Plan your trip to Manama, Bahrain

Bahrain is an archipelago of 36 islands off the coast of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf. Four main islands joined by causeways make up almost all of the total land area, a low desert plain home to around 700,000 people. One of the most densely populated countries in the world, the cities of Manama and Al Muharraq are home to the majority of the population. Once a center for trade routes between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley, now for the transport of petroleum, the area has been a strategic location for some 5,000 years. Various forces controlled the land until the al-Khalifa family captured the islands from the Persians in 1783. To secure the area, the family signed several treaties with the British, making it a British protectorate during the 19th century. The country gained independence in 1971.

Well-developed and modern, tourist accommodations are plentiful. Main attractions include archeological sites, beaches and sporting venues. Bahrain Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an Islamic fort from the 16th century on a site with ruins from past cities dating back 5,000 years. Al Jazzier and Asry beaches and Hawar and Al Dar islands offer extensive modern resorts. The Bahrain International Circuit is the “Home of Motorsport in the Middle East,” a Grand Prix circuit hosting a number of races south of Manama. Fans can see the Porsche Supercup, Australian V8 Supercars and Formula One races.