Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

19 April 2025

3-minute read

A tiny Persian Gulf state of 33 natural islands, Bahrain, with its capital, Manama, is ultra-modern on the surface but boasts historical sites and cultural treasures rooted in the kingdom’s prehistoric civilizations and pearl-fishing heritage. While most of the best things to do in Bahrain involve its white-sand beaches and boat trips, other memorable experiences include visiting ancient forts, ruins, desert dunes, and old souks, as well as diving for pearls.

Aadilah, originally from the well-known town of Azaadville, had the incredible opportunity to move to Bahrain to take up a teaching post and has been living in Bahrain for the past five years with her husband and two young children, experiencing everything from the excitement of living in a new country to the challenges of the COVID pandemic.

According to Aadilah, South Africans wanting to visit Bahrain can apply online for an e-visa, either a tourist or business visa, and those with a UK, USA, UAE or Saudi visa can get a visa on arrival. The best way to reach the country is to fly either via other UAE countries, Doha, or Turkey, or the cheapest route through Ethiopia.

Some must-visit sights to see in Bahrain include the Al-Fatih Mosque, one of the world’s largest masaajid offering guided tours to people from all faiths. and the Tree of Light, a 400-year-old tree standing alone in the serene desert. For car enthusiasts, Formula One takes place on the island once a year, and beach-lovers can visit Marafi Beach and Al-Jazahir Beach, popular for their warm waters and water sports like jet-skiing.

Using a rental car, an Uber, a taxi or the UAE version of Uber called Kareem are the most convenient ways to travel around the country. The public bus system is affordable, reliable and clean, with the only downside being the time it takes to travel from one point to another. Ranging from budget-friendly apartments and fully serviced guesthouses to Michelin-star hotels, depending on your budget, there are a variety of options available for accommodation in Bahrain.

Being a Muslim country, halal food is not difficult to find, and visitors are spoilt for choice with the wide variety of cuisine from Indian to Turkish and Lebanese, and even some South African restaurants. Bahrain is famed for its Majboos, a flavourful meat and rice dish, followed by Sabah Sabateen, the 1977 Karak tea, served directly to guests at a drive-through.

Most Bahrainis speak English, and this makes touring the country convenient, and Aadilah commented that Bahrain is the ideal place to raise children in terms of safety.

Listen to the full interview here.