From the ancient and traditional to the breathtakingly modern, there is much to see and do in Bahrain. In this special feature, we explore the best of what the island has to offer visitors and new residents, with a heavy emphasis on attractions that truly capture the flavour of the country and the region. So go ahead and enjoy the sights!

By Tanya Lunn » Several years ago, you might have been hard-pushed to put Bahrain on the international sporting map. All that changed, though, on 4th April 2004 when this small island kingdom roared onto the international racing scene staging it’s first ever Formula One Grand Prix. Michael Schumacher, driving a Ferrari, won the Middle East’s inaugural F-1 race, to the delight of fans watching at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and around the globe.