Visiting Bahrain
About Bahrain
(Source: Ministry of Culture and Information)
The Kingdom of Bahrain is an archipelago of low lying islands located in the Arabian Gulf off the Eastern shore of Saudi Arabia.
Frequently called the Pearl of the Arabian Gulf, Bahrain has a history of civilizations that date back more than 5,000 years.
Bahrain is the ancient site of the immortal land of Dilmun, and was the religious centre to Sumerians, Babylonians and Assyrians, as proven by many archaeological excavations.
Many legends surround the land – the multitude of ancient burial grounds here gave rise to the title “Isle of Eternity,” before modern archaeology explained them as a legacy of Dilmun times; centuries upon centuries of human habitation packed into one compact site.
Writings of the ancient Sumerians refer to Dilmun as a pure and sacred place where sickness and death do not exist, a paradise land of sweet waters.
The area does in fact have fresh water artesian and under seabed springs, rich in minerals and especially fluoride – known locally as sweet-water. These have sustained life here since the Ubaid civilization of Neolithic times 6000 years ago.
The sweet-water springs may be the basis for the legend of Gilgamesh; a Sumerian epic of a quest for immortality from the flower of life (pearl) which leads to Dilmun, the “land of two seas”.
From the mists of time to a vibrant present Bahrain thrives under a stable and prosperous government.
Today, the modern Arabic name “Bah-rain” still retains this meaning – “two waters”, it’s landscape is a tapestry of marvelous old sites and colorful traditional markets dotted between modern skyscrapers and buildings.
While relatively small in population, land area and resources, Bahrain has achieved a high level of social and economic development over a short period of time.
VISA Information
For a short-term visa, please visit
http://www.bahrain.bh
or check your 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 some 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$13.
If working for a media company (e.g. a newspaper or TV company) a special invitation from the Bahrain
authorities is required.
4. Some Europeans, Americans, Malaysians by birth are not required a visa in advance. They will get a one
week visa at the Bahrain Airport Immigration counter.
5. All other nationals should send their passport copies to the Conference Secretariat at least two weeks
prior to the conference for arranging their one week visa. There will be a fee for Visa Stamp and handling
BD 20 or US$ 55 to be paid to the Conference Secretariat in advance through bank transfer or credit card mail order.
For more details about visa requirements,
please visit the Website: http://www.bahrain.bh
or contact Bahrain Society of Engineers on
Tel: 00973 17810724 or Email: bseng@batelco.com.bh
Hotel Contacts for BIPEX 2010
Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain:
Contact Mr. Ali Mteirek
Reservations: +973 17 17 16 26
Telephone : +973 17 56 93 27 Mob: +973 36 25 01 81
Fax: +973 17 56 93 39
Email: ali.mteirek@frasershospitality.com Website: http://www.frasershospitality.com/
Gulf Hotel:
Tel: 00973 17746341
Email: rgc@gulfhotelbahrain.com
Website:http://www.gulfhotelbahrain.com/
Al Safir Hotel and Tower:
Tel: 00973 17827999
Fax: 00973 17813819
Mobile: 00973 39286122
Email: nadeem@alsafirhotel.com, safirsal@batelco.com.bh
Website: www.alsafirhotel.com
Mercure Hotel:
Tel: 00973 17584400
Fax: 00973 17584401
Email: h5685sm@accor.com.bh
Website: www.mercure.com
Al Raya Suites:
Tel: 00973 17555888
Fax: 00973 17383738
Email: sales@alraya-suites.com
Website: www.alraya-suites.com
Elite Suites:
Tel: 00973 17822977
Fax: 00973 17558222
Email: cro@elitegroup4u.com
Website: www.elitegroup4u.com
Ritz Carlton:
Tel: :+973 39600824, 00973 17586868
Fax: 00973
Email: reservations.bahrain@ritzcarlton.com
hamad.mustafa@ritzcarlton.com
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com
Ramee International Hotel:
Tel: 00973 17297000 Ext: 814
Fax: 00973 17310687
Email: rameeint@batelco.com.bh
Website: www.ramee-group.com
