GP Traveller Bahrain F1 Grand Prix Mini Guide

BAHRAIN

GRAND

PRIXâ„¢

GP TRAVELLER BAHRAIN MINI GUIDE

Where’s the party?

Occupying an archipelago near the western shores of the Persian Gulf, Bahrain is one of the worlds smallest nations (just twice the size of the Isle of Wight).

The Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir is twenty miles southwest of the island’s capital, Manama, and has been staging Formula One races since 2004. The desert setting and twilight timing make the Bahrain International Circuit a unique race.

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You’ll want to stay at...

When you’re hungry go to...

The Ritz-Carlton is arguably Bahrain’s most luxurious

Tucked away on a shaded side street, Haji’s Cafe

and opulent hotel at present but new five-star hotels

serves traditional Bahraini brunch. Dishes include

and beachfront resorts are due to open imminently.

dahl, omelette, curries and salad served with freshly baked Arabic bread.

Gulf Hotel Bahrain is close to Block 338 in the Adliya neighbourhood which is where you’ll find many of

Located in the heart of the Adliya neighbourhood,

Bahrain’s best cafés, restaurants and nightlife.

Block 338 is where you’ll find some of Bahrain’s best cafés and restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world. The area is a maze of alleyways with graffiti and fairy lights. As the sun goes down, the nightlife comes alive. Places to note include Masso, Café Lilou and The Foundry. After dinner head to one of the rooftop bars to reflect on the days on track action.

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When in Bahrain...

Try some halwa (a traditional sweet treat). Most

A visit to the Manama souk, known locally as Bab Al

halwa stores in Bahrain bear the name of the

Bahrain, should also be on your itinerary. Hundreds

Showaiter family, a dynasty that has been

of traders line a narrow maze of streets and

synonymous with halwa in Bahrain for over a

alleyways. You can pick up everything from

century.

handicrafts and spices to western clothes, souvenirs and jewellery. You’ll need to know the Arabic word

Bahrain Fort, or Qal’at Al Bahrain, was an ancient

for “how much” (Bi kam) and be prepared to haggle.

harbour and capital of the Dilmun, one of the most important ancient civilizations of the region and once protected key trade routes with southeast Asia.

Around a quarter of this awe-inspiring site has been excavated to date, with restorations continuing since it became Bahrain’s first Unesco World Heritage Site in 2005.

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There’s no shortage of public and private beaches in

crystal clear and shallow. This is a real desert island

Bahrain and the waters are relatively warm year-

so make sure you bring your own provisions.

round. If you’re not staying at one of the many hotels with private beaches there are some public beaches

It’s good to know...

too.

Uber now operate in Bahrain so if you’ve already got the Uber app on your phone booking should be

Abu Subh Beach

simple.

Also known as Diraz Beach, this long stretch of sand is a favourite haunt for locals. There are mobile trucks

Careem is a local rideshare app similar to Uber. You

selling food and ice cream.

can book a car for immediate pick-up or schedule for a specific time. The Careem website has a fare

Budaiya Beach Park

estimator so you’ll know how much you’re likely to

This beach is very popular with local Bahrainis and

pay.

can become quite crowded at weekends. Access is free and there is a good stretch of sand and open

Shuttle buses operate from several downtown hotels

water.

to and from Bahrain International Circuit. Your hotel concierge should have further information including

Jerada

timetables.

Jerada is actually a tidal sand spit which disappears at high tide. You’ll need a boat to get there and there are a few companies offering trips. The water is gptraveller.co.uk

ARABIC FOR GP TRAVELLERS

AHLAAN/AS SALAAM ALAYKUM

General greetings. The latter is a more common greeting exchanged by Muslims all over the world.

MA’A SALAMA

Goodbye

MIN FADHLIK

Please

EISH HADHA?

What is this?

SHUKRAAN

Thank you

TAYEB

OK

SABAH ELKHEIR

Good Morning

BI KAM?

How much?

AFWAN

Excuse me or Pardon me. This is also used to say “sorry”.

HAL TATAKALLAM INGILIZI?

Many people speak English so no harm in asking “Do you speak English?”

LAA/NA’AM

No/Yes

FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX

The Singapore Grand Prix™ is a truly special race, in a place that’s like nowhere else on earth. It stands out as the only regular night race on the Formula One™ calendar. It also takes place on a floodlit street circuit, where sharp twists and turns are plentiful.

The fact that said street circuit is in the city-state of Singapore - where giant vertical gardens stand alongside huge futuristic skyscrapers - only adds to the allure. In other words, it’s a must-visit for F1™ fans and travel-lovers alike.

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