Ready for the big race

Bahrain's tourism revenues hit $228.54 million in 2014, an increase of 14.8 per cent over 2013, according to statistics released by the kingdom.

The number of tourist nights increased 1.38 per cent over 2013 to reach 2,017,804, while occupancy rates increased a substantial 11 per cent, despite three five-star hotel openings last year: Le Méridien, Westin and Art Rotana.

Four Seasons Bahrain has just opened its lavish doors in the island country and The Spring of Culture festival celebrated its tenth anniversary this March. TTN caught up with a senior official from Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities to get a lowdown.

SPRING OF CULTURE

The Spring of Culture festival is a feast for the senses and a dynamic celebration of art in all its diverse forms. Bahrain’s historic and cultural sites came alive from March 19 to 22 with unforgettable performances by Omar Khairat, Hussain Al Jassmi and John Legend.

This year’s special art shows and lectures included influences from the extended Arab World with the imaginative ‘Berber Women of Morocco’, ‘Modern and Contemporary Saudi Art, the Al Mansouria Collection’, and ‘Kalila Wa Dimna’s Fables Through Time’, exhibitions at the Bahrain National Museum.

Combining a contemporary lifestyle with Arabian hospitality, Bahrain is, undoubtedly, one of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan countries in the Gulf, whose facilities continue to draw visitors for both business and leisure.

BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX

Bahrain offers a variety of thrilling sports experiences ranging from Formula One to horse racing, golf and diving.

Even non-enthusiasts are caught up in the infectious excitement that is the world’s biggest motor race, the Bahrain Grand Prix. (Tentative dates for this year’s event are April 17 to 19). The Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir makes for a nice day trip for visitors if they are interested in motor racing by day or night. The largest waterpark in the Middle East, Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park, is also a stone’s throw away from here.

Golf enthusiasts will love The Royal Golf Club, home to Bahrain’s only 18-hole championship standard golf course and a par 3 (nine-hole) course, both designed by golfing legend Colin Montgomerie.

In addition, major sports events are hosted in Bahrain, triathlon and horse endurance racing.

Bahrain’s climate is ideal for water sports, making it an all-year-round favourite with enthusiasts. The warm shallow waters of the Arabian Gulf offer a great setting for many aquatic pursuits from night-time sea fishing to sailing and scuba diving.

TOURIST OFFERINGS

The exquisitely designed Bahrain National Theatre is a great place to witness the world’s top musical and theatrical shows. It is the third-largest theatre in the Arab world and interestingly accommodates 1,001 people (pays homage to the tales of 1,001 Arabian Nights).

The Bahrain National Museum is home to the Kingdom’s culture, history, archaeology, handicrafts and heritage, all housed under one roof. The museum covers 6,000 years of the country’s history as well as the Oil Museum and the first oil-production well in the Arabian Gulf.

Bait Al Qur’an, meaning House of the Qur’an, is also a must visit for tourists who wish to know more about Bahrain’s Islamic heritage. It was built to accommodate a comprehensive and valuable collection of the Holy Qur’an and related manuscripts.

For fine dining and a robust night life, Block 338, located in the heart of Adliya, is a charming pedestrian quarter featuring international restaurants, art galleries and small boutiques. Al Riwaq Gallery exhibits the works of emerging artists from Bahrain and the region welcomes exhibitions by international artists.

Regional tourists from the neighbouring GCC countries head towards the variety of retail venues available in the country, from the shopping malls to the rustic, old souqs. Gold and pearls are almost always on their shopping list. Other offerings that interest regional tourists are cultural events such as Arabic concerts, events and galleries. 

VISA UPDATES

Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing to launch the second phase of streamlined electronic and on-arrival visas in Bahrain, the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) announced recently.

NPRA’s streamlined procedures for businessmen, investors and tourists will promote Bahrain’s openness to visitors arriving through various ports of entry. The new phase will include quality visa facilities to serve a wide range of visitors.

Under the first phase, streamlined electronic and instant visa procedures were expanded to benefit visitors from 102 countries, up from 38 states.

Link to Rooms on the island