Bahrain is a nation comprised of more than 30 islands in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf. Its name means two seas (al-bahrayn) and is flanked by Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Manama, the capital city of Bahrain, has been at the centre of major trade routes since antiquity. Its acclaimed Bahrain National Museum showcases artefacts from the ancient Dilmun civilization that flourished in the region for millennia. The city’s thriving Bab el-Bahrain Souq offers wares from colourful handwoven fabrics and spices to pearls.

With a population of about 1.3 million, the Kingdom consists of 70.2% Muslims and the remaining 29.8% are adherents of other religions and beliefs, such as Christians (10.2%) and Jews (0.21%), including Hindus, Baha’is, Buddhists, and Sikhs.

“I love my country, it is known historically as a model of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among all cultures, religions and sects. I also enjoy cultural festivals in my country especially the Heritage Festival,” says Mahdi Hassan, Limkokwing final year student studying Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Creative Multimedia.

Bahrain led many regional and international initiatives, including the hosting of conferences on the Islamic-Christian dialogue in 2002, the Convergence between Islamic Sects in 2003, and the Dialogue among Civilisations and Cultures in 2014.

The Kingdom harbours some of the best attractions in its rapidly expanding landscape which include a thoroughly modern high-end shopping mall and an ancient city nearly 5,000 years old, for example: Qal’at al-Bahrain, Arad Fort, Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Beit Al Quran, Bahrain National Museum, Adhari Park, Khamis Mosque and many more.

Qal’at al-Bahrain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site outside Manama, Bahrain. It was the capital of the ancient Dilmun civilization. The existing fort, Qal`at al-Burtughal, was built by the Portuguese in the early 1500s.  The fort was built in three phases, the last by the Portuguese when the island of Bahrain became part of their growing empire.

Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site welcomes visitors to its elegantly arched buildings and groves of palm trees that was once the capital of Dilmun. The site is located roughly four miles northwest of the centre of Manama.

Bahrain receives four million tourists a year. Most visitors are from Arab states but there is an increasing number of tourists from outside the region. Oil comprises 86% of Bahraini budget revenues. Other major economic activities include production of aluminium—Bahrain’s second biggest export after oil—finance, and construction.

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