"Bahrain - The Two Seas" a Bahrain Travel Page by MM212

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.

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.

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...