Bahrain’s Secret Formula
Bahrain is hardly a household word and for many, it is a mysterious destination. It has traditionally been a hub of business deals in the Arab world. Just last month, the Crown Prince held talks with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg at his office in City Hall. They reviewed the existing ties between the two countries. They also discussed the possibilities of further co-operation in economic, commerce and investment sectors, so Americans might be hearing more about Bahrain in the not-so-distant-future.
Gulf Air, the national carrier maintains a website that offers the most current information regarding culture, tourism, activities, accommodations and developments. Its Bahrain e-guide is published monthly. Below are some of the highlights JF culled from a few of the latest issues.
A Word about History
Situated between such major cultures as Mesopotamia and India, Bahrain was an important trade center. This historic role produced a cultural heritage spanning 7,000 years, evidenced by the richness of physical remains uncovered recently by international and local team of archaeologists. In 1982, the Government of Bahrain decided to replace the existing, inadequate display facilities with a new, purpose built museum. Located along the corniche next to the Diplomatic area, the Bahrain National Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the Kingdom.
Bahrain is home to nearly 700,000 people, a population marked by diversity. The expatriate community comprises nearly 35% of Bahrain’s inhabitants. Bahrain’s strong economic opportunities and attractive conditions continue to draw people from all over the world.
Bahrain’s residents include an international mosaic of people from Iran, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Britain, and the United States, as well as citizens from a number of other nations.
Mall Mecca
For some, shopping is a cultural experience that allows visitors to shop side by side with locals. Due to the wide selection of shopping malls and souks in and out of Manama, Bahrain is becoming a mall mecca.
First-time visitors, however will find appeal in the Bab Al Bahrain Souk, an older, more traditional shopping setting indigenous to the region, and therefore, compelling to visitors. Located in the heart of Manama, it offers hundreds of shops selling everything from jewelery to handicraft shops and antiques. Ethnic handicraft shops selling pashmina’s, silver products and wooden handicrafts are particularly popular with visitor’s and residents alike.
Shopping malls are open during weekdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Fridays from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Street shops are open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with an afternoon break not unlike that practiced in many European countries as the shops reopen around 4 p.m. and stay opened until 7 p.m. and on Fridays from 4 p.m. till 10 p.m. Most shops accept US Dollars, Euro’s and all major credit cards.
After two years in development, the main construction of Bahrain's biggest and brightest mall is now complete and the next phase of life at the Bahrain City Centre begins.
Last month, the first of many retail stores - including H&M, Freedom Furniture, Virgin Megastore and Debenhams -- were open for browsing and buying, with more and more opening each day. By next year, when its two hotels and the incredible indoor outdoor water park open, Bahrain City Centre will be positioned as one of the region's major shopping, leisure and entertainment resorts.
Located on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway in the heart of Manama, it is just 15 minutes from the international airport. Anders Moberg, CEO of the Majid Al Futtaim Group, the owners of the mall, expect this project to put Bahrain's retailing on a par with Dubai, London and Paris.
Lulu Centre is purportedly home to the best bargains right in the heart of Manama with more than 50 shops from electronics to exotic Arabic perfumes and both ladies dresses and traditional men’s wear. The anchor store is Mega Mart that ranges from food to home electronics.
Located in Sanabis just minutes from Manama, Bahrain Mall welcomes almost 500,000 visitors each month making it one of the most popular in the country as it features over 120 shops including Nine West, Polo Jeans, G2000, Jennyfer, La Senza, Damas Jewellery, Truworths, Bossini, Giordano, Shoe Mart, The Body Shop, Lee Cooper, Home Store and Mothercare.
Visit www.thebahrainmall.com
Getting There
Gulf Air, the award-winning national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, boasts more than 55 years’ experience, features the largest network in the Middle East and serves destinations throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and the Far East. Gulf Air’s current fleet of passenger aircraft includes; Airbus A340-300 (343) and Airbus A340-300 (Sleeper Seat service) for long and ultra-long haul flights; Airbus A330-200 (Sleeper Seat service) for medium and long haul flights, and the Airbus A320-200, for short to medium haul sectors.
On January 19, 2008 the carrier placed an order for 16 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and signed a letter of intent for an additional 8, on September 3, 2008. Gulf Air’s First Class cabin features a personal Sky Chef and offers 8, Class 180 seats that convert into full size beds having an 80 inch pitch, aboard all A330 aircraft. Their A340 fleet is equipped with lay flat seats in Business Class and features a 63 inch seat pitch in a 2-2-2 configuration. Sky Nannies are specifically trained staff for in-flight childcare and are available in all classes of service aboard long haul routes across the Gulf Air network.
Call 866-513-4853; salessupport.gulfair@us-sales.com; www.usapartners.gulfair.com.
For information on Bahrain, visit: www.bahrainembassy.org