The only island – state in the Arab world, Bahrain comprises 33 islands and was once the of one the ancient world’s great trading empires. lt;s a fascinating and diverse place, offering travelers an easy and hassle – free introduction to the Persian Gulf. There are alleys to explore, coffeehouses in which to sit and watch the world go by, magnificent desert landscapes, basket weaving with palm leaves and every kind of souk ( market ) your shopping heart could wish for.

November to February ( for warm days and cool nights )

Absorbing 7000 year of Bahrain’s at its excellent National Museum in Manama

Entering the Al – Fatih Mosque in Manama, a rare opportunity for non – Muslims

Spotting an Arabian oryx at the Al – Areen Wildlife Sanctuary

Visiting the seven layers of excavated material at the Qala’atal – Bahrain archaeo – logical site

Watching the local weavers at work in the village of Bani Jamrah Sipping Arabic coffee in the funky souk and viewing the traditional houses on Muharraq lsland

Wandering through the impressive Royal Tombs at A’ali

Read Geoffrey Bibby’s Looking for Dilmun, an archaeologist’s account of early excavations on Bahrain. lt also paints a fascinating picture of life there in the 1950 and 1960s.

Listen to Desert Beat, an album of ambient rhythms and Arabic songs by the young

Bahraini musician and composer Hashim al – Alawi

Watch Al Za’ir ( Visitor ), Bahrain’s first ever thriller, directed by Bassam Al Thawadi

Eat machbous ( rice served with meat or fish ), shawarma ( spit – roasted lamb or chicken wrapped in pita bread ) or sambousak ( cheese or meat filled filo pastry )

Drink coffee, coffee and more coffee – cardamom – infused Arabic – style

Salam alaykum ( common greeting; literally, ‘peace be upon you’)

Amazing archaeological excavations; palm trees; dates; carpet weaving; embroidered ceremonial gowns; ancient temples and forts; colourful souks; burial mounds; drinking tiny cups of tea at the teahouses; dhows ( fishing boats ); baklava

Scuba diving in the shallow, warm waters, which offer over 200 species of fish; snorkeling among Bahrain’s coral reefs

In Arabic, Bahrain means ‘two seas’. Since the dawn of history Bahrain has been a trading centre, and until about a generation ago, virtually all trade came and went by sea. Occupying a strategic on the great trade routes of antiquity, with good harbours and abundant fresh water, the Bahrainis are natural traders.