It is never easy to say goodbye to a favorite destination. On July 24, 2026, I left the majestic city of Istanbul for Islamabad via Bahrain, flying with Gulf Air for the first time in nearly 15 years. The airline, long renowned for its warm hospitality and elegant service, welcomed me aboard once again.

What did surprise me, however, was the atmosphere on the flight. Nearly half the seats were empty, and many passengers appeared anxious. The recent military conflict between the United States and Iran had disrupted travel across the Middle East, prompting flight cancellations, rerouted air traffic and growing uncertainty among travellers.

A region once widely regarded as one of the safest transit hubs had suddenly become a source of concern for many international passengers.

Despite the tense circumstances, Gulf Air’s cabin crew remained calm, attentive and exceptionally professional. As soon as they learned about my deep vein thrombosis (DVT) condition, they kindly arranged a more comfortable seat to ensure I could travel with greater ease.

It was the first of many thoughtful gestures that reflected the airline’s commitment to passenger care. In Bahrain, Gulf Air provided me with complimentary treatment at King Hamad University Hospital with consultant Dr. Walid Hassan Assar.

Spirit of Arab hospitality

Even during a period of regional uncertainty, Gulf hospitality continued to shine. The Gulf countries have long attracted visitors from Europe and beyond, particularly during the summer months, offering world-class airlines, modern airports, luxury hotels and a distinctive blend of tradition and contemporary culture.

My journey was a reminder that, while conflicts may disrupt travel, genuine hospitality often remains unchanged.

What impressed me most was the country’s cosmopolitan character. People from across the world have made Bahrain their home, creating a welcoming multicultural society where tradition and modernity exist side by side.

For travellers, Bahrain offers far more than a convenient transit stop – it is a destination where history, commerce and Gulf hospitality come together in a uniquely memorable way.

During my long layover before my connecting flight to Islamabad, I decided to explore the vibrant capital, Manama, a trending city often regarded as one of the Gulf's leading financial and commercial centers.

Story of Bahrain

The moment I stepped into Bahrain International Airport, my attention was drawn to a striking red-heart advertisement by Bahrain Duty Free featuring a nostalgic image from the country's pre-oil era and the caption: "Travelling is a gift. Share it.” It was a simple yet powerful message, reminding me that every journey offers stories worth sharing.

Bahrain’s story is one of remarkable transformation. Before the discovery of oil, the kingdom was renowned for its pearl divers, goldsmiths, farmers and bustling trading ports that connected merchants from across the region.

Today, it has evolved into a modern, prosperous nation with an impressive skyline, reclaimed islands, smart urban developments, luxury shopping malls, scenic waterfront corniches and magnificent mosques. Yet beneath its contemporary façade, Bahrain continues to preserve the traditions that shaped its identity.

For centuries, Arab Bedouins and Turkic nomads treasured camels and horses as indispensable companions. More than mere beasts of burden, they were the lifeline of desert survival, providing transport, food and resilience in some of the world’s harshest landscapes.

Although times have changed, this deep cultural bond endures. Today, prized Arabian horses and majestic black camels remain powerful symbols of heritage, prestige and identity.

As I travelled across the Middle East, I noticed that camels were everywhere – not just in the desert, but in everyday life. They appeared in souvenir shops, public sculptures, sporting events, logos, festivals and traditional artwork, serving as enduring emblems of the region’s history and culture.

Even in rapidly modernizing cities, the camel continues to represent the spirit, resilience and traditions of the Arab world.

Exploring cultural heritage

For history enthusiasts and heritage explorers, Bab Al Bahrain is far more than a shopping destination – it is a gateway to Bahrain’s rich cultural legacy.

Standing at the entrance to the historic Bab Al Bahrain Souq, the landmark is surrounded by an array of attractions, from dazzling gold and diamond jewellery stores to food courts, cafes, art galleries, clothing boutiques, and souvenir and antique shops.

Visitors can browse handcrafted treasures, including colorful hanging lamps, traditional dhow models, woven date-palm baskets, bakhoor, Arabic coffee pots, clay pottery and the iconic floor mattresses used in a traditional majlis, offering a glimpse into Bahrain's enduring craftsmanship.

Among the standout stores is Made in Bahrain, a showcase of locally crafted products that proudly celebrates the kingdom's heritage. The shop displays exquisite wooden boat models, including the boom, once used for long-distance trade, and the banoosh, renowned for fishing and pearl diving.

During my visit, a young Bahraini official vendor, Abdul Aziz Alhajri, kindly offered me a guided tour of the collection. Alhajri explained that every boat model is handcrafted from authentic saaj (teak) wood, preserving the techniques and traditions that have shaped Bahrain's maritime history for generations.

At the entrance, on the right-hand side, stands the Bahrain Post Museum, locally known as Bareed, the Arabic word for "mail” or "post.” The museum traces Bahrain’s postal history through an impressive collection of stamps, some dating back to the era of the British Raj.

Its exhibits showcase stamps commemorating historical events, Bahrain’s cultural and religious traditions, the royal family, and the kingdom’s economic development.

Beyond its stamp collection, the museum preserves early postal artifacts, including envelopes, official seals, mail-handling instruments and vintage letterboxes. One of its most remarkable features is its meticulously organized archive of stamps from around the world, arranged by country in chronological order.

Admission to the Bahrain Post Museum is free, making it a worthwhile stop for history enthusiasts and philatelists alike. However, at the time of my visit, the museum’s cafe and public restrooms were closed for maintenance.

My next stop was the iconic Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, a living piece of splendid art and decor. Additional must-visit places include the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bahrain’s Fort and Seef Mall, where traditions meet modernity.

The mall is home to an impressive mix of global brands, including clothing and footwear outlets, luxury perfume boutiques, jewelry and watch stores, and a spacious food court catering to diverse tastes.

It also features a football gallery inspired by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding a unique attraction for sports enthusiasts. Despite these offerings, the mall sees relatively few shoppers.

The downturn reflects the wider economic uncertainty that has affected the region following the conflict between the United States and Iran, which has disrupted travel, consumer spending, and business activity across parts of the Middle East. Bahrain's hospitality and retail sectors have been among those feeling the impact.

At the Golden Tulip Hotel, staff members Bhagat and Nada worry about the future as bookings have fallen sharply. The usual influx of Saudi weekend visitors and European tourists has dwindled, leaving hotels with fewer guests and growing uncertainty.

If the conflict continues, Bahrain’s tourism-dependent businesses will face even greater financial strain. The wider conflict has disrupted regional air travel, prompted travel advisories and weakened confidence in the Gulf as a tourist destination, affecting hotels, airlines, restaurants and other businesses across the region.