Bahrain

Bahrain occupies roughly 780 km² at the centre of the Arabian Gulf, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the west via the King Fahd Causeway and Qatar to the southeast. The capital, Manama, is the country's commercial and cultural hub. Arabic is the official language, and the Bahraini dinar serves as currency. Despite its small size, Bahrain has one of the Gulf's most diversified economies, with a culture shaped by centuries of maritime trade, Shia and Sunni Islamic traditions, and a notably open cosmopolitan character relative to its neighbours.

Many nationalities — including citizens of GCC states, the EU, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia — can obtain a visa on arrival or through Bahrain's official eVisa portal before travel. Requirements and eligible nationalities change periodically, so travellers should consult the official Immigration portal for current terms before departure.

The Bahrain Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the northern coast, preserves layers of civilisation stretching back to the ancient Dilmun culture. The Tree of Life, a solitary 400-year-old mesquite tree standing in open desert with no obvious water source, draws quiet curiosity. The Bahrain National Museum in Manama offers one of the Gulf's most comprehensive archaeological collections. Al-Qudaibiya Palace district and the historic Muharraq suq give a texture of older merchant life, while the Formula One Bahrain International Circuit at Sakhir draws an international crowd each racing season.

Bahrain has a hot desert climate. Summers, from June through September, are intense — daytime temperatures regularly exceed 38 °C with high humidity that makes conditions feel harsher than the thermometer suggests. Winters, from December to February, are mild and pleasant, ranging from around 14 °C at night to 22 °C during the day. The best time to visit is October through March. Pack lightweight breathable clothing for most of the year, but a light layer is useful on winter evenings.

• Bahrain was the first Gulf state to discover oil.
• Ancient Dilmun civilisation flourished here over 4,000 years ago.
• Bahrain's pearl diving tradition is UNESCO-listed.
• The country has more cars per capita than roads.
• Bahrain means "two seas" in Arabic.

• evisa.gov.bh — official Bahrain eVisa application portal
• bahrain.bh — Bahrain government national portal
• btea.gov.bh — Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority
• bahrainairport.bh — Bahrain International Airport official site