Motivational speaker Imad El Atiki El Ghennouni Mohammed was born in Bahrain, having relocated to the United States with his family as the age of three. This article will take a closer look at Imad Guennouni’s homeland, exploring some of the emirate’s most celebrated sites and unmissable tourist destinations.
Enjoying an enviable reputation as the “Pearl of the Middle East,” Bahrain was made famous by its pearl trade, having produced some of the world’s most prized specimens. From its ancient history and vibrant culture to its picture-perfect beaches and futuresque skylines, Bahrain is an island nation that entices visitors from all over the world.
An archipelago located in the Arabian Gulf, Bahrain boasts a history that is as rich as it is long. Since the turn of the 21st century, the emirate has established itself as a hotspot for Formula One enthusiasts, with the state-of-the-art Bahrain International Circuit standing as a testament to Bahrain’s passion for investing in innovation.
One of Bahrain’s best-known attractions, Manama City lies on the intersection between modern and ancient, fusing the beauty of tradition with contemporary style. Brimming with gleaming skyscrapers, Manama City’s impressive skyline is dominated by the Bahrain World Trade Centre’s vast twin towers, which stand some 240 meters high. Elsewhere, the city’s traditional markets, authentic Islamic architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine draw visitors to Manama City from far and wide.
Housing a rich collection of Qurans, Beit Al Quran is one of Bahrain’s most important religious sites. Featuring Qurans from almost every century, including the first European language translations, Beit Al Quran features a library where visitors can peruse the works of some of the world’s most revered Islamic writers. Among the fascinating exhibits on display at Beit Al Quran is a collection of miniature Qurans, the smallest of which measures just 3.2 cm by 4.7 cm. In addition to Qurans, visitors to Beit Al Quran can observe manuscripts, fine works of Islamic calligraphy, wood carvings, and religious artefacts.
Hawar Island is a dot in the Persian Gulf presenting a tranquil getaway for tourists who enjoy immersing themselves in the serenity of nature. Home to various rare and interesting bird species as well as sand gazelle and the Arabian oryx, Hawar Island’s luxurious resorts boast stunning ocean views, as well as opportunities for water sports enthusiasts.
For visitors seeking an authentic taste of local life, Manama Souq is a traditional market where shoppers can barter for antiques along with contemporary items. Providing insights into the local culture, the souq is the ideal destination to purchase souvenirs such as jewelry, spices, and craft ware. In this part of the world bartering is a way of life, and visitors to Manama Souq are challenged to try out their bargaining skills in order to strike the best deals.
In a country brimming with ancient attractions, Riffa Fort stands out head and shoulders above the rest. Enticing history buffs from all over the world, this historic site transports visitors back in time, to the reign of the Al Khalifas. The brainchild of Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmad Al Fatih, who commissioned the sprawling construction in 1812, the fort features a museum exhibiting an array of artefacts to enrich the traveler’s experience. Located within the fort, there is also a mosque which is open to the public outside of prayer time.
Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve is a haven for wildlife, supporting several mammal species, 25 species of flora, and more than 80 bird species. In addition to a nature reserve, the park is also a zoo, having housed various rare animal species over the course of the last 30 years. Along with its Wild Birds Park and Water Birds Park, the zoo also features a Wild Animals Complex and Desert Flora Garden.
