By Monique Sanmiguel Photos: Courtesy Unsplash & Freepik
Bahrain is an archipelago in the Arabian Gulf, meaning ‘Two Seas’ in Arabic, and its strategic position has made it the centre of important trade routes and the region’s pearl diving industry since ancient times. This country is the first nation in the Arabian Gulf to adopt a non-oil dependent economy based on banking and tourism and is recognised as one of the most liberal cultural heritages in the region.
Arad Fort
One of the most important fortified castles in Bahrain, Arad Fort is a classic example of Islamic fort architecture of the 15th and 16th centuries. The fort used to protect a separate island, but for more than four centuries it has been connected to Muharraq Island.
Manama
This modern capital of the country was nominated as the Capital of Arab Culture in 2012 and named Capital of Arab Tourism in 2013 and Capital of Asian Tourism in 2015.
Al Fateh is the largest mosque in Bahrain and one of the largest in the world. It was built under the patronage of the late Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa in 1987, its walls are beautifully ornamented with Kufic calligraphy, and it’s crowned with a large fiberglass dome.
Bahrain World Trade Center was designed by the multinational architectural firm of Atkins and is renowned for its cutting-edge engineering and commitment to sustainability and renewable energy. Two sail-shaped towers, inspired by traditional Arabian merchant ships, rise 240 metres above the city and are equipped with twelve lifts, including four panoramic glass cabins that provide spectacular views of the gulf.
The Bahrain National Theatre opened in November 2012 on the orders of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Its architectural design is unique as the wood-covered interior walls are inspired by the tales of 1,001 Arabian Nights and it has 1,001 seats and views of the sea.
Qal’at al-Bahrain or the Fort of Bahrain, formerly known as Portugal Port, is built on 180,000 sq ft on a large artificial mound that was created by centuries of reconstruction during continuous occupation. Excavations over the years have revealed a wealth of residential, cultural, commercial, religious and military discoveries. It was occupied around 2800 BC and has the remains of two earlier forts surrounding it, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in the Arabian Gulf.
A'ali The Riyadat Mall was built to help Bahraini women promote and develop their skills under the patronage of Princess Sabeeka Bint Ebrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Supreme Council for Women and wife of His Majesty the King. Princess Sabeeka aims to empower Bahraini women, which is why the mall’s boutiques and restaurants are owned by Bahraini women to develop their talents and showcase their work.
Qatar is one of the most urbanised countries in the world and has been populated for almost six centuries. Its status as a peninsula in the middle of the Arabian Sea made it a key naval and trading post for the region from the beginning.
Lusail Lusail is a city of 35 sq km and was built to host the Qatar 2022 World Cup final. It’s now the premier entertainment city in the region, with super-luxury hotels and restaurants, two golf courses, an impressive waterfront marina. In addition to shopping malls, residential areas, theme parks, schools and health centres.
Place Vendôme is an exclusive shopping centre that houses 580 international boutiques in a 1,150,000 sqm open space inspired by classical French architecture, surrounded by cafés and fine dining restaurants.
Lusail Boulevard is a dynamic, diverse and unique 1.3 km long commercial and residential destination. It comprises a range of mixed-use residential units, luxury retail, office and premium residential units, all designed and built to world-class quality standards in every detail.
Doha The country’s capital on the Persian Gulf peninsula, Doha was founded in 1825 under the name Al-Bida. Its growth and development are one of the fastest in the world, from 600,000 inhabitants to almost two million today.
The Museum of Islamic Art was designed by I.M. Pei and is located on an artificial island. It houses an extensive collection from all over the Muslim world. The National Museum of Qatar was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel. Its 40,000 sqm building is inspired by and recreates the natural glass formations known as desert roses.
The Pearl Island is a man-made island on the shore of Doha’s famous West Bay district. It features an iconic Mediterranean-style marina, residential buildings, villas, hotels, a variety of cafes and charming restaurants. It also offers a luxury shopping experience in its boutiques and showrooms of high fashion designers.
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