The Kingdom of Bahrain is an archipelago of low lying island located in the Arabian Gulf of the eastern shore of Saudi Arabia. Frequently called the Pearl of the Arabian Gulf, Bahrain has a history of more than 5,000 years of civilisation, from the mists of time to a vibrant present under a stable and prosperous government. Bahrain is the site of immortal Dilmun, religious centre to Summerians, Babylonians and Assyrians, as dramatic excavations prove. Subsequent visitors include Greeks from the time of Alexander the Great, Portuguese, Omanis and the English. Marvellous old sites and buildings compete with modern office buildings and colourful traditional markets.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.
Population
650604 (2001 est.)
Area
711.9 sq.km
Ethnicity/ Race
Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%
Major Languages
Arabic (official), English, Farsi and Urdu
Religion
Islam 85%, other faiths including Hinduism, Parseeism, Judaism, Buddisim and Christianity.
Capital City
Al Manamah
Major Cities
Al Muharraq
Currency
Bahraini Dinar(BD) = 1000 fils = $ 2.666 (approx.)
Gulf Air flies Humanitarian Relief to the Philippines
National carrier Gulf Air dispatched relief cargo to help people affected by the recent Typhoon Ketsana (locally called Typhoon Ondoy).
Responding to a request from the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain, Gulf Air carried free of charge, two tons of cargo containing relief goods such as clothes, blankets and canned-foods.
“We are very thankful to Bahrain’s national carrier, Gulf Air, for agreeing immediately to our request and flying the relief cargo free of charge,” said His Excellency Mr. Sahid S. Glang, Minister and Consul General of the Embassy of the Philippines. “This timely gesture by Gulf Air will help hundreds of fellow Filipinos suffering in the aftermath of the Typhoon.”
Gulf Air Senior Manager Cargo Mr. Khalid Hassan added, “As the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain that has been flying to the Philippines for several years, Gulf Air is more than willing to support this humanitarian cause. We are glad to extend our cooperation and support to the Philippine Embassy in their efforts.”
Mr. Mohammed Hulaiwah, Director Corporate Affairs and Communications added, “Gulf Air has always risen to such occasions and extended similar help elsewhere earlier as we consider this as part of the airline’s corporate social responsibility to the communities it serves. It is a modest reflection of our care and commitment towards helping people wherever they are.”
