It’s not enough to just “visit” Bahrain. The island has much to offer when it comes to experiences, entertainment, heritage, and culture. It’s for everyone – children, adults, and families; artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs; adrenaline junkies and tranquillity seekers. The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) caters to these diverse needs, curating the best of dining, staycations, entertainment, and attractions for tourists visiting the island. 5.9 million visitors arrived in Bahrain during the first half of 2023, marking a 51 per cent increase since 2022.
Uncover the History of Bahrain
The Bahrain National Museum is usually known as a great place to start your exploration of the Kingdom’s history from the days of Dilmun, Tylos, and Awal. Ancient architecture can be discovered at the many forts that still stand resolute in different parts of the island. They include Qal’at Al Bahrain (Bahrain Fort), Riffa Fort, Arad Fort, and the Bu Maher Fort.
The UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) declared Qal’at Al Bahrain, the Bahrain Pearling Trail in Muharraq, and the Dilmun Burial Mounds as World Heritage Sites, attracting scores of visitors seeking to learn about Bahrain’s vibrant history.
Muharraq, Bahrain’s oldest city, the epicentre of the pearl trade, and today, a reminder of Bahrain’s rich heritage and culture is home to what we call “Old Houses” that carry the depictions of the quintessential Bahraini lifestyle. One can tour the narrow maze of alleys to explore some such structures – Sheikh Isa bin Ali House, Beit Al Quran, Nukhida House, Bin Matar House, La Maison Jamsheer, and the Siyadi House, to name a few.
Explore Nature
Whether it’s the intrigue over the Tree of Life’s 400-year-old mystery, the Al Areen Wildlife’s nature reserve, the Royal Camel Farm, the Bahrain Aquarium, watching Dolphins, riding horses, or having a picnic at the low-tide island of Jarada, Bahrain is an open world to explore for nature-lovers.
Myriad Attractions
When it comes to tourism, the list is endless. Whether it’s history, nature, art, music, or culture, there’s a lot to see on the island. The Bahrain International Circuit offers an incredible insight into the world of motorsports. The handicraft, textile, and pottery workshops provide an experience of local crafts that have been handed down for generations. The Bahrain Summer Festival opens the stage for global artists in the fields of music, theatre, and dance.
A Wedding Destination
Responding to a growing global demand for destination weddings and owing to its own varied landscape that offers picture-perfect backdrops, from beach and heritage to desert and cityscape, Bahrain offers couples options on venues, jewellers, planners, and packages to host their nuptials on the island.
Hotels on BTEA’s list include The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, The Gulf Hotel Convention & Spa, Intercontinental Regency Bahrain, Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa, Movenpick Hotel Bahrain, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa and Wyndham Grand Manama to name a few.