The twinkling lights of Bahrain warmly welcomed me as I ventured into the Middle East for the first time. We have a deep interest in experiencing authentic Arabian culture and want to discover its true charm beyond its glittering exterior. Stepping into the historic bylanes, I was transported into a magical world, like the enchanting story of Scheherazade.
– Prativa Vaidya Bala
Bahrain, a small Arab nation in the Persian Gulf, is an archipelago of 33 islands. Its name comes from the Arabic word “al-baḥrayn”, meaning “two seas”. Muharraq, the former capital, was famous as a center of the pearl diving trade. With the discovery of oil and the subsequent economic boom, the city of Manama became famous as Bahrain’s capital and main port. Bahrain’s multicultural structure is a harmonious blend of diverse Middle Eastern nationalities thriving within its borders. Interacting with locals from Yemen, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and even India, it is clear that they are happy with Bahrain’s simple, seamless, and well-organized lifestyle.
hymn to the past
Bahrain’s appeal stems from its deep commitment to respecting its historical heritage. Although Bahrain shares elements of modern steel and concrete in common with countries in the Middle East, it distinguishes itself by maintaining and showcasing its heritage. The towering skyscrapers of the business district blend seamlessly with the ancient tombs of the Dilmun civilization dotted along the city’s streets. It evokes the excitement of ongoing excavations, where you never know which century’s masterpiece is waiting to be discovered.
The largest and oldest public museum in the Gulf, the Bahrain National Museum showcases the island nation’s Dilmun dynasty. Unfolding a fascinating story dating back more than 4,000 years, this museum records history through ancient tombs, rituals, and urn burials, preserving the stories of a bygone era. Intriguing mythological stories are brought to life through sculptures and life-size installations, bringing to life Bahrain’s ancient traditions of daily life. It tells lyrical stories of the past.
Qalat Al Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with fortress ruins dating back to 2,300 BC. The excavated site reveals the importance of the fort for defensive, residential, religious and military purposes. The remains of stable walls, water reservoirs, watchtowers and an ingenious system for extracting date syrup tell the story of a wise and prosperous civilization.
Al Fateh Mosque is an oasis of calm that is a testament to Bahraini’s faith. Wearing an abaya and strolling around the haloed ramparts gives you a sense of Islam’s generosity, sacrifice, discipline, and strength. Walking in the shoes of a community that is easily valued by the rest of the world is certainly a learning experience.
A colorful and historic souk
Standing the test of time, the 43-year-old Bab Al Bahrain is the gateway to Manama Souq. With the ultra-modern financial district on one side and historic Manama on the other, this spot is the perfect place to admire past and present. The sea once stopped just outside this gateway, through which traders could enter Bahrain to conduct business. Today, the financial district stands on this reclaimed land.
The aromatic Arabian scent wafting from the souk transports visitors to a world of rich perfume oils, Bahoor incense, fragrant spices, exquisite gold jewelry, colorful Bahraini souvenirs, textiles, and delicious local delicacies. I invite you to The owner is enthusiastic, kind and has a unique sense of humor, creating a cozy and fun atmosphere. Tucked away in a small alley, the glorious Shrinivas Temple is meticulously maintained by devotees. Stroll down another quaint lane and you’ll find Haji Café and Arabia Café. Both are popular hotspots, filled with historic photos and vintage artifacts that make it seem like time has stopped.
A hub of high-octane sports activities
For thrill seekers, Bahrain offers a variety of exhilarating activities. These include the exciting simulated indoor skydiving at Gravity, the absolute thrill of go-karting on world-class tracks at his Bahrain International Go Karting circuit, and the high-speed excitement of his F1 racing at his Bahrain International Circuit. included. The highly acclaimed international racecourse is home to the acclaimed hairpin His Curve, personally designed by racing legend Michael Schumacher and revered for its level of difficulty in the racing world.
With exclusive permission, I was lucky enough to visit the control center. The control center is a hub that pulsates with understated thrills, with multiple television screens capturing every angle and moment of the thrilling race.
Kayaking in the crystal blue waters of the “Disappearing Island”, also known as Harada Island, was an unforgettable experience. Accessible only by a 40-minute private boat ride due to a limited number of visitors per day, this place was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This island is a magical little sandy beach where you can play hide and seek, only appearing at low tide and disappearing at high tide. Day trips include a fresh barbecue organized by the boat’s crew, searching for pearls among fresh oysters, kayaking, or strolling along sandy beaches while marveling at the capricious nature.
Bahraini food – Mashalla!
The culinary experience in Bahrain is truly exquisite. It enchants the taste buds and nourishes the soul. Visitors will be treated to an array of exquisite delicacies such as machboos, falafel, shishtuk, biryani, kebabs, bararit, among others. The warm welcome, generous service and kindness of our hosts enrich the whole experience.
For foodies, there are a variety of options like Naseef in Marina, Wahed Falafel in Manama, and Atik in Block 388 that will take you into Alibaba’s cave of wealth. It was a dreamy taste experience to experience the traditional style of sitting on the floor and enjoying a meal at a small local Muharraq eatery. A fragrant recreation of India’s masala chai, Karak is sure to invigorate even the most weary of souls, so don’t miss it. As you walk through the narrow alleys of the souk, you can buy souvenirs of local food such as halwa, sambusa, baklava, spices, and different versions of Arabic he coffee.
Bahrain’s charm
Bahrain’s story remains incomplete without paying tribute to its wonderful people, who are kind, polite, kind and full of humor. Their warm greetings and quick wits, always aimed at ensuring our comfort, made our visit extremely enjoyable and unforgettable. The enchanting charm of Bahrain has certainly worked its magic and embedded the melodious poetry of this small kingdom in our hearts.
Our excellent tour guide Eman Hasan Ali led us on a fascinating journey, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the ancient world through experiences and tastes. Her deep knowledge and love for her city was evident as she happily interacted with her locals and introduced us to the traditional treasures of her home country.