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Bahrain
To enlarge map, hover mouse and click  IntroductionThe name Bahrain actually derives from two Arabic words 'thnain Bahr' meaning two seas. Bahrain, a group of 33 islands, with an area of 707 square kilometres, is situated in the Arabian Gulf, off the east coast of Saudi Arabia. History The people of Bahrain are very proud of the fact that they were one of the first territories outside mainland Arabia to accept Islam. And to do so peacefully. About the year 640A.D., the Prophet Mohammed sent a letter to the ruler of Bahrain inviting him to adopt Islam. For whatever reasons he did so fairly soon thereafter and for another two centuries, Christians and Muslims lived peacefully together in Bahrain. Even today, Bahrain has a tiny community of indigenous Christians. The British withdrew from Bahrain on August 15, 1971, making Bahrain an independent emirate. The oil boom of the 1970's and 1980's greatly benefited Bahrain, but its downturn was felt badly. However, the country had already begun to diversify its economy, and had benefited from the Lebanese civil war that began in the 1970s; Bahrain replaced Beirut as the Middle East's financial hub as Lebanon's large banking sector was driven out of the country by the war. In 2001 a national charter for constitutional reforms was endorsed by the country's first ever national referendum and a year later, on 14 February, Bahrain was declared a constitutional monarchy and Sheikh Hamad its king. Bahrain was pronounced a constitutional monarchy in 2002, Sheikh Hamad changing his status from emir to king. The same year saw Bahraini's elect members to the National Assembly. Because King Hamad had established an appointed upper house in the national parliament, which had not been part of the charter approved in 2001, a number of groups (including the largest Shi'a association) called for an electoral boycott; turnout in the October elections was 53%. The elected deputies were largely moderate Sunnis and independents. The election marked the first time that women in an Arab Persian Gulf monarchy could vote or run for national office. GovernmentHis Majesty The King, Shaikh Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, came to power on the 6th of March 1999, following the path of the late Amir. His Majesty the King Shaikh Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa has continued to lead the country's progress. In 1981 it joined its five neighbours - Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar - to form the strategic alliance called the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC). Bahrain has an independent legal and judicial system with a framework of commercial laws and, on this strength and its well developed infrastructure, has become an international and GCC arbitration centre. EconomyThe economy is heavily dependent on oil, but the government is looking for new sources of income. Currently, bold efforts are being applied toward making the Kingdom a commercial centre. Bahrain also has become a major regional banking and communications centre, as well as a centre for insurance and financing. Local Newspapers
The two main English language dailies may be accessed on line by clicking on: EducationThe British School of Bahrain caters for the children of expatriates and delivers the British National Curriculum, with some modifications. There are three terms in each school year, following the U.K. pattern. All pupils take SATs, NFER tests and GCSE or IGCSE at the appropriate times. There are about 20 students in each class, and Kindergarten to Year 3 inclusive have a full-time teacher assistant as well as their class teacher. All teachers hold UK teaching qualifications. Emphasis is placed firmly on the basic academic subjects, but pupils also enjoy sports and regular outings; both Music and Arts are included in the time-table, along with many other activities, outside of official school hours. The School enjoys the intimate atmosphere provided by a relatively small community and is characterised by a friendly, cheerful purposefulness. St. Christopher’s School is a non-profit making institution which provides a British style education for students aged 2 to 19 years. The school year is similar with that found in the UK and includes a minimum of 180 days of instruction (staff work up to ten days beyond this). Teachers are, in the great majority, British trained – other staff have equivalent qualifications from other countries. Just over half of the staff are recruited overseas, the others hired locally. All Infant classes and most Junior classes have access to classroom ancillaries.
Healthcare Bahrain has modern public and private healthcare facilities. The major public sector facilities include: Situated in Awali, the Hospital sits in a quiet and picturesque location offering easy access and ample parking. Highly qualified doctors, specialists and medical staff provide the following necessary clinical skills:
Major private hospitals include the American Mission Hospital which came into being over a hundred years ago when missionaries began itinerant medical work in 1893.
Bahrain Specialist Hospital is a comprehensive medical centre and is one of a kind in the Gulf area. This specialist hospital is a not-for-profit institution and offers high-quality service at a reasonable price. http://www.bsh.com.bh/
The International Hospital of Bahrain is the kingdom's first private medical Centre and has evolved over the past twenty years from a small clinic to a major Community Hospital. It is a not-for-profit organisation, which provides in-patient and out-patient services under one roof. http://www.ihb.net/ The hospital has comprehensive diagnostic and radiological services including the latest in spiral CT scanning, the most advanced MRI and state of the art equipment. HousingMost expatriates live in apartment blocks or villa style housing, with some living in employer owned gated compounds. If your employer does not provide company housing, refer to the following leasing agents or websites.
Alternatively we recommend you refer to the accommodation section in either the local newspaper or yellow pages. SecurityBahrain is regarded as a very safe location, has a negligible crime rate, and whilst conservative is very tolerant of western expatriates. Tourism & RecreationThere are a wide variety of activities mainly centered around Bahrain. Recreational clubs offer members a selection of sports and recreational facilities. These include: The Awali Club Awali Golf Club is situated in the southern central part of Bahrain adjacent to the town of Riffa and the township of Awali, which belongs to the Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco).
Diving & Fishing in Bahrain There is a variety of diving available in Bahrain, however, most divers travel to Bahrain to try their famous pearl diving. Bahraini natural pearls are considered the finest in the world, and incredibly - if you find a pearl whilst diving, its yours to keep; an excellent (and possibly valuable) souvenir. Other than reef diving, Bahrain offers a variety of wreck dives, including ships, planes, tugs and barges. Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 13 -15 April 2007 Further information on Tourism & Leisure in Bahrain is available by clicking on: |
