Bahrain offers a fascinating blend of eastern and western cultures, as high rise buildings vie for space with more traditional dwellings, while ancient traditions and historic sites sit side-by-side with modern developments and lifestyles.

Key attractions to visit include:

• Bahrain Fort: Originally an Islamic fort dates back to the 16th century AD and once thought to be the centre of power for the ancient Dilmun civilisation, Qal’at al Bahrain, has UNESCO World Heritage status. The museum showcases archaeological discoveries from different civilisations that successively occupied the site.
• Bahrain National Museum: Established in December 1988, is the oldest and largest public museum in the Kingdom. There are 5 main display halls, 3 dedicated to archaeological artefacts covering 6,000 years of Bahrain’s history and 2 additional halls devoted to Bahrain’s current lifestyle and culture. Particular points of interest are local flora and fauna specimens, old Quranic Manuscripts and archaeological artefacts such as Dilmun currency, tools, pearls, pottery and art.
• The Tree of Life: Also known in Arabic as ‘’Shajarat-al-Hayat’’, is probably the most iconic tree in Bahrain, estimated to be 400 years old and reaching 9.7m in height. It grows in the middle of Bahrain desert with no known water source nearby, located 2km from Jebel Dukhan (The Mountain of Smoke). The tree flowers twice a year during the rainy season in Bahrain and is covered in green foliage year round.
• Bahrain International Circuit: Which brings in thousands of visitors every year for the Formula One Gulf Air Grand Prix. Outside of the race season, there are other thrill experiences to enjoy here, including taking the wheel on the state-of-the-art go-karting track, ride in the passenger seat of a Hummer over an adrenalin-pumping 4x4 course, or test drive some of the race cars on the F1 main track.