Bahrain

Overview of Bahrain

  • Bahrain has a number of musueums – Al Oraifi Museum in Muharraq (Dilmun era artifacts), Beit al Quran in Hoora (rare collection of Islamic manuscripts), Bahrain National Museum on the Al Fateh Corniche, Manama, Currency Museum in the Diplomatic Area (Bahraini coinage) and the Oil Museum in Sakhir (history of the local oil industry).
  • Bahrain: Catastrophic impact of Covid-19
    Bahrain has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, both in terms of the number of people affected (with over 16 thousand cases per million inhabitants at the end of June 2020) and because of the grave plunge of oil prices that has resulted in a major drop in government revenues.
  • Bahrain International Airport (IATA: BAH), in Muharraq just east of Manama, is the main base for Gulf Air and has excellent connections from the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and North & East Africa, in addition to longer-distance services from Amsterdam, Athens, Bangkok, Frankfurt, London, Manila, Moscow and Paris.
  • Bahrain Island (Arabic: جزيرة البحرين‎ Jazīrah al-Baḥrayn), also known as al-Awal Island[1] and formerly as Bahrein,[2][3] is the largest island within the archipelago of Bahrain,[4] and forms the bulk of the country’s land mass while hosting the majority of its population.[5]
  • Bahrain is an Arabic word meaning "Two Seas", and is thought to either refer to the fact that the islands contain two sources of water, sweet water springs and salty water in the surrounding seas, or to the south and north waters of the Persian Gulf, separating it from the Arabian coast and Iran, respectively.
  • Bahrain is known for its cosmopolitanism, Bahraini citizens are very ethnically diverse.[1] Though the state religion is Islam, the country is tolerant towards other religions: Catholic and Orthodox churches, Hindu temples as well as a (now-defunct) Jewish synagogue are present on the island.[2]
  • Bahrain has relatively liberal laws regarding alcohol and has long been a favorite getaway for visitors from Saudi Arabia and other nearby “dry” countries — don’t be surprised to see Arabs in thobe and gutra sipping cool brewskis as they watch dancers strut their stuff in the nightclubs.
  • Bahrain Limo is the newly established Radio Meter Taxi Company in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the sister company of the transport giant “Saudi Bahraini Transport Company” (SABTCO) which provides luxurious bus and limousine services across the King Fahad Causeway.
  • Bahrain ranks first among GCC countries for academic achievement in Human Capital Index 2020 Manama, September 28 2020: The World Bank has ranked the UAE and Bahrain as the top destinations in the Arab world to invest in human capital, according…
  • Bahrain offers a wide choice of shopping, from large air-conditioned malls to the colourful souks (market) where bargain hunters can find artisan crafts and souvenirs, jewellery, clothing, spices, fruit and vegetables.
  • Continent

    Generally speaking, U.S., Canadian and Continental European travellers should pack converters/adapters for these outlets if they plan to use their electrical equipment in Bahrain.Most outlets are the British standard BS 1363 type.The standard is 220 V 50 Hz.

    Population

    Size

    Because of its small size and its proximity to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain tends to follow Saudi policy and opinion in most international situations.

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    Why Bahrain?

    The ideal entry point into the Middle East, with a talented population, a free economy, and the lowest establishment costs in the region, Bahrain is primed to be home to your next venture.

    Where is Bahrain?

    Bahrain is an island nation in the Middle East.It is situated in the Northern and eastern hemispheres of the Earth.The archipelago consists of the main island Al Bahrayn and other small islands.Bahrain is located in the Persian Gulf, to the east of Saudi Arabia and to the north of Qatar.Bahrain shares its maritime borders with Iran, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

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    Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance.See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them.For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.

    Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

    It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries.Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

    What is Bahrain known for?

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    What's Nearby?

    Explore the area by connecting with us on foursquare, where you can discover others’ favorites and share your own.Our highlights are below.

    Why Bahrain?

    The economy of Bahrain is thriving and primed for your business to reap the rewards.Bahrainis join the workforce with an exceptional array of skills and extremely high levels of motivation, making them ideal employees.Our forward-thinking government works closely with businesses to continue to enhance our business-friendly ecosystem through policy reform.All this paired with a strategic location at the heart of the Gulf making Bahrain the optimal location to grow a business.

    History of Bahrain

  • In 2001, the International Court of Justice awarded the Hawār
    Islands, long disputed with Qatar, to Bahrain.
  • In the 1830s, the British signed several treaties with Bahrain, offering
    protection from the Turks in exchange for access to the Persian Gulf.
  • In the 1990s, the country suffered from internal and external problems
    that began with a push for democratic reforms.
  • In 1330, under the Jarwanid dynasty, the island became a tributary of the Kingdom of Hormuz.
  • In 1521, Bahrain fell to the expanding Portuguese Empire in the Persian Gulf, having already defeated Hormuz.[13] The Portuguese consolidated their hold on the island by constructing the Bahrain Fort, on the outskirts of Manama.[14] After numerous revolts and an expanding Safavid empire in Persia, the Portuguese were expelled from Bahrain and the Safavids took control in 1602.[14]
  • In 1521, the Portuguese conquered the Awal islands and, since then, "Bahrain" has specifically referred to the area that is modern state of Bahrain.
  • In 1521,
    Portugal took control, using Bahrain as a pearling post and military
    garrison.
  • In 1753 the island was reoccupied by the Persians, who remained until 1783, when it was conquered by the Arab dynasty of Āl-Ḵalīfa, of mainland Bedouin stock descended from the Banū ʿOtba of Qaṭar.
  • In 1783 Ahmad ibn al-Khalifah took over, and the al-Khalifahs remain the ruling family today.
  • In 1783, Bahrain freed itself from the Persian Empire.
  • In 1783, Bahrain was reconquered by the Arab al-ʿOtūb tribe led by Aḥmad al-Ḵalīfa.
  • In 1783, the Bani Utbah tribal confederation invaded Bahrain and expelled the resident governor Nasr Al-Madhkur.
  • In 1820, the British negotiated a treaty with the coastal tribes that prohibited piracy.
  • In 1861, Bahrain became a British protectorate.
  • In 1863, it entered into a treaty with the United Kingdom, becoming a protectorate, in order to guarantee its security.
  • In 1892, the British negotiated agreements establishing the sheikhdoms as protectorates, which gave the British exclusive rights to handle their foreign relations.
  • In 1893, the Ottoman Turks made incursions into Qatar, but the emir successfully deflected them.
  • In 1899 the ruler, Sheikh Mubarak Al Sabah, whose descendents still rule Kuwait, signed a treaty with Britain; and Kuwait remained a British protectorate until it became independent in 1961.
  • In 1905, Bahrain signed a treaty of protection with Great Britain.
  • In 1911 Mubarak raised the taxes, prompting three wealthy businessmen to protest by diverting trade to Bahrain, hurting the Kuwaiti economy.
  • In 1915, Mubarak the Great died and was succeeded by his son Jaber II Al-Sabah for just over one year until on his death in early 1917.
  • In 1916, the emir agreed to allow Qatar to become a British protectorate.
  • In 1919, Bahrain was officially integrated into the British empire as an overseas imperial territory following the Bahrain order-in-council decree, issued in 1913.[21] The decree gave the resident political agent greater powers and placed Bahrain under the residency of Bushire and therefore under the governance of the British Raj.
  • In 1926, a second public school for boys opened up in Manama called the Jafaria School.
  • In 1926, the Education Committee had opened the second public school for boys in Manama.
  • In 1927, the country’s pearling economy collapsed due to the introduction of Japanese cultured pearls in the world market.
  • In 1935, it placed its main
    Middle Eastern naval base in Bahrain, and in 1946, it stationed the senior
    British officer in the region there.
  • In 1947, following the end of the war and subsequent Indian independence, the British residency of the Persian Gulf moved to Manama from Bushire.[25]
  • In 1958 Kuwait started to build schools in the emirates, including facilities in Ajman and Umm al Qaywayn.
  • In 1960, the United Kingdom put Bahrain's future to international arbitration and requested that the United Nations Secretary-General take on this responsibility.
  • In 1964, a separatist revolt began in Dhofar province.
  • In 1968, the U.K.
  • In 1970, Iran simultaneously laid claim to both Bahrain and the other Persian Gulf islands.
  • In 1971, after Britain withdrew from the Persian Gulf area, Bahrain became independent.
  • In 1971, it became an independent country with a traditional emirate form of government.
  • In 1971, Qatar was to join the other emirates of the Trucial Coast to become part of the United Arab Emirates.
  • In 1971, six of the seven present-day UAE states agreed on the establishment of the United Arab Emirates.
  • In 1973 a constitution that limited the sheikh’s powers was adopted and an elected national assembly established, but in 1975 the sheikh suspended the constitution and dissolved the national assembly.
  • In 1973, the present amir, Sheikh Isa bin Sulman Al-Khalifa, enacted a new constitution mandating an elected National Assembly; however, the amir disbanded the assembly in 1975.
  • In 1976, the South Yemen national football team participated in the Asia Cup, where the team lost to Iraq 1-0 and to Iran 8–0.
  • In 1979, in the wake of the Camp David Accords, Oman was among the few members of the Arab League that did not sever diplomatic relations with Anwar Sadat’s Egypt.
  • In 1980 it amounted to only 2.8 million tons, and the oil field will doubtless be exhausted by 1995.
  • In 1981 Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman formed the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for mutual defense, and in 1987 Kuwait was elected chairman of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).
  • In 1984 estimated exports totalled US$3.2 billion and imports amounted to US$3.3 billion.
  • In 1987 the US reflagged 11 Kuwaiti tankers to protect them from Iranian attacks.
  • In 1991 the dispute flared up again after Qatar instituted proceedings to let the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague decide whether it had jurisdiction.
  • In 1991, the Bank of Commerce and Credit International (BCCI), based in the United Arab Emirates and owned in large part by the ruling family of Abu Dhabi, was accused of fraudulent dealings, and closed, damaging the credibility of the UAE banking system.
  • In 1993 a consultative council (Shura) was appointed to replace the long-dissolved national assembly.
  • In 1994 a wave of rioting by disaffected Shīˤa Islamists was sparked by women's participation in a sporting event.
  • In 1994, Qatar signed a defense pact with the U.S., becoming the third Gulf state to do so.
  • In 1996 more than 50 people were arrested for involvement in what was said to be an Iranian-backed coup attempt.
  • In 2000, there were 172,684 passenger vehicles and 41,820 commercial vehicles.
  • In 2001, Bahrain had a merchant fleet of eight ships of 1,000 GT or over, totaling 270,784 GT.
  • In 2002, plans were underway to construct a 45-kilometer
    (28-mile) bridge connecting Qatar to Bahrain.
  • In 2004 King Hamad bin khalifa Al-Khalifa introduced a new project that uses information communication technology (ICT) to support K-12 education in Bahrain.
  • In 2004, Bahrain became the first country in the region to host Formula 1.
  • In 2004, Bahrain signed the US-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement, which will reduce certain barriers to trade between the two nations.
  • In 2004, the MSM 30 Index rose 23.8% from the previous year to 3,375.1.
  • In 2006, the U.S.
  • In 2012, the authorities in Bahrain showed little if any readiness to engage with the political opposition and civil society in order to find a fair and sustainable solution to socio-political and socio-economic challenges facing the nation.  If anything, officials intensified their repression of the democratic wishes expressed by a sizable number of people in February 2011.
  • In 2015, only 7.5% of the seats in Bahrain’s national parliament are held by women.
  • In 2017, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar, accusing the nation of supporting terrorist organizations groups and overly-close ties to Iran.
  • In 2017, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain imposed a 50% tax on soft drinks and a 100% tax on energy drinks to curb excess consumption of the commodity and for additional revenue.[65]
  • In 2019, bilateral merchandise trade reached $2.45 billion, with an additional $1.5 billion of trade in services (2019 figures).
  • In 2019, oil and gas accounted for 17.8% of Bahrain’s GDP, followed by financial services (16.5%), manufacturing (14.5%), and government services (11.8%).
  • In 2019, the United States accounted for 12.4 percent of Bahrain’s non-oil exports.
  • In the 1980s and 1990s relations with Qatar were strained by a dispute over the Hawar Islands and the large natural-gas resources of the Dome field (in the shallow sea between both countries).
  • In the 2010s, the historic core of Manama underwent revitalisation efforts alongside the Manama souq, which are due to be completed in 2020.[55][56] The central areas of Manama are also the main location for Muharram processions in the country, attracting hundreds of thousands of people annually from Bahrain and across the Gulf.
  • On 1 September 2006, Bahrain changed its weekend from being Thursdays and Fridays to Fridays and Saturdays, in order to have a day of the weekend shared with the rest of the world.