About Bahrain

Today, the Kingdom of Bahrain is a thriving nation under a dynamic constitutional hereditary monarchy, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and the Crown Prince, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, as well as a Cabinet of Ministers. The vision of the leadership, and the warm hospitality of Bahrainis have made the Kingdom one of the most liberal and tolerant GCC States.

Manama is the Capital of Bahrain, located to the North of the main island, Bahrain, where you can find the main tourist attraction sites such as Bab Albahrain, Bahrain National Museum and many of prestigious hotel and exotic restaurants and shopping areas.

Bahrain climate can be generally described as cool winters with sparse rainfall and hot summers with high humidity.

The winter season is from December to February with occasional rainfall. The temperatures range between 20 and 25 °C. January is usually the coolest month, and prevailing winds are North-Westerly.

The summer season from June to September is generally hot and completely dry, but humid. Temperatures average 38 to 42 °C. The dry NW wind, known locally as Al Barah helps keep humidity down and can create more pleasant conditions.

Between March and May and between October and November, the weather is normally warm and dry, with pleasant breezes and many hours of sunshine. Bahrain makes a perfect travel destination in March.

Currency: Bahraini dinar. The dinar is pegged to US dollar (1BHD =2.65 USD). Besides the airport, there are many currency exchange counters in Manama.

If you’re shopping in the souks (markets) or in smaller shops, cash is the best option. It is worth taking a combination of cash and credit cards. All major credit cards are accepted in shopping centers. However, if you are shopping in the souq and smaller shops, cash is the best option.

Arabic is the official language of Bahrain, but English is widely spoken.

GMT +3

+973

The main banks in Bahrain include National Bank of Bahrain, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, Gulf international Bank and Al-Ahli Bank. ATMs are also widespread across Bahrain, Banks are open from 7:30 to 14:00 hours (Sunday to Wednesday), and 7:30 to 13:00 hours on Thursdays.

Ensure that you check the latest entry requirement in Bahrain before your visit, by logging on to the Bahrain Embassy website of your country.

All people who wish to enter Bahrain require a visa except nationals of the GCC. Visas for Bahrain are classified into various categories like purpose of visit, sponsorship requirement, standard visa or eVisa, single or multiple entry visa etc. Visa validity varies depending on purpose of visit, and could range from 24 hours, 72 hours, two weeks to three months or six months.

For more information on visa requirements, please CLICK HERE

Please check if you require a visa to travel to Bahrain (https://www.evisa.gov.bh/). There are 67 countries (PDF, 505KB, 2 pages) eligible to receive Visa on arrival to the Bahrain International Airport .

Authors needing VISA Assistance letters can download them from EDAS:

1. Log into EDAS site, and find your paper.
2. Toward the bottom of the page, you will find in the properties column the words “visa letter”, and beside it, an image.
3. Click on this image, and you will be able to confirm or change your address information reflected in the letter.
4. Then the system will generate the letter for your use.
5. If you have any problems, please click the help tab in the EDAS system.

The organizing committee will be glad to apply for a conference visa on your behalf for free . In order to request a visa from the ICMSAO 2019, you MUST meet one of the following criteria:

• Have a paper accepted for presentation at the conference. (Please visit EDAS if you are not sure of the status of your paper.)
• Have registered AND paid in full for the conference. (Proof of your conference registration is needed.)

Please fill the form https://goo.gl/pHjLmK and upload a PDF copy of your passport.

Once you have collected your luggage, you have to complete the Customs formalities by either going through the Green channel, if you have nothing to declare or the Red channel, if you have something to declare.

For more information CLICK HERE

Taxi
Taxi travel is the most convenient option for getting around Bahrain for a few days. Ensure that the meter is visible and switched on or agree your fare with the driver before the journey begins. Reputable companies include Arabian Taxi (+973 1746 1746) and Speedy Motor Taxis (+973 1768 2999). A taxi from the airport to Manama should cost around 6 BHD (16 USD / 15 EUR).

Uber
Uber operates in Bahrain. The security of competitive, flat fares and cashless transactions make Uber a great option for visitors.

Rent a car
Rent cars are available at affordable prices at the Bahrain International Airport and at other locations in Manama. You need a valid driving license (this can be international or local), identification, and a credit card or cash deposit (some companies don’t accept a deposit, so you will need to check).

Note : Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road.

Public bus
Bahrain has a public bus system linking most of the major towns and residential areas. Public buses are good for getting around Bahrain if you are on a budget. You can take the A1 bus from the airport to the center of Manama, one-way tickets cost just 250 fills (less than 1 USD / 1 EUR). CLICK HERE for more information.

Most restaurants and hotels in Bahrain add a service charge of 10-15% to their bills. However, you may leave a tip at your discretion. Taxi drivers expect a 10% tip and porters will be happy with 200 fills per item of baggage.

Officially 220V 50Hz. Majority of outlets and hotels are British Standard (BS-1363) type. Travelers are suggested to pack adapters for the outlets and hotels if they plan to use their electrical equipment in Bahrain.

Bahrain offers excellent health care, although only nationals are given free health services. There are several hospitals and clinics located in the capital.

Visitors should however, ensure that they have a comprehensive medical insurance prior to leaving home, as medical bills will have to be paid upfront if you do not carry medical cover.

Visitors travelling from specific areas infected with yellow fever or cholera will have to produce proof of being vaccinated, and this does not apply to transit passengers or children below one year.

Bahrain is a country that prides itself in being a thriving multi-cultural hub which welcomes people from all around the world. Therefore, visitors must take the opportunity to experience the TOP 10 must Dos in Bahrain.

To read more, go to the official website of the government of the Kingdom of Bahrain.