Picture yourself here
The place you’d rather be
For over 4,000 years, our island nation has been one of the Gulf’s most cosmopolitan crossroads.
Today, expatriates choose Bahrain over other Gulf locations for the ease of life and the simple pleasures we offer.
We have been greeting visitors warmly from the days of the great
trading civilisation. Scholars once thought Bahrain a sacred island
paradise, where sweet waters flowed and people enjoyed eternal
life. Modern architecture has replaced myth, but Bahrain retains its
simple charm.
Our capital, Manama, has a genuineness that is unique in the Gulf.
Experience our melting-pot society, thriving arts scene, boutique
restaurants and café culture. View the elegant restored houses
of the Muharraq quarter, where traditional architecture and digital
technology showcase distinguished Arabic literature, poetry and
music. We have a character that is deep-rooted and distinct.
And if you ask a non-Bahraini resident why he or she loves Bahrain,
‘authenticity’ will be one of the first words you hear…along with high
standards of living, friendliness, warmth, location and good schools.
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“Bahrain is the long-standing
favourite ‘home’ of expats in
the Middle East, a status that
the world’s largest survey of
expats recently confirmed,
ranking us number one in
the Gulf for quality of life.
T he HSBC Expat Explorer
poll reveals the Kingdom as
the space expats find most
comfortable culturally, ranking
above all other countries in
the region.”
Fast-forward to the past
Bahrain dates back to civilisation’s earliest days. The Dilmunians
populated our main island of Manama during the Bronze Age, taking
advantage of its position astride key trade routes to build a great
trading empire. Afterwards the Assyrian, Babylonian, Greek-based
Tylos and Islamic civilisations all visited our shores and contributed
to our rich, diverse and fascinating culture.
There are wonderful archaeological sites. We have 3,000 year-old
temples in Barbar, as well as forts, tombs and Dilmun burial mounds.
Around 85,000 of these mounds have been discovered, the highest
concentration anywhere on the planet. And in the Bahrain National
Museum you will find an extraordinary collection of artefacts that
span 6,000 years and trace Bahrain’s history back to its fertile
agricultural roots in a largely arid region.
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Discover World Heritage: the Pearl Route
Be captivated at Kurar House on the Pearl Route. Here, the intricate art of
Kurar embroidery using gold thread is demonstrated firsthand to visitors.
Jacques Cartier picks out the finest
pearls during one of his frequent
visits to Bahrain.
Bahrain has no fewer than two UNESCO World Heritage
sites – the Pearl Route and Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort),
over the page.
Abundant oyster beds gave birth to lustrous pearls from
the 2nd to the early 20th centuries, shaping Bahrain’s
economy, wealth and cultural identity. Bahrain pearls were
– and still are – considered the best in the world and said
to have been worn by the Queen of Sheba, Elizabeth I and
Catherine the Great. Renowned jeweller Jacques Cartier
came here frequently in his quest for pearls.
The Pearl Route is the last remaining complete
example of the pearling tradition in the Gulf. It consists of
17 listed buildings – residences of wealthy merchants, shops,
storehouses and a mosque – three offshore oyster beds,
part of the seashore and the Qal’at Bu Mahir Fort, from
where pearl divers left for the sea. There is a visitor centre,
museum and boat service to the Fort.
Imagine somewhere that has been occupied by civilisation after
civilisation and built up continuously for almost 4,500 years. This is
Qal’at al-Bahrain, mighty capital of the Dilmun empire and original
harbour of a long-lost dynasty.
A ‘tell’ or artificial hill covering more than 17 hectares and surrounded
by palm groves, Qal’at al-Bahrain was the centre of trade with the Indus
valley and Mesopotamia from the 3rd to the 1st century BC, and with
China and the Mediterranean from the 3rd to the 16th century AD.
Archaeological excavations over the last 50 years have revealed
residential, public, commercial and military structures. Today,
you can experience it all by visiting the fort with its extensive
museum organised around the massive tell wall.
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Layer upon layer: Qal’at al-Bahrain
Impressive, imposing: stand atop Qal’at al-Bahrain and take in millennia of accumulated history.
You won’t be surprised that in Bahrain we don’t do bling – just culture.
Indeed, we rejoice in our deep cultural heritage. Our ancient civilisation
has bequeathed us a wealth of attractions. As its centre of merchant
trade, Bahrain has long been the Gulf’s cultural melting pot, with all
nationalities and faiths welcome.
Truly multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-denominational, Bahrain
is home to churches and temples alongside mosques. We have the
Al Fateh Mosque, our largest place of worship; then there are the charming
old streets of Muharraq quarter, once our capital.
Camel rides are obligatory and, for anyone interested in original sin,
Bahrain is often said to be the site of the Garden of Eden. Today,
Bahrain is a blossoming Arabic centre of the arts. Our poets are
well known for their refined style, and you will find contrasting local,
international, contemporary and fine art at galleries as varied as the
Sheikh Ebrahim Centre for Culture and Research, the Bahrain National
Museum and La Fontaine arts centre.
Traditional handicrafts are also central to our national identity: discover
artisans such as blacksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, textile weavers,
basket weavers and many others in workshops across the Kingdom.
No bling, just culture
“East meets West here, delighting you with a natural fusion of entertainment.”
From high culture to pop culture, from artist’s canvas to director’s screen,
we blend the best of Bahrain and the rest of the world.
Our annual Spring of Culture and International Music Festival attract
famous talent in the performing arts across the Middle East and beyond.
Celebrities no less than Eric Clapton, John Legend and Joss Stone
have appeared at the historic 15th century Arad Fort. At the same
time, the Bahrain Annual Fine Art Exhibition and ‘Art Market’ reveal
our island Kingdom’s creative flair.
Make sure to visit our multiplex cinemas screening the latest film releases –
for you and your children – as do our television stations.
A trip to Bahrain is incomplete without an evening at the National Theatre
of Bahrain. This state-of-the-art venue pays tribute to Bahrain’s maritime
connections and brings leading artists from around the globe year-round.
It opened in 2012 with Placido Domingo and the Bolshoi Ballet.
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Perhaps it’s our heritage as a trading nation that makes us so eager
to greet people coming to Bahrain for the first time. Maybe it’s simply
in our nature. Whatever the reason, friendship is important in Bahrain –
and courteous hospitality is almost a national custom.
Bahrain is considered one of the friendliest places in the region. Bahrainis
go the extra mile to please. We take delight in welcoming visitors to our
homes, making friends and getting to know you.
We think strong personal relationships are the basis of everything.
We take pleasure in drinking coffee together, dining and generally
getting to know people from all countries. In fact, Bahrain is unusual
in the Gulf in that Bahrainis and expats actively mix, regularly enjoying
each other’s company.
Friendship, our national custom
Quality of life is a question of balance. When it comes to affordability,
your money goes further in Bahrain. Our island kingdom takes none
of your income in tax, and provides excellent value when it comes to
living costs.
You can buy or rent a delightful home, choosing between spacious villas
with pools or modern apartments. If you like the idea of waterfront living,
new island developments such as Bahrain Bay, Diyar Al Muharraq and
Durrat Al Bahrain offer a stylish option.
Some things, like domestic help, are far more affordable than at home
or elsewhere in the Gulf. Many expats find themselves decidedly well-off,
and able to live in some luxury.
But Bahrain gives you more still. It’s culturally relaxed, casual and
outward-looking – people often comment that the atmosphere is distinctly
informal. We value everyone’s contribution to society and female visitors
have a tranquil time here. The pace of life benefits individuals and
businesses equally.
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Enjoy the Gulf’s best quality of life
“Here’s the Gulf life you will cherish and admire.”
Built for the family
Family life thrives in Bahrain. Recognised
as one of the best places to raise children
in the Middle East, it is a safe, nurturing
environment with activities to stimulate
all the family, all year round.
There are the state-of-the-art Lost Paradise
of Dilmun and Wahooo! water parks, Adhari
Amusement Park, Al Areen Wildlife Park &
Reserve and Khalifa Grand Public Park.
We have highly-ranked international schools –
choose from UK, US, French, Indian or Japanese
curricula. The private education sector is growing
fast and in strong demand across the region.
When your children leave school, they have
a choice of universities providing recognised
international qualifications.
And the proof? Families settle and stay in
Bahrain more readily than in many other Gulf
communities.
Boutique style, souk spirit
From the style of our boutiques to the spirit
of our souks, nothing like our striking mix
of contemporary and classical can be found
anywhere else.
There are modern malls and designer
boutiques where you can buy the latest
fashions. Asian, European and US designers,
you can find them all here.
And then there are our vibrant souks, where
you can buy everything from locally-dyed
fabrics and handmade carpets, to gold and
jewellery, as well as delicious local fruits,
vegetables and herbs.
What’s more, it’s rude not to haggle!
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Food for the soul
Food for the soul – our restaurants and
cafés warm the soul.
World-class chefs serve up exquisite dishes
from many nations, often in beautiful settings
reminiscent of Thai temples or Parisian cafés.
The fine food and convivial atmosphere
wash over you, making for a deeply relaxing
experience.
Fusion food, Italian or Middle Eastern are just
a few of the choices you have. Perhaps you
would like the fresh fish of an island nation?
Clear-eyed and firm-fleshed, you will not find
tastier fish anywhere. And, of course, do not
forget the desserts, a specialty of the Middle
East. Few eateries on earth grant such pleasure.
A holiday destination on your doorstep
Bahrain’s archipelago of more than 33 islands
has no shortage of entertainment options.
By sea, you can sail, watch dolphins, fish,
scuba dive or kite surf. On land, there are gyms
and sports clubs, including rugby, soccer,
cricket and basketball.
Horse racing is a national sport and, for those
who prefer riding to watching, there are a
number of equestrian centres. Golf clubs
include an 18-hole course inspired by Colin
Montgomerie, and night golf is increasingly
popular. Firmly on the international golfing
map, our tournaments attract a number of
well-known faces.
Then if you really want to relax, visit our spas.
The Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Al-Areen
Palace Resort & Spa, Sofitel Zallaq, Jacques
Dessange and many more will indulge you
in five-star luxurious beauty treatments.
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The Middle East’s home of motorsport
Bahrain was the first country in the Gulf
to host the Formula 1 TM Grand Prix –
at the Bahrain International Circuit. The
Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which attracts
around 85,000 visitors, is also the region’s
first night race and thoroughly established
in the social calendar.
As well as this round of the FIA Formula
1TM World Championship, the circuit is the
venue for international motor races such as
the Caterham G7, GP2 Asia and FIA World
Endurance (WEC) championships.
A natural space for corporate hospitality
and entertainment, the track holds more
than 400 events each year. Be a racing driver
for an hour or two yourself, on or off track.
Off-road enthusiasts enjoy the region’s leading
4x4 course, with a fleet of Land Rovers.
For hardened enthusiasts and aspiring
youngsters, there is the Viva Karting Circuit.
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Why Bahrain?
“Hundreds of thousands of tourists and businesspeople have discovered the advantages of Bahrain.”
Bahrain’s central location means you have
great access to the rest of the Gulf.
Neighbouring Saudi Arabia is a thirty-minute
drive from Manama, while Oman and Dubai
are just a short hop away, perfect for a luxury
weekend getaway. You can also easily jet off
to Jordan and Thailand for longer breaks.
The national carrier, Gulf Air, shuttles
passengers continually around the region
and beyond.
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Bahrain has it all. Be it friendly people, a vibrant atmosphere, a rich
culture or good food.
This oasis offers:
•
Authentic culture
•
World-class schools
•
Sophisticated national & international cuisines
•
Café culture unique to the region
•
A high standard of living – excellent value
•
First in the Gulf to embrace female and male education
•
Thriving arts scene
•Open and liberal lifestyle, with a vibrant social life in which Bahrainis and expats actively mix
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•
UNESCO World Heritage sites at the Pearl Route and Bahrain Fort
•
Comprehensive public healthcare system
•
Freedom of worship
•
Shopping at world-class malls offering international brands
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About the Economic Development Board
The Bahrain Economic Development Board
The Bahrain EDB is chaired by His Royal
(EDB) is a dynamic public agency with overall
Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa,
responsibility for attracting inward investment
the Crown Prince and First Deputy Prime
into Bahrain and supporting initiatives that help
Minister, and includes representatives of the
enhance the investment climate in the country.
Bahraini Government and private sector.
The role of the EDB is to work with current and
So what does this mean for you?
prospective investors ensuring that Bahrain’s
investment climate is attractive, identifying its key
strengths and where opportunities exist for further
economic growth through investment.
The EDB focuses on several economic sectors that
capitalise on Bahrain’s competitive advantages and
provide significant investment opportunities.
These sectors include financial services, information
and communication technology (ICT), transport
& logistics, manufacturing and tourism. The financial
services sector is particularly strong in Bahrain,
accounting for the largest proportion of GDP,
and the EDB works to support the continued
growth of the banking industry and key sub-sectors,
including Islamic finance, wealth management,
asset management, insurance and re-insurance.
•We offer a practical facilitation service for firsttime investors, and on-going support
to businesses already here
• We act as your first point of contact in the
Kingdom
•We do our best to understand your objectives
and respond to them efficiently, providing
all the information you need to set up your
business quickly and smoothly
In short, we are here to help you.
Welcome to Bahrain.
Contact us
For all investment enquiries, please
email us at [email protected]
or visit www.bahrainedb.com
You can also call us at +973 175 89 969
for general enquiries.
Our business hours are Sunday-Thursday,
8am-4pm (GMT+3).
For more information on the Kingdom
of Bahrain, visit www.bahrain.com