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Bahrain, literal meaning “two seas”, not only neighbours its other significant GCC countries but is also home to the richest history of the Dilmun civilisation. The Kingdom of Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands located off the coast of Saudi Arabia.
Not only is Bahrain rich in history, culture and strategic development, it has also been home to reportedly over 50% expatriates from all over the world. Much like Saudi, this makes Bahrain a realm of multiculturalism.
Here are 15 reasons why you should visit Bahrain at least once:
It’s around a 1-2 hour journey by car (if you’re closer to Khobar) but less than an hour away by plane, making the travel convenient, quick and time savvy. You can even just go on the weekends and make the most of your trip by saving on flight hours.
An entire weekend trip could cost you SAR1,000 if you carefully plan everything out from transportation or flight, visa fees, hotels and touring. Probably even cheaper with a group of friends or family.
It’s true you can probably check out all the tourist spots and malls in a span of four days, religiously. This doesn’t detract from the rich history and culture of the country.
To the locals, it’s the greatest and most boastful feeling in the world to have the guys over at Zahlawiya or Haifa know your malghoom order: the vegetables you don’t want, tahina or not, beef or chicken and if you need the fries with it.
Malghoom has become a favourite meal or snack for a lot of people at any given time of day. You drive by, despite the traffic (sometimes), pay SAR 5 for your malghoom and munch away.
Renting a tent in the middle of the desert, the most well-known one called Sakhir would cost you anywhere between SAR200-500, and it’s worth it.
Think cold weather, wood burning, hot tea, barbeques and fun conversations with friends under the night sky.
Surely the same can be said for any country, including Saudi, and Bahrainis are no exception to this. Bahrainis are known to be very hospitable people and will have no problem helping you out if you’re ever in need.
One of Bahrain’s most notable landmarks, The Tree Of Life, is approximately 400+ years old and stands 32 ft high. The reason the tree sparks an aura of mystery is that no one is certain how it survives in the midst of the desert surrounded by miles and miles of sand.
With Bahrain’s weather usually 105 degrees Fahrenheit and going higher, with frequent sandstorms, people have drawn up different speculations on the tree’s survival. But to others, the tree has become a place for sentiment, and wonderment towards the tree that may be dated back to the Dilmun civilisation.
Some you may have even heard of or seen online. From comedy, singing, acting and modelling- there’s an abundance of Bahraini talent, and for a good reason.
Heard of The Epic of Gilgamesh? One of the very first poems
Well, there has been speculations that Bahrain (then Dilmun) is thought to be the place where Gilgamesh travelled to seek immortality.
You say the name Mohammed Noor in Bahrain, and no questions asked, everyone,’s going to agree on it being one of the places everyone goes to for lunch.
It’s no ordinary mandi, that’s for sure. Try it for yourself and you’ll see.
Reportedly.
“Before the Japanese came out with less expensive cultured pearls, Bahrain supplied 80% of the world’s pearl market,” according to USA Today. There are special pearl diving classes you can look into if you’re interested in trying it, as well as visiting the Museum of Pearl Diving (tickets sold at the National Musem).
You can get great prices on spices, oud perfumes, traditional clothing, etc.
Just in case you wanted to live the event twice a year, once in Abu Dhabi and then in Bahrain.
This alley in Juffair is renowned for its selection of restaurants ranging from Chinese, Japanese, local to Italian and Indian cuisine. It’s also a nice spot to hang or meet with friends and have coffee outdoors, maybe being the most vibrant area in the country at night. There’s also plenty of lounges, bars and cafes in the area.
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