AMPT

The Kingdom of Bahrain is an archipelago of low lying islands located in the Arabian Gulf of the eastern shore of Saudi Arabia.

Bahrain, called the Pearl of the Arabian Gulf, has a history of more than 5,000 years. It is the site of immortal Dilmun, religious center to Sumerians, Babylonians and Assyrians, as dramatic excavation prove. Subsequent visitors include Greeks from the time of Alexander the Great, Portuguese, Omani’s and the English. Marvelous old sites and buildings compete with modern office buildings and colourful traditional market.

While relatively small in population, land area and resources Bahrain has achieved a high level of social and economic development in a short period. The road network, international airport, telecommunications, public services, medical facilities and university are all recognized as being among the best in the world. Although great emphasis is naturally placed on the development of its own citizens, due to its large expatriate population Bahrain has a marvelous multinational mix of nationalities, all living harmoniously together in a completely unique mix of cultures.

Position & Area

The Kingdom of Bahrain is a group of 33 islands with an area of 707 square kilometers. It is situated in the Arabian Gulf, lies between the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia and the Qatar Peninsula at latitude of 26 North. The local time is GMT + 3 hours.

The largest of these is Bahrain Island where the capital city, Manama is situated. Bahrain Island is 48 km long from north to south and up to 16 km wide at its maximum point east to west. Bahrain Island accounts for nearly 85% of the total area of the state.

The next largest islands are the southern archipelago called Hawar (50 square km), not far from the coast of Qatar, followed by the desert island of Umn Na’san (19 square km), the populous Muharraq island (18 square km) connected by causeways to Bahrain, and finally Sitra (10 square km), a mainly industrial island also connected to Bahrain by causeways.

The remaining small island, islets and coral reefs combine to make up of the rest of the land mass.

Government

His Majesty King Hamad is the Ruler of the Kingdom with an approximate population of 700,000 (combined magnitude for Bahrainis, Arab Nationals and Expatriates). The country is respected by the international community for its progressive policies and programs under the governance of His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Sulman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister and the continuous support of His Highness Shaikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force.

Language

Arabic is the official language although English is widely used by most businesses.

Religion

Islam is practiced by 85% of the population, however freedom of worship is permitted to other faiths including Hinduism, Parseeism, Judaism, Buddhism and Christianity.

Climate

The climate is hot in summer and mild in winter. From November to April is very pleasant, with temperatures from 15 to 24 degrees centigrade. Temperatures are coolest between December and March when northerly winds prevail. From July to September temperatures average 36 degrees centigrade with high humidity.

Geography

Bahrain is low lying. Typically the limestone bedrock slopes very gently towards the roughly central peak of Jabel Dukhan (meaning “Mountain of Smoke” as on hot humid days it become surrounded by misty haze). Its top is only 137 meters above sea level. But seems higher due to the flatness of the surrounding plain.

Land use varies greatly, from extensive urban development and diligently cultivated areas in the north, to sandy wastes spreading south, east and west from Jebel Dukhan. Here true desert conditions exist with only sparse tough desert plants growing among the barren limestone rim rock and varying depth of sands.

Horticulture and agriculture flourishes in the north, limited only by limitations on fresh water supplies from artesian wells or desalination plates. Gardens grow dates, almonds, pomegranates, figs, citrus fruit and a wide range of vegetables. Another noticeable feature of the Bahrain landscape is the immense quantity of man-made stony tumuli or burial mounds.

For more information please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahrain

Visa to Bahrain:

For a short-term visa, please visit Bahrain e-Visa Website
or check you eligibility from

https://www.evisa.gov.bh/VISA/VisaInput.jsp?A0S=a

1. All GCC Nationals are not required an entry visa to Bahrain.

2. All other Nationals residing in GCC and have a valid Residence Permit in their respective countries for minimum 6 months will get an entry visa for Bahrain for a period of one week on arrival at the Bahrain Airport or Causeway.

3. Nationals of EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland and USA may obtain visas on arrival for tourist or business stays of up to 2 weeks. The fee is approximately US$13. If working for a media company (e.g. a newspaper or TV company) a special invitation from the Bahrain authorities is required.

4. All Europeans, Americans, Malaysians by birth are not required a visa in advance. They will get a one week visa at the Bahrain Airport Immigration counter.

5. All other nationals should send their passport copies to the Forum Secretariat at one month prior to the conference for arranging their one week visa. There will be a fee for Visa Stamp and handling BD. 20 or US$ 55 to be paid to the Forum Secretariat in advance through bank transfer or credit card mail order.

For further information, please contact
Bahrain Society of Engineers
P.O.Box 835,
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Tel : + (973) 17810724
Fax: + (973) 17827475

Email: bseng@batelco.com.bh or rizwan@mohandis.org