What to do with Children in Tow
Adhari Park
Bahrain
Bahrain
Bahrain has progressed into a cosmopolitan society of religions and communities. With the discovery of oil in 1932 rapid modernization occurred in Bahrain. Bahrain has the fastest growing and also the freest economy in all of the Middle East because of its oil and tourism. In March 1999, King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifah became head of state and introduced parliamentary elections, granted women the right to vote, and released all political prisoners. This was seen as a "historic period of human rights".The country officially became a kingdom in 2002.
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A CLOSER LOOK
Top places to visit
The Bahrain Fort
The Qala'at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) is on the northern shore, five minutes from Manama city. The Portuguese constructed the fort in the 16th century, after which it fell into disrepair. However it has now been superbly restored to its former grandeur. Next door to the fort is an unmarked building that is the museum housing numerous artifacts from the ancient Dilmun period through to the Islamic era, many of which were found at the Fort.
A'Ali Potteries
These kilns have been made on an ancient burial mound. After observing the potter working on the wheel you can take a turn yourself. The shop owner himself is also on hand to give a tour of the kilns and the pottery making process from production to glazing and firing. There are also finished glazed and unglazed products available for purchase at reasonable prices
Al Khamis Mosque and Beit Al Qur’an Museum
Dating back to 692 A.D, Al-Khamis is the oldest mosque in Bahrain. However this is disputed and a date pertaining to the 11th century is more probable. The elegant identical minarets were made in the 15th century and are mystifying and peaceful. It is no longer in use and is open to public viewing.
The Royal Tombs
These make up the biggest prehistoric graveyard in the world; there are approximately 170,000 burial mounds here, from the Dilmun period, 4,000 years ago to the third millennium BC, and present an intriguing look into early burial practices.
Adhari Park
Adhari Park is a treasure trove for parents confused about how to entertain their overactive children. The Park consists of 165,000 metres of indoor and outdoor rides, food and shopping.
Heritage Centre and Museum of Pearl Diving
The Heritage Centre and Museum of Pearl Diving commemorates the culture of pearl diving.
The National Museum
The largest museum in Bahrain, the National Museum is a must-see for history enthusiasts; it is a goldmine of archaeological discoveries and Bahraini cultural relics. The Museum contains most remarkably, an entire dug up tomb as well as intricately carved seals and Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian writing that assert Bahrain’s trading history. Other treasures include; the dioramas of Bahraini crafts, customary paintings, ceramic objects and many religious documents such as beautiful illuminated Qurans.
Arad Fort
Though there is no known exact date of construction, the timeline of the Arad Fort is roughly the 15th century. Made in the typically Arab manner, the fort has been thoroughly refurbished and is a truly awe-inspiring sight when it is lit up at night.It is thought that the fort was used by the Omanis during their short occupation of Bahrain in 1800. It was deliberately built next to the waterways between Bahrain and Muharraq Island, to protect Bahrain’s strategic location in the Gulf.
Sakir Horse Race Course
The Race Course and Equestrian & Horse Racing Club was established in 1977 and aims to revive the Arab custom of horse riding and grooming as well as training the new generation in the time-old tradition of riding horses. The course can house up to 40,000 spectators, and even children are welcome. Placing bets on the horses and the outcome of matches is strictly forbidden.
Muslim travel planner
Full guidePlan a Muslim-friendly trip in Bahrain
THE LOCAL TABLE
Halal restaurants in Bahrain
Blue Elephant
Thai buffet brunch with seafood and free flowing bubbly and herbal drinks
Le Mediterranee/Nirvana
Le Mediterranee serves a succulent international buffet brunch where children under 12 years pay half price. The Nirvana restaurant in the same Hotel serves delectable Indian specialties.
Bam bu
This Shanghai eatery is definitely worth a visit as it serves practical, filling, delicious and fresh home-cooking. The cooking may be traditional but the ambience certainly isn't: the open-kitchen restaurant is painted lime-green, has electronic sliding doors and has wi-fi internet access. The standard price includes unlimited beverages. A place where you definitely get value for your money.
Le Versailles
Le Versailles is where you should go if you want dinner to be the evening’s main event. The ambience is elegance itself with live musicians and the twinkling lights of the Financial Harbour visible from the high glass windows. The menu is a superb collection of classical and modern French dishes.
Mezzaluna
The atmospheric and modish Mezzaluna combines the spirit of Bahrain with that of the Mediterranean. Made in a sophisticated Bahraini courtyard house, the high-ceilinged restaurant has a live Latin band (on Fridays) and jazz music otherwise. It affords a delectable Mediterranean menu with imported French cheeses and a superb wine list. In particular, their melt-in-the-mouth Algerian fillet mignon is highly recommended. Reservations should be made in advance.
Ramee International Hotel
A delightful seafood buffet is served every Thursday and Friday at less than BD 5 per person. While the mouth watering ‘Eat all you can’ lunch and dinner packages are moderately rated at BD 9.500 per person.
Al Noor Lounge Café
There is a charming brunch buffet daily with free flowing champagne, it is affordably priced and highly suitable for children. Those under 5yrs eat for free here, while 6-12year-olds only pay half the price. There is also live music and a kid’s corner.
Le Bistro
This restaurant is renowned for its international night buffet, its quirkily themed buffets, exciting salad bars and a la carte menus of your choice of Continental, American, Japanese and Asian cuisine.
Jim’s
Jim’s has a very homey feelng and is thus highly popular with Western expatriates. It has a cosy cottage interior and serves roasts,'Full Monty' breakfasts with home-cooked eggs, bacon and black pudding. With a friendly ambience and famously delicious homemade chocolate vodkas, Jim’s is worth a visit for sure.
Silk’s Restaurant
An excellent option for every type of guest; children, families and friends. Their international brunch offers free flowing champagne, an option on indoor or outdoor seating by the poolside a live band and pianist. Take pleasure in the free use of the swimming pool in a family context with a Kids Corner.
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Where to stay in Bahrain
Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel
This five-star hotel is indisputably Bahrain's most luxurious and lavish hotel, with its own private
Moevenpick Hotel Bahrain
This hotel is comfortably situated 10 kilometers from the city of Manama. Multilingual staff is on-hand at the 24-hour reception offering currency exchange, concierge services and even a safe-deposit box. Public areas have wireless Internet and free parking.Their restaurant serves Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine while the poolside Flamingo Bar has live music and barbecue. The hotel has a business centre, with meeting and conference facilities offered. There is an outdoor pool, two floodlit outdoor tennis courts, fitness equipment, a sauna, massage treatments, foot reflexology and aromatherapy. The guestrooms have minimalist furnishings. In-room facilities include satellite television, air conditioning and wireless Internet access. Babysitting or child care is also provided.
Days Hotel Manama
This hotel boasts a coffee shop, a complimentary buffet breakfast, four restaurants and bars situated on site. A business centre and boardroom is available, with free Internet access all through the hotel. The Days Hotel provides free use of a fitness centre at the Marina Club, opposite the hotel with swimming, sauna, tennis, and squash. All the guestrooms are air conditioned and face the sea and have satellite television and minibars.
The Phoenicia Tower Hotel
Located in central Manama, Bahrain, this hotel features a hair salon, a Moroccan restaurant, a coffee shop, outdoor swimming pool and bar, spa tub, sauna, gymnasium, massage-treatment and a nightclub. Complimentary breakfast is served daily to guests. Conference and meeting rooms are available as are free Internet connections all over the hotel. Visitors can also enjoy free use of all the facilities at the neighboring Marina Club. The guestrooms are air-conditioned with sea views and modern wooden furnishings. They are equipped with LCD satellite televisions, direct-dial phones, wireless Internet, minibars, tea/coffee makers, hairdryers and laundry facilities.
Sheraton Bahrain Hotel
Centrally located in the heart of Manama with lavish guest rooms, restaurants and recreational facilities, the Sheraton offers a superbly unique view of the city and the Arabian Gulf. The hotel offers rich cuisine, a bar with live entertainment, wide-ranging recreational facilities; separate gym for men and women and spa treatments. There is also an outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pool with Jacuzzi as well as a rooftop tennis court. The hotel has ballrooms, meeting rooms and boardrooms – all offering flawless service. Wireless Internet access is also available throughout the hotel.
The Best Western Juffair Hotel
Sited in Manama amidst facilities for sailing, jet skiing, scuba diving and the Riffa Golf course nearby, the Best Western Juffair Hotel is a popular choice for those inclined to these sports. It has a 24-hour front desk providing currency exchange, laundry, valet, and concierge services. There is a rooftop swimming pool, a health club with fitness gym and sauna, and wireless Internet access all through the building. There is also free parking, three restaurants, a bar with billiards and a nightclub. The hotel houses meeting and function rooms prepared for audio-visual presentations. The guestrooms at the Best Western Juffair are adorned with contemporary fixtures and are air-conditioned. Suites have separate sitting areas and provide satellite television, free wireless internet, direct-dial telephones, safes, minibars and tea and coffee-making facilities
Somerset Al Fateh
This hotel is located on the coast of al Fateh in an exclusive residential area and offers picturesque views of the capital city. It is close to some of the finest dining places in Bahrain. The location is idyllic, overlooking the Arabian Sea, and seconds away from the central business district, diplomatic area and Bahrain financial harbor.
The Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel
The hotel’s bedrooms are highly spacious and airy. It is the only hotel to offer guests a choice of room styles, including; superb suites, royal club, superior, executive rooms also others following the classic, maritime and Italian themes. All rooms are fitted with personal safes, work desks and high speed Internet links. Other facilities provided in the hotel include a swimming pool, restaurant, fitness facility spa, bar, lounge, hot tub, hair salon and conference rooms.
The Mercure Grand Hotel Seef
The Mercure is situated at the heart of Manama, and offers an outdoor swimming pool and a separate one for children, a health club with massage treatments, a sauna and steam room and fitness equipment. The air-conditioned public areas provide Internet access (costs extra), laundry, dry-cleaning and a business centre. Multilingual staff provides 24 hour service, currency exchange and sightseeing advice. There is free valet-parking on site. The hotel has a restaurant, a Bar with live music, and a fine-dining lounge. The guestrooms are complete with balconies, detached sitting areas and kitchenettes with microwaves, coffee/tea-makers and refrigerators, all include satellite television, high-speed Internet connections, direct- dial phones, CD players and minibars.
Gulf Hotel Bahrain
This hotel is perfectly located in the Manama city centre near the business and shopping district. It houses some of the biggest room sizes in Bahrain. The Gulf International Conference and Exhibition Centre is found in the building as are 8 of the top restaurants in all of Bahrain. This hotel offers extensive recreation facilities such as an outdoor pool in a tropical garden, a Jacuzzi and squash and tennis courts.
History and today in Bahrain
Visa Information
Applicants must have valid, up-to-date passports and a return or onward ticket. A visa fee of BD5 ($12) is charged and can be taken upon entry at the Bahrain International Airport. The visa may be a tourist visa,72-hour visa, 7-day visa, visit visa, business visa, family visa, dependent visa or an employment visa. The period of validity is stamped on the passport.
When to go
The best time to visit Bahrain is between November and March; when it’s not too hot. The summer months are not a good time to go to Bahrain as May-September is very hot and humid with the dry summer winds bringing sandstorms. Similarly, October-April is only just bearable.
Fast Facts
-Location
Public Holidays
1 January- New Year’s Day; 1 May-Labour Day: 16 December- National Day 17 December- Accession Day 1 Moharram- Islamic New Year – December * 10 Moharram- Day of Ashura - December * 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – March * 27 Rajab- Isra and Miraj – July * 1 Shawwal- Eid-ul-Fitr – September * 10 Zulhijjah- Eid-ul-Adha – November * * - Dates for these festivals are moveable as they are in accordance with the lunar calendar.
Annual Temperature
January: 1. High 20 °C 2. Low 14 °C; February: 1. High 21 °C 2. Low 15 °C; March: 1. High 24 °C 2. Low 18 °C
Bahrain Residents
Though the majority of the population is Muslim, other religions include Hinduism, Christianity and even Judaism because of a large incoming of immigrants and workers from non-Islamic countries; India, Philippines and Sri Lanka. Bahrainis are known for their tolerance and the country has transitioned into a cosmopolitan society with mixed communities. Two thirds of the population is made up of Arabs while the rest of the people are of Iranian descent as well as from South Asia and Southeast Asia. Expatriates make up 30% of the population.
Exchange Rates
1 euro = 0.517777 Bahraini dinar
Bahrain today
Bahrain has progressed into a cosmopolitan society of religions and communities. With the discovery of oil in 1932 rapid modernization occurred in Bahrain. Bahrain has the fastest growing and also the freest economy in all of the Middle East because of its oil and tourism. In March 1999, King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifah became head of state and introduced parliamentary elections, granted women the right to vote, and released all political prisoners. This was seen as a "historic period of human rights".The country officially became a kingdom in 2002.
Bahrain History
Bahrain’s rich history dates back from the early Dilmun period through the Islamic era. Archaeological evidence dating to 3000 B.C. shows that the Sumerians settled in the main island. In about 2000 B.C. it was known as Dilmun and served as a trading post on the course between the Indus valley and Mesopotamia (now Iraq). In 400 C.E. Bahrain was annexed by the Sassanian Empire. Bahrain was called by different names such as Awal, before Islam. In 629 C.E, Muslims conquered the region and ruled until the sixteenth century. In 1521, the Portuguese took control, using Bahrain as a military garrison until 1602, when the Persians took over. The ruler Ahmed Bin Khalifa took control from the Persians in 1783 and his descendants rule this country to date.
Useful information
Shopping
Gold Souq
The Gold Souq specializes in fine jewelry. It is located in the Manama Souq and was the first gold complex in Bahrain
Seef Mall
The mall houses over 300 stores, including 2 food and beverage courts. Family attractions of the Seef Mall include the Magic Island, which has many games and rides. The Seef Mall also has 16 Cineplex screens.
Al-Hilal Bookshops
There are many branches mostly located in the best hotels, modern shopping centres and in the souq.
Bahrain City Centre
The first entertainment, shopping and leisure resort in Bahrain. It is also the biggest shopping centre, offering a vast selection of international and local brands including SAKS, 5th Avenue, Debenhams, Centre Point, Home Centre, Paris Gallery, Zara, H&M, Mango, Massimo Dutti, D&G
Yatama Souq
This market was founded by orphans in 1987.The Prime minister ordered the expansion of this souq that sells Bahraini and Iranian pottery, antiques and traditional goods.
Gold City
A good place to start for Bahrain’s famed natural pearls is Gold City, a complex of jewellery shops in Central Manama.
Family Bookshop
The Family Bookshop sells books for adults and children, especially attractive books on Bahrain and the Arabian Gulf.
Geant
The French franchise has a giant shop in Bahrain Mall and is an efficient place for self-catering. Many of its grocery stores are located around the residential areas, selling French delicacies and household products.
Manama Souq
This sprawling Souq found in the heart of Bahrain’s capital offers reasonable prices that are affordable by all the classes. The Souq has a great number of shops that advertise a diverse selection of clothing and footwear and shops that sell sweets and spices. The Souq also includes gold shops such as Gold City. There are also a number of delicious sidewalk coffee shops stocked with local beverages and snacks for weary shoppers. It is the place to go for electronic goods, cheap T-shirts, nuts, spices, sheesha and other Bahraini essentials.
Bahrain Craft Centre
The atmosphere of the Bahrain Craft Centre is peaceful and friendly and managed completely by Bahraini women. It houses many studios and workshops that aim to revive traditional crafts such as weaving, palm-leaf papermaking, pottery and ironwork, but in a modern context. All the work is for sale.
Signature sights in Bahrain
Oil Museum
Situated only some meters from where Bahrain’s first oil well was found in 1932 near Jebel Dukhan, (Mountain of Smoke), the Oil Museum was formally opened in 1992.It contains used drilling gear, underground rock samples, maps and information about the companies that initiated oil exploration in Bahrain which was the first country in the Arabian Gulf to find oil.
Diraz Temple
This temple was made in the 3rd millennium BC. It differs from both the Mesopotamian temples and the neighboring Barbar Temples. What makes it unique is that the entire complex of rectangles of different sizes and for different purposes is built on rows of enormous limestone columns.
Ain Umm Al-Sajur Site
The site is renowned for having the highest water spring in Bahrain. This spring was found by a Danish Expedition in 1954 and is said to date back to the Dilmun Period i.e.: 2000 B.C. Evidence depicts that the people of that time worshipped the spring water as they thought the water brought them fertility.
The Barbar Temples
These Temples date back to the 2 nd and 3 rd millennia BC. They surround a holy well dedicated to Enki, the god of spring water. Digging has revealed that the temple remains today were built on two older temples and there is evidence of Sumerian influence. The buildings were made of stone and though now they are little more than a few rocks, they depict a gripping, if grisly, image of the temples in their zenith. Clearly unmistakable are stone blocks where horses were tied while awaiting ritual sacrifice and holes in the earth for the blood to flow away.
Riffa Fort
This magnificent sandstone structure was constructed in 1812, by Sh.Salman Bin Ahmed ( al fateh) Al Khalifa, the Qal'at ar-Rifa' (Riffa Fort) has now been renamed after its patron. The king ruled Bahrain from here in the years 1869-1932. The whole of the Hunanaiya valley can be seen from here and the sight is beautiful to behold.
Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is a 400-year old mesquite tree that is seen as a miracle because it is a lone tree that grows in the middle of a desert with no known water body.
Festivals and events in Bahrain
Ashura
This festival is celebrated by the Shiite inhabitants of Bahrain, observed in memory of the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali. It is observed by others to celebrate the foundation day of the Holy Kaabah in Mecca.
Prophet Abraham's birth day
Also thought to have been on 7th February and celebrated in memory of his coming to this world.
Bahrain Grand Prix
Held annually since 2004, when the first ever Formula One Grand Prix in the entire Middle East was held here. It is a widely anticipated event in the country's sporting calendar. Crowds from all parts of this island and from all countries across Asia gather in vast numbers to watch the best drivers racing neck to neck for the cup. The race goes on for three days and is treated by the Bahrainis as a three day long festival.
Milad-un-Nabi
The most widely celebrated festival in Bahrain. It marks the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad and is celebrated by both the religious Islamic sects; the Shiites and the Sunnis but on different dates. The festivities include processions, feasting and storytelling. Held annually in April, Milad al -Nabi is the most popular among Bahrain’s festivals and events.
Bahrain Human Rights International Film Festival
This festival is held annually from the 1st to the 4th of May and commemorates Labour Day and the International Day for Press Freedom. This is a non-profit cultural event where films from around the world, (relating to human rights) are screened. This event promotes dialogue, the understanding of cultures, tolerance and human rights.
Bahrain tours and experiences
Al Kobaisi Travel & Tourism
Al Kobaisi Travel & Tourism
Janan Tours Master
Tel: 1755 5737
Al Muhanna Travels and Tours
PO Box 1352, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Farhat International
Tel: 17216411
Motor Racing International
21 Market Street, Sandwich, Kent. (UK) CT13 9DA
Bahrain masjids and Muslim travel
Jame'a Al-City Centre
Jidhhafs, Bahrain
Amir Zaid bin Sohan Mosque
Road No 3352, Bahrain
Al Qadam
Road No 2639, Karzakkan, Bahrain
Sayeda Khadija Mosque
Road No 559, Madinat Hamad, Bahrain
Karim Ahl Al Bayt Mosque
Near the weekly Al Khamis traditional market, Madinat Hamad, Bahrain
Ali Bin Ali Masjid
5831 Road No 5822, Buri, Bahrain
Transportation
Buses
As Bahrain is fairly small, it is not a hard place to get around. There is an efficient bus system connecting the majority of the towns on the island to both Manama and Muharraq (the main towns) and the fare is also usually cheap at 50 fils/ trip but understanding the system can be very perplexing for tourists, because of problems in getting hold of bus schedules and maps.
Taxi
Taxis are available 24 hours at the front of the terminal at the ground floor level of Bahrain International Airport. A 50% surcharge is charged on services after midnight.
Car for Hire
If you are planning on seeing many sites, renting a car is a good way to see Bahrain. Prices range from 10-20 dinar per day, but give you freedom to drive around the island.
From the airport
There are many taxis available outside the terminal, but they tend to overprice foreigners. Therefore, it is better to phone for a metered taxi service, which costs around BD 3 to the city.
Driving Tips
Traffic signs are on hand in Arabic and in English.
Health and Safety
Health and Safety
Drink plenty of water as April through August can be very hot and humid it is very important to stay hydrated, particularly if you are outdoors in the daytime. Bottled water is sold virtually everywhere in the city from stores, vendors and small restaurants at very reasonable costs. In addition use an umbrella to shield yourself from the burning sun.
