Lying at the juncture of Eurasia, Africa, the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the Middle East has always been the epicenter of civilizations. It is the birthplace of Christianity, Islam, Judaism and other important minority religions like Zoroastrianism and the Baha’i Faith. It is also the region where man first learned to write. The rich history of the region is blatantly displayed throughout, with roadways dating back to the Roman times, ancient carved tombs hidden in the desert and ruins of great civilizations scattered everywhere. It’s a land that literally breathes history with some of the oldest continuously inhabited cities like Jerusalem, Cairo, Istanbul and Sana’a being a part of it. The 20th century saw a new clutch of cities gaining in importance because of the significant stocks of crude oil. Shiny new cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi emerged which have become prime tourist hotspots in recent years.
The Middle East is not just about human history and progress but also has an intriguing wilderness, ranging from the snow-capped peaks of the mountains in Iran and Lebanon, to the scorching deserts of Wadi Rum and the Sahara and the waters of the mighty Euphrates and Nile. One of the most striking characteristics of the Middle East is the warm hospitality that comes so naturally to people here.
Bahrain is perhaps one of the most scintillating countries in the Middle East. Home to a burgeoning food and art scene, the country even has its own Formula 1 Grand Prix! What’s more, Bahrain is often considered one of the more tolerant of the Gulf States, especially when compared to its neighbor Saudi Arabia. So…
Sitting at the head of an enchanting archipelago in the Persian Gulf is Manama, the fascinating capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The coastal city’s charm lies in the fact that it doesn’t feature gauche commercialism as seen in other Gulf capitals. At the same time, Manama bears all hallmarks of modern Middle Eastern affluence.…
Manama is the capital city of Bahrain, the smallest among the Arabian countries yet one of the most powerful and richest not only in oil but in culture. This city offers an interesting mix of both Arabian and Persian cultures which shaped the history and way of life of its people. The prosperous economy of…