Study in bahrain - living in bahrain

Transportation

Taxis Services in Bahrain
Normal taxis are painted orange and have a 'taxi' sign on top. Fares are 800 fils for, the first 1.5km and then 100 fils for every additional kilometre. Between 10 pm and 6am the start off fare increases to 1.200 BD with a 150 fils per kilometre charge there after. If you are travelling from the airport there is an additional 1.000 BD charge. Most taxis in the capital, Manama, have meters but you may find drivers reluctant to use them, If they claim the meter is out of order then they should not be driving and we advise that you find another taxi. This particularly applies on trips to and from the airport or from up market hotels or shopping centres. Any fare quoted in advance will probably be double the metered fare, but bear in mind that there is a BD1 surcharge from the airport.

Note: Taxis can be hired by the hour and a charge of BD6 to BD7 per hour is reasonable, particularly if you're going to ask the driver to wait for you outside a tourist attraction or shop. Also remember when catching a taxi if you get it directly outside the hotel it will be more expensive then if you where to flag it down off the street.

Cars
Cars can be rented for about BD15 per day. Bahrain is the only country in the Gulf where foreign driving licences cannot be used to rent cars. Bahraini law requires an International Driving Licence which must be obtained prior to arrival in Bahrain. Foreigners resident in other GCC countries, however, can rent a car using the licence from their county of residence. Bahraini law requires drivers and people riding in the front seats of cars to use seat belts. There is a fine of BD10 for violating this law.

Public Bus Transportation
As Bahrain is relatively small, it is not a difficult place to get around. There is a good bus system which links most of the towns on the island to both Manama and Muharraq. The fare is normally a flat 50 fils per trip.

Buses run from 5.30 or 6.30 in the morning until about 9.30 in the evening. There is some variation in both trip frequency and beginning and ending of service times. These can be verified at the terminals in either Manama and Muharraq.

Social Scene

Al-Khamis Mosque
The twin minarets of this ancient mosque are easily identifiable as you drive along the Sh. Salman Road. It's considered being one of the oldest relics of Islam in the region, and the foundation are believed to have been laid as early as 692 AD. An inscription found on the site, however, suggests a foundation date sometimes during the 11th Century. It has since been rebuilt twice in both 14th & 15th centuries, when the minarets were constructed. The mosque has been partially restored recently.

Museum of Pearl Diving
The 'Museum of Pearl Diving' building is regarded as one of the most important and historic buildings in Bahrain. Its importance derives from being the first official center for the Bahrain Courts.

In addition, it is a vital witness to what Bahrain has achieved through its long history in regard to the application of civil law and regulations, and the establishment of the principles of justice on solid legal foundations.

The building was opened by the late H.H. Sh. Hamad Bin Essa Al-Khalifa, then governor of Bahrain, in the Hijra year 1356 (Islamic Calendar), October 18th, 1937.

The building at that time consisted of four Supreme Courts, in addition to three Directorates: Sunni Waqf (Religious Endowments of the Sunnis), Jaffaria Waqf (Religious Endowments of the Shiites), and Minors Estate (Properties of Underage). In addition, there were rooms used as offices, and another room for filing purposes.

In 1984, the building was transformed into the Traditional Heritage Center. Its departments and rooms were dedicated to the display of various traditional aspects of Bahrain's heritage, except the Supreme Courtroom, to which no significant change has been made for 65 years. The Supreme Courts at that time included; a Civil Court, an Appellate Court, and a Criminal Court.

The current 'Museum of Pearl Diving' building is under the authority of the Directorate of Archaeology and Heritage, which is one of the major Directorates of the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and Information. The 'Museum of Pearl Diving' building is a source of pride to Bahrain, for it contains the story of Bahrain, its governors, and its people from the past till the present.

Shaikh Isa's House
Shaikh Isa's house, in the old town of Muharraq, was once the home of the Amir`s great-grandfather, Shaikh Isa Bin Ali Al Khalifa. It provides a fine example of local architecture, complete with wind tower, wall carving and lattice work, and its representative of traditional 19th century life. One of the early forms of "air conditions" was the wind tower, a traditional landmark of local architecture. This would act as a funnel, catching the breeze and drawing it down it down into the cavities below, as well as allowing the release of hot air like a chimney.

Arad Fort
This 16th century fort of Arabic construction is probably one of the first landmarks you will see upon arrival to Bahrain due to its proximity to the airport. It has undergone extensive restoration, and is now illuminated at night, presenting a magnificent sight. Little is known of the fort history, and there is no firm evidence of the precise date of construction, but comprehensive excavations have been undertaken in order to discover its past. N.B. Stout shoes should be worn if you intend to pay a visit, in order that you can explore (full-high heels are not suitable for climbing about on the ramparts!)

Bait Al Qur'an
The House of the Qur'an was built to accommodate a comprehensive and valuable collection of the Holy Qur'an and manuscripts, a concept which is unique in the Arabian Gulf. All visitors are welcome, and the complex comprises a mosque, a library, an auditorium, a school and museum consisting of five exhibition halls.

Accomodation

Institution Accommodation Facilities
Most of the institutes have segregated, conveniently located and cost-effective accommodation facilities. The accommodation fees vary from institute to institute.

Note: Bus transportation is usually available for student-housing residents at no charge.

Private Rental Market
Many furnished and unfurnished apartments are available throughout Bahrain. When you rent a unit in a private building you will have to sign a rental agreement or lease that specifies your rights and responsibilities and those of the property owner and his agent.

Emergency Contacts

Fire / Ambulance / Police: 999
Traffic / Accidents: 688-888