About Bahrain
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About Bahrain
Bahrain, a group of 33 islands, with an area of 707 square kilometers, is situated in the Arabian Gulf, off the east coast of Saudi Arabia. The local time is GMT + 3 hours.
The state takes its name from the largest island Bahrain, which is 586.5 square kilometers. It is linked by causeways to Muharraq (international airport) and Sitra (industrial area and tank-farm). There are numerous other tiny islands, but they are mainly uninhabited and are best known for the variety of migrating birds which pass through in spring and autumn
Arabic is the official language, although English is widely understood and it's used by most businesses.
Islam is the religion of Bahrain and is practiced by a large, majority. Places of worship of other faiths exist on the island.
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. The annual average rainfall is approximately 77 millimeters.
Government
His Majesty the King, Shaikh Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, came to power on the 6th of March 1999, following the path of the late Amir. His Majesty the King, Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa has continued in steering the country towards prosperity, glory and success. Evidence of the achievement is found in every sector of the economy and is a source of pride and inspiration.
The country is now in the path of tremendous progress, thanks to the judicious leadership of His Highness and his wise government, led by His Highness Shaikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Bahrain Defence Force.
The working week, number of hours worked and timing vary considerably
Government offices: 07.00-14.15 Monday to Thursday
Here are the main commercial hours
Commercial organizations: Hours vary but 08.00-15.30 or 08.00-13.00 and 15.00-17.30 are common.
Five day weeks are becoming favored though many establishments still work Saturday to Thursday5
Shops and supermarkets: Many open 08.30-12.30, 15.30-19.30 seven days a week.
Markets and shops open Friday mornings (times Commercial banks: 07.30-12.00 Sunday to Thursday and for many branches, 15.30-17.30 on the same afternoons).
During the Ramadhan, which precedes Eid-Al-Fitr, when Muslims fast during daylight hours, business life slows measurably and Muslim employees are allowed shorter working hours.
Money and currency
Bahraini Dinar is linked with the US dollar at US$ 1= BD 0.375 and is divided into 1000 fils. Notes are available in the following denominations: 500 fils (brown), one Dinar (red), five Dinars (blue), ten Dinars (green), and twenty Dinars (peach). Coins come in units of 10, 25, 50, and 100 fils. Money can be changed easily at any commercial bank or at one of the money changers found in the Soukh. There are no restrictions on the import and export of currency