One of the most underrated Arab countries, Bahrain is an island country in the Persian Gulf. Before the discovery of oil, Bahrain was popular for being the connecting port from the modern day Iraq and South East Asia. The Kingdom of Bahrain is full of exciting things to do; from diving and water sports, to vibrant nightlife, rich local culture, and a friendly atmosphere.
With an estimated population of about 1.64 million, making the country the 152nd most populated country in the world, Bahrain has mild winters and very hot, humid summers. The country’s natural resources include large quantities of oil and natural gas as well as fish in the offshore waters. Bahrain receives over 4 million tourists yearly with most of those numbers coming from Arab states of the Persian Gulf but lately; there has been an increase in number of tourists from outside the region. The country features a perfect modern Arab culture and ancient historic destinations that reflects incredible Bahrain civilization that is about 5000 years old. Manama the capital of Bahrain and it is famous for not just being the capital but for housing a national museum that features artifacts dating back to the Dilmun civilization.
Planning a visit to Bahrain? Below are the 10 best things you must do to make sure your visit to this cultured country is a memorable one.
1. A visit to one of the biggest mosques in the world
Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, located in the capital city of Bahrain, Manama, is one of the biggest mosques in the world. With a total area of 6500 sqm, it is large enough to occupier over 7000 individuals simultaneously. The mosque holds the record for having the biggest fiberglass dome in the world and that fact makes people troop in from every walk of the world to check the greatness out. The mosque was built by the late Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa in 1987 and was named after Ahmed Al Fateh who was the progenitor of the ruling Al Khalifa family of Bahrain and the first monarch of Bahrain.
2. Visit the Bahrain World Trade Center
The Bahrain World Trade Center is a 240 meter-high, 50-floor, twin tower complex located in the capital city of Bahrain, Manama. Designed by the famous architectural firm, Atkins, construction on the towers was completed in 2008 making it the first skyscraper in the world to integrate wind turbines into its designs. This is another place one must go to when one is on a visit to Bahrain. Inside of the high tower, there are attractions like a 5-star hotel, 160 luxury retail outlets in the Moda Mall, and eating spots ranging from casual cafes to fine restaurants with a range of world cuisines.
3. A trip to Manama’s Magic Planet
With an incredible array of games, indoor rides, simulators, skill games and attractions, Magic Planet gives guests a fun-packed day out with something for everyone. Located in the City Centre Bahrain, Manama, Magic Planet offers you more than the average gaming experience, with the greatest selection of video and arcade games to be found everywhere. If you ever pay a visit to Bahrain with your family and you need a place to have the perfect family fun time, Magic Planet is the place to be.
4. Have lots of fun at the Wahooo Waterpark
Described as one of the most modern and futuristic water parks in the Middle East, Wahooo Waterpark is a great place for people from all age groups with the park having a 30% outdoor and 70% indoor activities and assures a delightful experience in all weathers. Also located at the City Centre Bahrain, when you’ve had enough fun at the park and want to do something else, you can always go next door for a few moments of shopping, movies or visit a nice restaurant to have a great meal.
5. Go check out the Tree of Life
If you ever want to have a real traditional experience when you’re visiting Bahrain, you shouldn’t make the mistake of not checking the ‘Tree of Life’ out. Located on the top of 25-feet sandy tell, Tree of Life, also known as Shajarat-al-Hayat, is about 400 years old and the 32-feet tall iconic tree serves as an area for cults that practice ancient rituals. About 50,000 travelers visit this tree every year and the tree flaunts green leaves throughout the year, unbelievable right?
6. Try some horse riding
Horse riding in most Arab countries is considered a great thing and most Arabian horses have a beauty and mystique of their own, with thousand years history. History has it that the Queen of Sheba gave a pure Arab horse to King Solomon to show her love (we bet you’ve never heard that). You don’t need to be an expert horse rider to try some of these horses out since experienced pros will be there to make sure you enjoy a safe ride. Horse riding is offered by most of beaches across the country.
7. Don’t forget to taste history at the Muharraq Island
The Muharraq Island is full of historic buildings, one of which is the historic Beit Sheikh Isa Bin Ali Al Khalifa. Built in the 1800s, it is arguably the oldest house in Bahrain and was once the ruler’s residence and the centre of the government. This building has now been opened to the public to have a taste of how the country has evolved because it is a glimpse into what the past was like, proved by the thick mud walls, shaded courtyards and wind-tower.
8. Visit Qal’at Al Bahrain
Qal’at Al Bahrain is an archaeological site with height of 39ft located on the Arabian Peninsula in Bahrain, just 6km away from the Manama city, the capital city of Bahrain. The layered fort which is spread over 10,000 sqm has a mounded structure and a high fort which gives name to this historic area.
9. Head to Al Areen Wildlife Park
Al Areen Wildlife Park is one of the best tourist spots in the country. Just 40 minutes away from Manama Centre, the wildlife park has a huge number of flora and fauna, including more than 500 species of animals and 10,000 plants. People visit this park in a huge number every year and that’s because they have enough wonders to check out every time they come into the park.
10. Tour the Bahrain International Circuit
The Bahrain International Circuit is a motorsport event opened in 2004 and used for drag racing, GP2 Series and the annual Bahrain Grand Prix. Events like V8 super cars, desert 400 and many more events have been held in this international circuit. It is a place where tourists usually visit whenever they come to Bahrain because it is a very nice place to have great time.
