The Unplating Jewel of Middle East

by Arifah Suparni (Indonesia)

I didn't expect to find Bahrain

I was traveling in Manama, Bahrain for Arab Business and Investment Conference (ABIC) 2019 and WEIF (World Economy and Investment Forum) 2019. After the conference, I extend my stay in Bahrain for solo traveling and utilize the Couchsurfing networking for travel mates and information. As a staple Bahrain tourist spot, I went to Bahrain fort, Manama souq, Al Fateh Mosque, Bahrain National Museum, Camel Farm, and Tree of Life. However, as a person who keens on history, culture, and art, I do not forget to check in the Saar burial chambers, the Barbar Temple, and the Burial Mounds. Other than those tourist spots, I learn also the current Bahrain development and situation. Bahrain is considered as the emerging gulf country. In comparison with other Middle East Countries, Bahrain has become the freedom lifestyle oasis among the hard-oppressive Middle East countries. First, we can find a night club including alcohol in Bahrain. While their neighbor countries, i.e: Saudi Arabia is implemented strictly Muslim law and oppression. The Bahraini is more layback and for GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries passport holders can easily pass through immigration gate to Bahrain to have quite a leeway lifestyle. Since Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have the oversea bridge: The King Fahd Causeway 24 km long bridge that connected those two countries over the Gulf of Bahrain. It is often to spot Saudi Arabian have weekend leisure in Bahrain. During my trip to Bahrain, I was in the Dragon city night club and nightclub in the Jad Ali street, Isa Town. Then, we are accustomed to the 9 to 5 regular working hours for government office and regular private company. However, in Bahrain, people are enjoyed noon at 12 pm as starting working hours and closing at 12 am-midnight especially those in the commercial service’ sector, such as restaurants and shopping centers. These working hours are not applied to the economic sector. But they are commonly implemented this quite odd working hour. Furthermore, the same as other GCC that implemented the Muslim system. The working days are Sunday to Thursday, for Friday and Saturday are considered a weekend holiday.