"Bahrain - The Two Seas" Top 5 Page for this destination Bahrain by MM212

Bahrain Travel Guide: 656 reviews and 1,529 photos

Bahrain World Trade Centre, Nov 2012

I CONDEMN THE VIOLENCE BY THE GOVERNMENT AGAINST PRO-DEMOCRACY PROTESTERS IN BAHRAIN!

Of all the Gulf city-states I visited (Bahrain, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha), not counting Oman and Muscat, I found Bahrain to be the most authentic with a relatively thriving local culture, a contributing native population, and a sense of long history.

The country is an archipelago of islands just off the Arabian coast with a majority shiite population. Before the discovery of oil, Bahrainis were traditionally farmers and pearl fishers. Farming depended on the natural springs that are found on the island and under the water of the Persian Gulf. The name "Bahrain" means "Two Seas" referring to the salty and fresh water "seas" surrounding the islands.

The Manama skyline

Bahrain is not as rich in oil or natural gas as its neighbours and is thus much more modest. In the 1970s, it gained from the demise of Beirut during the war to become the uncontested financial centre of the middle east. The country, therefore, developed much earlier than its neighbours and for the longest time was the place to be in the Gulf, the most liberal with the best infrastructure.

The Manama Corniche and New Construction

In the '90s, when oil prices hit record lows, the entire region, Bahrain included, remained somewhat dormant, until... Dubai emerged and surprised the world with its accomplishments, serving as a wake up call to its sister cities. With Dubai now aiming to be THE financial centre in the region, and Doha chasing after Dubai -- not to mention Beirut returning to the scene -- Bahrain has awoken to a frenzy of competition. The island has suddenly rushed to launch a number of projects aimed at retaining its title. We shall see who prevails...

Latest visits to Bahrain:
Feb 2008
Jun 2008
Oct 2008
Nov 2011 (driving through)
Nov 2012
Feb 2013

Last visit to Bahrain: Feb 2013
Intro Updated Feb 3, 2013
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Reviews (23)

Maki: Best Sushi in Bahrain Restaurants (6)

Recommended by my friend call_me_rhia, Maki was certain to be exquisite. It is located in what is now the country's most... more travel advice

Seef Mall Shopping (2)

Yet another excessively large luxury shopping centre in Manama. As its name indicates, it is located in the Seef... more travel advice

Another Luxury Mall: City Centre Shopping (2)

The shopping mall craze continues in the Middle East and Bahrain is not spared. Added in Sep 2008, City Centre is... more travel advice

The Grand Mosque Things to Do (12)

Officially called al-Fateh Mosque, the Grand Mosque of Bahrain is the largest on the island. It is a modern (1990s)... more travel advice

Nightlife (1)
Fun Restaurant/Lounge

Hotels (2)
See All Another Hotel in Bahrain

Travelogues (1)

Written Aug 6, 2006

7 photos

Driving Around Bahrain

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Comments (11)

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ettiewyn Mar 12, 2011 at 3:05 AM

Thank you for this interesting page, Bahrain looks like a fantastic place to travel!
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angiebabe Jan 20, 2009 at 1:34 PM

Hi interesting tour here thanks with good photos. I visited Kuwait last year which has its similarities. and a few differences of course?
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call_me_rhia Aug 13, 2008 at 3:37 PM

i came back looking for inspiration.. and restaurants...
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icunme Aug 10, 2007 at 8:22 PM

Thoroughly enjoyed these pages - fascinating history. Thank you for a great tour. Will return often. Ciao, Carol
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vesna04 Aug 2, 2007 at 5:59 AM

Interesting and well writen page. Regards.
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Tijavi Jun 28, 2007 at 10:17 AM

That Bahrain is most authentic is a bit of surprise for me. Then again, I've never been to Bahrain. Those were freaky displays indeed!
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norain Nov 11, 2006 at 7:23 PM

tks for info. nice page :)
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magor65 Sep 28, 2006 at 12:39 PM

I doubt whether I'll ever visit Bahrain (doesn't mean that I wouldn't like to) but I've read your tips with great interest. Well done...
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scattyc Sep 22, 2006 at 11:40 AM

I lived in Bahrain for 3 years and really miss it. Its a wonderful place: your pages reflect that. Its changed alot....the photos of the world trade centre are amazing. I hope it doesn't become too much of a building site like Dubai. Thanks for posting.
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triplehelix Aug 30, 2006 at 2:31 PM

bahrain must get flooded with the poor saudi's who need alcohol lol. looks like a nice crossroads of persian/arabian culture.