itself was refurbished in 1986 to incorporate Islamic architectural features.The ground floor now houses the tourist information office and a handicrafts shop. (Timings: 0800-1200 and 1630-1800, closed on Fridays). Sightseeing bus tours depart from here daily at 0930 and 1530. Bab Al Bahrain also serves as entrance to the souk (market).
Al Areen
Located 20km south of Manama, this eight square km animal sanctuary contains rare and endangered species whose natural habitat is the Arabian peninsula. Inhabitants of Al Areen Wildlife Park include the Arabian Oryx, which is virtually extinct in the wild, the Persian gazelle, springbok and impala.A bus tour of the reserve and film show on the park are highly recommended.
