Bahrain

Sophisticated, modern and cosmopolitan, Bahrain, a kingdom of 33 islands in the Arabian Gulf, is welcoming an increasing number of international tourists who come to experience the country's fascinating blend of eastern and western cultures. It is one of few middle-Eastern countries where the Government is currently prosperous and stable, and the capital, Manama, on the main island, boasts excellent hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, an intriguing souq (bazaar) and all the other facilities visitors need for a great holiday. In addition, the beaches are stunning, the weather hot and sunny, English is spoken and understood everywhere, and the kingdom has the remnants of more than 5,000 years of civilisation to be explored: its future as a popular holiday destination for westerners, despite a currently high risk of terrorist attacks, seems assured.

Back in the mists of time Bahrain was attached to the Arabian Peninsula. Nature separated it from the mainland, but man has now rejoined it with a 16-mile (25km) long causeway linking it to Saudi Arabia. During construction of the causeway and a new road network, the islands' archaeological significance came to light with the discovery of thousands of burial mounds dating from the third millennium BC, part of the well-ordered ancient city of Dilmun that existed where a forest of skyscrapers now reaches for the sky.

Throughout its history Bahrain has been prosperous, first on the strength of its good position for trade and fishing, and the abundance and quality of the pearls found in its waters, and more latterly because of its oil resources (Bahrain was the first country in the Gulf to exploit its 'liquid gold').

A visit to Bahrain, whether on business or pleasure, is an interesting, relaxing and rewarding experience.

Climate

The most pleasant time of year in Bahrain is during spring or autumn when sunshine is virtually guaranteed, along with warm temperatures tempered by soft breezes. Summers can be very hot and humid, though the humidity is modified at the end of the season when a dry northwesterly wind blows, known locally as the 'Al Barah'. Winter is cooler and influenced by low-pressure systems, which bring rainfall. Average rainfall is low, but most of it falls in winter.

Language

Arabic is the official language, although English is widely understood and is used by most businesses.

Time

GMT +3.

Money

The official currency is the Bahraini Dinar (BHD), divided into 1,000 fils. Notes come in denominations of 500 fils, and 1, 5, 10 and 20 dinars. The BD is linked to the US Dollar at a rate of US$1=BD 0.375. Money can be exchanged at the airport, bureaux de change (which usually offer the best rates), commercial banks in Manama or at moneychangers operating in the souq. ATMs are available in the larger towns. Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted at hotels and the larger retail stores, but smaller shops generally prefer cash. It is easiest to carry travellers cheques in US dollars to avoid additional charges. Most offices, businesses and government departments are closed on Fridays, as it is a weekly holiday. Banks are usually open 7.30am to 12pm and 3.30pm to 5.30pm, Saturday to Wednesday, and 7.30am to 11am Thursdays.

Activities

Watersports
Bahrain's high temperatures and sunny skies make the sea particularly attractive, and watersports' enthusiasts of all sorts enjoy indulging in their sport of choice all year round in the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf. Sailing and scuba diving are particularly popular. Aqua-phobes should be aware though that Bahrain is subject to strong, sudden in- and off-shore winds which can even catch experienced sailors, divers and water-skiers by surprise.

Golf
Bahrain may be largely a desert country, but it is proud of its immaculate, international 18-hole grass golf course, which looms as a lush, green oasis about 15 minutes outside the capital, Manama. The par 72 championship course features five lakes and is landscaped with hundreds of date palms and desert rough. The fairways and greens cover 6,817 yards. The Riffa Golf Club is popular, and advance booking is advisable.

Passport Visa

All persons who wish to enter Bahrain need a visa except citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates). Visas are relatively easy to obtain on arrival and are extendable. All visitors also require a passport valid for at least six months, and tickets or documentation for return or onward travel.

Entry Requirements

US citizens require a passport and a visa or electronic visa to enter Bahrain. Single entry Electronic Visas may be obtained on the Internet (www.evisa.gov.bh) before travel, or a 14-day tourist or business visa can be obtained on arrival. British nationals require a passport and an eVisa, obtainable via the Internet (www.evisa.gov.bh) prior to their visit, or a multiple-entry three-month tourist or business visa obtainable on arrival (maximum stay four weeks per visit). Canadian citizens require a passport and an eVisa, obtainable via the Internet (www.evisa.gov.bh) prior to their visit, or a 14-day tourist or business visa obtainable on arrival. Australians need a passport and an eVisa, obtainable via the Internet (www.evisa.gov.bh) prior to their visit, or a 14-day tourist or business visa obtainable on arrival. South Africans need a visa and a passport to visit Bahrain. Those visiting on business may obtain a visa on arrival, subject to immigration evaluation at the airport. Tourists should apply for a visa in advance of arrival, and require a letter of recommendation. Irish nationals need a passport and an eVisa, obtainable via the Internet (www.evisa.gov.bh) prior to their visit, or a multiple-entry three-month tourist or business visa obtainable on arrival (maximum stay four weeks per visit). New Zealanders require a passport and an eVisa, obtainable via the Internet (www.evisa.gov.bh) prior to their visit, or a 14-day tourist or business visa obtainable on arrival.

Embassy Consulates

United States Embassy, Manama: +973 1724 2700.

British Embassy, Manama: +973 1757 4100.

Canadian Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (also responsible for Bahrain): +966 (0)1 488 2288.

Australian Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (also responsible for Bahrain): +966 (0)1 488 7788.

South African Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (also responsible for Bahrain): +966 (0)1 442 9716/8.

Irish Honorary Consular, Manama: +973 (0)31 772 8146.

New Zealand Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (also responsible for Bahrain): +966 (0)1 488 7988.

Health

No vaccinations are required for visitors to Bahrain, but Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended. Medical facilities are good in the main cities, but health insurance is recommended because visitors must pay for treatment. There are many well-stocked pharmacies in the country. Water is deemed clean and safe by the authorities, but visitors usually prefer to drink bottled water, which is widely available.

Safety

Although the crime rate in Bahrain is relatively low, visitors should be fully aware that along with other states in the Gulf region, the country is rated as high risk for indiscriminate terrorist attacks by Al Qaeda on Western interests. Visitors are advised to be vigilant at all times particularly in public places.

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz except in Awali where it is 110 volts, 60Hz. Bahrain uses UK style 3-pin power outlets.

Business

Bahrain is generally more liberal than its Arab neighbours, but women should nevertheless ensure that they wear extremely conservative clothing; men are expected to wear smart suits and ties. Bahrainis prefer to do business with someone they know; otherwise a letter of introduction from someone they know is expected before arranging a meeting. English is used as the language of business, but expect prolonged small talk and personal enquiries before sitting down to business, as building a trustworthy relationship is important; greetings, using titles, are also important. Impatience is considered rude and plenty of time should be allowed for decision-making. For meetings, punctuality is important and business cards are routinely handed out to everyone, using both hands and preferably with the Arabic translation on the back of the card face up. It is important to study a received card for a while before putting it away. Business hours are Sunday to Wednesday 7am to 2.15pm, Thursday 7am to 2pm. During the holy month of Ramadan working hours are reduced.

Communications

The international direct dialling code for Bahrain is 973, and the outgoing code 00. There are no city or area codes. Public phone booths are easily located, some accepting freely available phone cards and some coins. The country is covered by a GSM 900 and 1800 mobile phone network. There are several Internet service providers and Internet is available at most of the larger hotels in Manama.

Duty Free

Travellers to Bahrain over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250g tobacco (in open packets); perfume up to 237ml; 1 litre alcoholic liquor and 6 cans of beer for non-Muslim passengers only; and gifts to the value of BD 250. Arms and ammunition, methylated spirits, drugs and jewellery require an Import Permit.