Bahrain is the smallest Arab state and is an island in the Persian Gulf. It gained its independence from Britain in 1971, and benefited from the oil boom in the 1970’s. Current leadership is transitioning from an oil-based economy and diversification efforts can be seen everywhere. Its current population is estimated to be 1MM people.
I have used Bahrain as my entry point for both trips to Saudi Arabia. I couldn’t get a flight into Dammam for my second trip, so it was back to Bahrain. Access to Saudi Arabia is done via the King Fahd Causeway, a 25km series of dikes and bridges connecting Khobar, Saudi Arabia, and the Kingdom of Bahrain. It normally takes about 1.5 hours to cross the Causeway. This is not because of distance but because of immigration and customs. On Wednesday afternoons (weekends in Saudi are Thursday and Friday) it can take up to 3 hours due to heavy traffic from Saudi.
My experience in Bahrain is a bit limited. I spent a couple days there in May when I visited the National Museum and cultural center and then headed to one of the old souks. It seems more liberal in its adaptation of western standards. For example, alcohol can be served and consumed in hotels. But it may not be purchased for consumption at home. Alcohol is not permitted anywhere in Saudi Arabia.
My February trip to Bahrain was shorter, just an afternoon. I don’t drive when I’m in Saudi Arabia. Transportation is provided by a Honeywell employee named Suleiman. He is a warm individual, but struggles with English. We had a bunch of time together since I had to get to Bahrain before the traffic hit the Causeway, but I had a late night flight. The photos are a bit hazy due to a sandstorm that day.
I took Suleiman to Johnny Rockets for lunch. We spent the time increasing my knowledge of Arabic and driving around Manama. He gave me his subha, the Muslim prayer beads used to perform dhikr. I was honored to receive them.
Like most of the Gulf countries Bahrain has built luxurious shopping malls, holds Western sporting events (in this case a Grand Prix), and is busy attracting foreign investment. Manama’s population is about 155k, 25% of the country’s population. It’s a beautiful city.
I have used Bahrain as my entry point for both trips to Saudi Arabia. I couldn’t get a flight into Dammam for my second trip, so it was back to Bahrain. Access to Saudi Arabia is done via the King Fahd Causeway, a 25km series of dikes and bridges connecting Khobar, Saudi Arabia, and the Kingdom of Bahrain. It normally takes about 1.5 hours to cross the Causeway. This is not because of distance but because of immigration and customs. On Wednesday afternoons (weekends in Saudi are Thursday and Friday) it can take up to 3 hours due to heavy traffic from Saudi.
My experience in Bahrain is a bit limited. I spent a couple days there in May when I visited the National Museum and cultural center and then headed to one of the old souks. It seems more liberal in its adaptation of western standards. For example, alcohol can be served and consumed in hotels. But it may not be purchased for consumption at home. Alcohol is not permitted anywhere in Saudi Arabia.
My February trip to Bahrain was shorter, just an afternoon. I don’t drive when I’m in Saudi Arabia. Transportation is provided by a Honeywell employee named Suleiman. He is a warm individual, but struggles with English. We had a bunch of time together since I had to get to Bahrain before the traffic hit the Causeway, but I had a late night flight. The photos are a bit hazy due to a sandstorm that day.
I took Suleiman to Johnny Rockets for lunch. We spent the time increasing my knowledge of Arabic and driving around Manama. He gave me his subha, the Muslim prayer beads used to perform dhikr. I was honored to receive them.
Like most of the Gulf countries Bahrain has built luxurious shopping malls, holds Western sporting events (in this case a Grand Prix), and is busy attracting foreign investment. Manama’s population is about 155k, 25% of the country’s population. It’s a beautiful city.
--Steve
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