The Lowdown: The Bahrain Grand Prix
The Gulf Air Bahrain Formula 1 is often the first night race of the F1 season, held in March.
The Bahrain F1 Grand Prix is held on the Island Kingdom bursting with Arabian hospitality, heritage and contemporary entertainment. The race itself is often the first night race of the season, held under the Sakhir desert stars. The 2004 Bahrain Grand Prix marked the first ever round of the FIA Formula One World Championship to be held in the Middle East. Pioneers of the sport, the Bahraini passion for racing has continued to grow.
Aside from Formula 1, a number of international support series will also be taking to the tarmac; alongside a wide variety of thrilling, off-track family entertainment which will keep race-goers coming back for more throughout the three-day extravaganza. From spectacular animatronic life-sized dinosaurs, interactive sensory playgrounds, shows and workshops to colourful parades and breathtaking circuit acts, you can expect to be amazed. Visitors can team a race weekend with a journey into Bahrain’s rich history and culture. Visit Qal’at al-Bahrain, a 5,000-year-old fort and one of the Kingdom’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Follow this by wandering through one of the traditional souqs, breathing in the aroma of spices and haggling over souvenirs, before heading to Block 338, a trendy quarter filled with restaurants and cafés.
The adventurous can try their hand at pearl diving. Historically Bahrain was the centre of the world’s pearl trade, with Bahraini pearls considered the best in the world. Today you can explore the treasures in Bahrain’s turquoise waters for yourself – any pearls you do find are yours to keep forever. Good luck, explorers!