Bahrain National Theatre


were a staggering 350,000 at one stage. Some of the intricately carved pottery, jewellery, ivory objects and weapons found inside the mounds are now housed in the national museum. Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy, or


known as the Pearling Path, is a tribute to the destination’s historical renown for pearl diving. Recognised by Unesco in 2012, the trail will lead your clients on a journey through the island’s pearling heritage. The charming alleys of Muharraq – once the heart of Bahrain’s pearling industry – offer a glimpse into the lives of pearl divers and traders, whose wares once graced the necks of the world’s rich and famous. The trail also takes in three oyster beds in the north of Bahrain, the imposing, yellow-bricked Bu Maher Fort (in Halat Bu Maher, in the south of Muharraq Island), and 17 historic buildings along a two-mile guided pathway. The third of the Unesco World Heritage Sites is


Qal’at al-Bahrain, now known as Bahrain Fort, an ancient citadel that overlooks the Arabian Gulf. With foundations dating back to 2,300 BC, the fort serves as an example of Bahrain’s strategic importance. The fort and accompanying museum are a fascinating window into the island’s past,


where you can gain a deeper understanding of its role in the region’s history, when the fort guarded and housed merchants dealing in copper, pottery and animals on well-worn trading routes. In the ancient Mesopotamian poem,Epic of Gilgamesh, the fort was even described as the “meeting point of the gods”.


Culture today Your clients will appreciate Bahrain’s increasingly


varied international arts scene. At Al Dana Amphitheatre – an outdoor concert hall built into the limestone hills in Sakhir – world-class musicians and artists regularly bring the desert to life beneath a blanket of shining stars. But the way into the heart of Bahrain is by its


cuisine. Its multicultural dining scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavours and influences, reflecting its history at a crossroads of cultures. Visitors won’t struggle to find mouthwatering foods that represent the cosmopolitan nature of Bahrain, with Arabian, Indian and Western culinary traditions converging to create a delightful fusion of flavours. The souqs are a sensory and visual feast of spices, herbs and ingredients and one of the best places to try new dishes. Dining by the sea is a cherished


experience, with seafood restaurants along the waterfront offering the freshest catches from the waters of the Gulf.


GUIDE TO BAHRAIN 2023 7


Food for thought


For a taste of authentic Gulf food, you can’t go wrong with machboos. This fragrant rice dish infused with saffron and slow-cooked meat (or fish) showcases the country’s delicate blend of Arabian influences. Shawarma stalls, serving up succulent roasted meats in pitta bread, are also ubiquitous and beloved by locals and visitors alike.


History and culture


PICTURES: Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority; Shutterstock/Wirestock Creators


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