This has been achieved in conjunction with major economic success, as the tiny island state in the middle of the Persian Gulf has the fastest growing and freest economy in the region, yet is still traditionally Arab in terms of heritage. If the Middle East is considered a region in crisis, Bahrain is most definitely the exception to the rule. The country’s wealth has unsurprisingly come as a result of the oil industry but Bahrain has tended to generate profit more from crude oil processing rather than from straight extraction, as has been the case with many an Arab energy producers. Set around a main island and accompanying archipelago, Bahrain as a travel destination offers sun, sand, azure waters and historical attractions to go with the ‘liberal’ attitude that allows Westerners the chance to have a drink where Saudi Arabia, for example, does not. The shopping here is excellent and the capital Manama is a modern city of jutting towers, five-star hotels and million-dollar yachts that park at the posh marina that flanks the city. The historical highlight of the island is undoubtedly Dilmun, the site of an ancient civilisation and scene of intense fighting over the years given its abundant fresh water, which was the envy of many surrounding powers in what is a mostly dry region. Weather-wise, Bahrain suffers from the unbearable heat that characterises this part of the world but being an island nation, the cooling sea is never far away. Nevertheless, temperatures can become insufferable with June and July usually the hottest months of the year. | 
