Welcome to the 6th Global Assembly in . UPON This leaflet will provide you with some information you will need prior to your arrival to Bahrain, upon ARRIVAL arrival, and during your stay in Bahrain. We look forward to hosting you in October. Upon your arrival to Bahrain International Air- Please note that this service is provided for port, please search for the 6th SWYAA Global participants arriving on 3rd of October 2012 Assembly counter which will be located just only. For emergencies/enquiries, please con- before the passport control point. There will tact us on the following numbers: be a team at this counter to welcome you +973 39470181 or +973 39022039 BEFORE and facilitate your arrival procedures. YOUR DEPARTURE What to Pack for Bahrain….. Phone The program will host special official events by Precipitation is least likely around October, the Government of Bahrain and it is expected and the skies will be generally clear with Operators in these occasions to dress formally or in your possibility of scattered clouds. Bahrain has three official telecommunications munications providers can also provide you traditional customs. The rest of the events will The relative humidity typically ranges from 42% providers. You can buy your own sim card with broadband internet facilities should you be casual and smart casual. The weather (comfortable) to 85% (very humid) over the upon arrival in the airport as all three compa- require that. More details will be available at during the GA period is expected to be hot in course of a typical October, rarely dropping nies have their outlets in the airport right af- their counters. the mornings and pleasant at nights so bring below 26% (dry) and reaching as high as 100% ter collecting your baggage. You will require clothes you think will make you comfortable. (very humid). your passport to buy a sim card. The telecom- Bahrain has a hot desert climate. The month of The air is driest around 1st of October, at which BATELCO ZAIN October is characterized by falling daily high time the relative humidity drops below 51% Telecom Company VIVA (SIMSIM) (EasyTalk) temperatures, with daily highs decreasing (mildly humid); it is most humid around the SIM Card Price (lowest) BD 2 BD 2 BD 2 from 35°C to 30°C over the course of the end of October, rising above 79% (humid) month, exceeding 37°C or dropping below Local Call Charge (per min.) 45 fils 35 fils 33 fils For more info about the weather please visit: Local SMS 35 fils 35 fils 25 fils 28°C only one day in ten. http://www.holiday-weather.com/bahrain/ International SMS 35 fils 35 fils 30 fils Expect the sunrise during October to be averages/october/ Call centre 196 107 124 between 5:30am and 5:45am (local Bahrain time) and sunset between 5:25pm changing to 4:55pm (local Bahrain time) towards the end of October.

2 3 Official Program

ARRIVAL DAY - Wednesday 3rd October DAY 4 - Sunday 7th October 2012 Time Event Time Event ALL DAY Arrival of participants 6.00-9.00 am Breakfast at hotel DAY 1 - Thursday 4th October 2012 10.30-12.00 Institutional/Social Contribution Visits Time Event Group A: GPIC Group B: Bahrain University 6-8.30 am Breakfast at hotel Group C: Supreme Council for Women 9.00-11.30 Morning Assembly & Ice Breaking Session Group D: Muharraq Elderly Centre (Dress code: GA T-Shirts) 1.30 -2.30 Lunch 12.00-1.30 Bahrain National Museum 4.00-5.00 Group 1: Tour of Old Muharraq Area & Halwa Factory 2.00-3.00 Lunch Group 2: FREE TIME 3.30-4.30 Bahrain Fort 8.00-11.00 Dinner Gathering 7.30-10.00 RECEPTION PARTY (Dress code: Traditional or Formal) DAY 5- Monday 8th October 2012 DAY 2 -Friday 5th October 2012 Time Event Time Event 6.00-9.00 am Breakfast at hotel 6.00-9.00 am Breakfast at hotel 9.00-11.30 Group 1: FREE TIME 10.00-11.30 Bahrain Oil Museum Group 2: Tour of Old Muharraq Area & Halwa Factory 12.00-2.00 Lunch & Prayers break 1.00-2.00 lunch 2.30-4.30 Bahrain International Circuit 3.00-6.00 Free time 5.00-9.00 Royal Equestrian Stables (Dinner in venue) 7.30-10.00 Farewell Party (Dress code: Smart Casual) DAY 3 - Saturday 6th October 2012 DAY 6- Tuesday 9th October 2012 Time Event Time Event 6.00-8.00 am Breakfast at hotel ALL DAY Departure of participants 8.30-9.30 Beit Al Quraan (Quraan House) 10.00-12.30 Al Fateh 12.45-30.30 Lunch 4.00-7.30 Post-Program Activities Conference 8.00-10.00 Dinner

4 5 Bahrain Arad National Museum Fort

Deserving its reputation as the most popular Arad Fort is one of Bahrain’s most important tourist attraction in Bahrain, the Bahrain fortified castles, overlooking the shores of National Museum is the best place to start for the island. The Fort was built in the style of an intriguing, well-labeled introduction to the Islamic forts at the end of the 15th and early sights of the country. The museum possesses 16th centuries. Due to its strategic location a rich collection of Bahrain’s ancient overlooking various sea passages of Muharraq archaeological artifacts acquired since 1988, Island, Arad Fort was used as a defensive and covers 6,000 years of Bahrain’s history. fortress throughout history, from the time The complex includes three halls devoted to Bahrain was occupied by the Portuguese in archaeology and the ancient civilization of culture and lifestyle of Bahrain’s recent pre- the 16th century to the 19th century. It has illuminated at night, presenting a magnificent the Dilmun, while two other halls depict the industrial past. undergone extensive restoration, and is now sight. Bahrain Oil Fort Museum A site actually dating back nearly 5,000 years, Built in 1992, Bahrain Oil Museum is one of the the midst of the oil fields. It is situated only few the area of the Bahrain Fort was first inhabited significant tourist attractions on the Island. It meters from the first oil well in Sakhir which sometime around the third century BC, and is a small, but very interesting museum that was discovered back in 1932. The Oil Museum was thought to be the capital of the Dilmun illustrates the story of the black gold industry in exhibits old photographs, drilling equipment civilization on the island. After thousands of Bahrain as well as the history of that era. It was and a working model of an oil rig. years of continuous inhabitation, in the 16th built to commemorate the 60th anniversary of century the Portuguese came along, bricked the first discovery of oil on the Island. The Oil it off and built an impressive fort. Visiting Museum is a long way out of the busy town, in Bahrain Fort takes you right out of the urban development and back to a simpler time, where the surrounding villages are covered in lush greenery and palm trees, while the houses are reminiscent of the older days.

6 7 Bahrain Al-Fateh International Circuit Mosque

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) is the Al-Fateh Grand Mosque is one of the home of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain largest in the world, capable of Grand Prix. The first piece of ground was accommodating over 7,000 worshippers broken in December 2002 and the ‘keys’ to at a time. It is located in the capital city of the circuit were handed over to his Majesty . Al-Fateh now includes the new King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on March 17, National Library, which was inaugurated to 2004. On April 4, 2004, Michael Schumacher’s the public in 2006. The mosque was built by Ferrari was first to the chequered flag to win the late Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa during the Bahrain Grand Prix, the first FIA Formula the early 1990s. It is named after Ahmed Al- One World Championship event held in the destinations. Hosting regular race meetings, Fateh, the conqueror of Bahrain. The Islamic the site as one of the unique monuments in Middle East. BIC is one of the Middle East’s track days, drag racing and karting events, architecture designs are amazing from the the area. leading entertainment, events and corporate BIC is the ideal multi-purpose venue. outside as well as the inside that brings out

Royal Beit Equestrian Stables Al-Quraan A unique collection of pure-bred Arabian Beit Al-Quraan is a museum dedicated of rare manuscripts dating from the eighth horses has been preserved on the island for to the Islamic Holy Book - the Quraan. The century. With a library containing books in over 200 years by the rulers of Bahrain. In building was founded in 1990 by Dr. Abdul- , English and French about Islamic 1983, the Crown Prince relocated the stable Latif Jassim Kanoo and it exhibits a number history and the Holy Book, and an auditorium to its present site at Rowtha’t Alghar to ensure of comprehensive and valuable collections in which prominent Islamic scholars are invited the protection and careful supervision of to speak, the museum is a the breeding program. In the Royal Stables forum for Islamic thought. of Bahrain, His Majesty the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, inherited the royal horses from his father, and in his capable hands, These Bahraini Arabian horses are famous for centuries’ old breeding traditions are being their unusual and beautiful coats. upheld and the purity is carefully preserved.

8 9 Gulf University Petrochemical Industries Co. (BSC) of Bahrain

Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company was The University of Bahrain, a public university established in December 1979 as a joint venture in the Kingdom of Bahrain, is the largest and between the Gulf Cooperation Council one of the most prestigious universities in the member states for the manufacture of fertilizers region. UOB was founded in 1986 and its main and petrochemicals. The joint venture is equally campus is located in Sakhir. The university owned by the Government of the Kingdom of comprises of the following colleges: Business Bahrain, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, and and Administration, Information Technology, Petrochemical Industries Company, Kuwait. Engineering, Bahrain Teachers’ College, The company is a significant contributor to the Science, Arts, Law, and Applied Science. national economy of Bahrain. Supreme Old Council for Women Area of Muharraq

The Supreme Council for Women is Bahrain’s been at the forefront of the campaign for the Muharraq is the third largest island in Bahrain’s who resided in them) such as Seyadi, Shaikh advisory body to the government on women’s introduction of a unified personal status law. archipelago and served as its capital till 1923 Ibrahim and Shaikh Issa are found in the issues. It is chaired by Sheikha Sabika bint Ibrahim The Council has its own offices, which include when it was replaced by Manama. historic alleyways of the island of Muharraq. Al Khalifa, the wife of Bahrain’s King Hamad bin a secretariat and a documentation centre, Old and historical houses (named after those Isa Al Khalifa, and its secretary general is Lulwa Al where the Council’s research is stored along Awadhi. The Supreme Council was established with an extensive library of publications, studies to promote women’s rights in the Kingdom and and data related to women affairs. women’s full participation in society, and has

10 11 Sheikh Seyadi Isa bin Ali House House

The residence of Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, It is one of the most impressive examples ornate ceilings, stained-glass windows, carved the ruler of Bahrain between 1869 and of 19th century houses built by the pearl- screens and a large safe set into the wall of a 1932, is a great example of the 19th century merchant Ahmed Bin Qassem Seyadi and has small, upper reception room. architecture of the Gulf region. The house many fine features to look out for, including comprises of four main sections; the family wing, the Sheikh’s wing, the guest wing and the attendants’ wing. Halwa Factory Shaikh Bahrain is regionally an international known Bahrain and the best way to balance your for its amazing collection of traditional sweet buds, is a planned and calculated sips Ibrahim Center sweets, some of which it has inherited from of an Arabian coffee. neighboring countries and others that were The recipe of the Halwa is strictly guarded On January 12, 2002, the Shaikh Ebrahim bin invented or rediscovered by the locals. with Al-Shuwaiter family how have managed Mohammed Center for Culture and Research Halwa is the absolute queen of Bahraini’s to pass the traditional recipes down from one opened its doors once again as a forum for delights and plastic bucket of the green generation to another. debate and exchange on current cultural, or red jelly mixture, is very popular among social and political issues. Built on the land of all Bahraini’s and tourists alike. Halwa is an the original majlis (Arabic term meaning ‘place essential part of any social gathering in of sitting’) of Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the current building is a modern reconstruction. The venue is now dedicated to the open exchange of ideas and knowledge.

12 13 Things Embassies and to bear in mind Exchange rates Consulates Contact Details: Exchange rate Embassy Telephone Number during your visit Currency Code to Bahraini Australian Embassy (+966 1) 4887788 Dinar (1BD) Egypt Embassy (+973) 17 720005 Clothing Rules Australian Dollar AUD 2.57408 Greece Consulate (+973) 17 598800 General Brazilian Real BRL 5.36246 Japan Embassy (+973) 17 716565 It is advisable to wear long trousers/skirts, or shaking hands. It is unacceptable by majority Kenya (+966 1) 4881238 / shorts (clothes below the knee and covering to kiss or hug opposite genders. Shaking hands Canadian Dollar CAD 2.60304 4882484 shoulders), and women shouldn’t wear see- of opposite genders might be acceptable with Ecuador Sucre ECS 63,508.9 Mexican (+966 1) 4808822 through dresses. However, in beach clubs and the majority. As a general advice, allow females Egyptian Pound EGP 16.0154 hotels, swimsuits and shorts are fine to wear. Oman Embassy (+973) 17 293663 to initiate a handshake. Euro EUR 2.08943 You are free to wear anything you like outside Poland Embassy (+965) 5311571 Japanese Yen JPY 207.18 as long as it is respectable and decent. Taxi Companies Portuguese Consulate (+973) 17 456688 Kenyan Shilling KES 218.453 Russian Embassy (+973) 17 725222 Visiting Mosques The organizers of 6th GA will handle transpor- Mexican Peso MXN 34.4781 Men: shorts and sleeveless tops are not al- tation from and to the airport, and all trans- Slovenia Omani Rial OMR 1.01168 lowed to enter into a mosque, therefore, portation during the official program will be South African Consul- (+973) 17 576664 kindly ensure wearing full length trousers and provided. Paraguay 11,375.50 ate either short or long sleeve shirts. During free time, the most suitable transporta- Guarani PYG Spain (+965) 5325827 Women: hair, arms and legs must be cov- tion that is available is taxi vehicles. Contact Peruvian Nuevo 6.69321 Swedish Consulate (+973) 17 825004 ered. details for taxi companies are as follows: Sol PEN Turkey Embassy (+973) 17 533448 Men and Women: shoes are not allowed in- Telephone Polish Zloty PLN 8.68738 UAE Embassy (+973) 17 748333 / side a mosque. They must be removed before Company Number Russian Ruble RUB 84.7433 17 723737 entering into the mosque. It is recommended Arabian Taxi (+973) 17 461746 South African 22.0172 Yemen Embassy (+973) 17 822110 that you talk quietly when you are there. Bahrain Taxi / Limo Rand ZAR (+973) 17 682999 Taking Photographs in Public Areas Services Swedish Krona SEK 17.7465 Taking photographs in public areas is usually Bahrain Taxi Online (+973) 36688614 Turkish Lira TRY 4.78494 acceptable. However, taking photographs of In addition, you can find individual taxi drivers UAE Dirham AED 9.67898 people you don’t know in the streets is usually with meter reading at various tourist attrac- unacceptable; therefore, try to avoid taking tions and shopping malls that are safe to ap- US Dollars USD 2.6358 any photographs in unofficial events held in proach. Venezuelan 11.3071 the GA without taking permission of people Bolivar Fuerte VEF around the venue. Yemeni Rial YER 564.078 Greetings Source: www.oanda.com as of 8th People from same genders usually greet by September 2012 14 15 Al Areen Wildlife Park Recommended Established in 1975, with over 100,000 plants variety of Arabian mammals, some roaming and trees, & more than 500 animals including free and others in pens. There are also some places for your free time the , which is virtually extinct in the African animals which remain from the initial wild, Persian gazelle, , , fallow establishment of the park. Arabian species Bahrain City Center (shopping mall located in renovated shops, selling a variety of products deer, Chapman’s zebra, plus a film show and include scimitar-horned oryx, , Arabian Manama) ranging from pearls to spices and tea, as well bus tour. It is divided into two parts, one of oryx, , , wild goat, Opening Hours as a traditional café - Safrron cafe. which is open to the public. The reserve area and Asiatic onager. Wild bird Saturday to Tuesday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm is off-limits without special permission. Access species are also attracted to the park. Near Wednesday to Friday 10:00 am to 12:00 am Bab Al Bahrain/ Manama Souq to the park is by bus from the main entrance. to the administrative building is a walkway Food & Beverages Outlets Manama Souq is the oldest bazaar in Bahrain, This takes parties around a tarmac road from which gives close views of various species of Daily 10:00 am to 12:00 am started in the early 1930s. This marketplace which you are able to obtain good views of a bird and animal. Carrefour Super Market is located in the heart of the city, near Bab Telephone +973 1783 6116 Saturday - Wednesday 8:30am - 12:00am Al Bahrain. Manama Souq is an active Location After Bahrain International Circuit, Zallaq - Towards Al Jazayer Beach Thursday - Friday 8:30am - 1:00am marketplace with numerous traditional and Cineco 20 Cinemas modern shops. Many goods are sold there, Timings 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM Visit www.cineco.net for showtimes such as spices, fabrics, handicrafts, souvenirs, Admission Fee Adult - BD 1, Children (below 15 years) - 500 fils Wahoo! Waterpark Bahrain dry fruits, nuts, and traditional Bahraini Visit https://www.theplaymania.com/ costumes. Bab Al-Bahrain which means Block 338 wahooo daily & seasonal timings “Gate of Bahrain” was constructed during the 1940s by the British. In those times, Bab Located in the heart of (part of the eating experience, Block 338 boasts a number Mall (shopping mall in Manama) Al Bahrain used to house the government capital city of Manama), Block 338 is a of good retail opportunities tucked into its side Opening Hours offices. Today, the ground floor now houses charming pedestrian quarter crammed with streets and has grown over the years into a Saturday to Tuesday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm the tourist information office and a handicrafts international restaurants, art galleries and vibrant space for the arts. It is here that Al Riwaq Weekends 10:00 am to 12:00 pm shop. The monument essentially consists of a small boutiques. As Bahrain’s hot dining district, Gallery exhibits the works of emerging artists huge arch, below which runs a road, which Block 338 offers a wide range of restaurants from Bahrain and the region intercepted by Souq Al Qaisariya (souq in Arabic means is often referred to as the entrance to the appealing to all ages and tastes, be it for a exhibitions by international artists. Its cool little local market) Manama Souq. fancy meal, traditional Bahraini dish or just a café is a also a popular attraction. One of the oldest sections of the Muharraq soothing drink. In addition to this distinguished Souq, Souq al Qaisariya offers a charming shopping experience. Currently undergoing extensive restoration work by the Ministry of Culture, the first phase of the project, which has been completed, features a number of

16 17 Al Bareh Gallery can be found in the opposite Visiting hours: More corner of Adliya. A notable private arts Al Riwaq: Daily, 10am to 10pm center, it hosts exhibitions by leading regional about Bahrain Al Bareh: Sat - Thur, 10am to 4pm, 6pm to artists. A diverse programme of exhibitions The Kingdom of Bahrain is located in the The islands of Bahrain first stepped into history 8pm runs throughout the year in the Art Gallery. heart of the Arabian Gulf with a total land some 3000 years BC as Dilmun civilization, area of over 711 square kilometers. The word founded during the Bronze Age and lasting “Bahrain” literally means “two seas” in Arabic in one form or another for over 2000 years. Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park and it refers to the natural springs of water The name, given by the Sumerians around The Lost Paradise of Dilmun waterpark is civilization. Rides include the Falcons’ Dive, rising from beneath the sea. The country has a 2500BC, meant “noble”, and is described as part of the Al Areen Resort. The park is the the giant Superbowl, Boomerango and the varied topography ranging from rocky deserts ‘Paradise’ in the epic of Gilgamesh. first fully-themed water park in the Middle Family Raft Ride, the park’s tallest water slide to lush green vegetation, sandy beaches, East, it celebrates the Kingdom of Bahrain’s seating four people. The park is also home to and parks. cultural history, from a time 4,000 years ago the largest wave pool in the Middle East and when Bahrain was the center of the Dilmun the only one with a sandy beach. Facts about Bahrain Official Name Kingdom of Bahrain Telephone +973 1784 5100 Fax: +973 1784 5199 Email: [email protected] Capital Manama Website http://www.lpodwaterpark.com/ Location Bahrain is in the Arabian Gulf near the Eastern Coast of Saudi Arabia. Location Near Al Areen Wildlife park, After Bahrain International Circuit, Zallaq Geography An archipelago of 36 islands at the heart of the Arabian Gulf. Over 1.2 meters - BD 13 per person and Under 1.2 meter - BD 5 per Admission Fee person Size 711.9 Km2 Population 1,234,571 as per 2010 statistics Language Arabic is the official language. In addition, English is widely used especially in the Business world. Emergency Religion is the official religion in Bahrain, which the majority of the people practice. contact numbers National day 16th December You will be staying in the Gulf Hotel’s Executive Currency Bahraini Dinars. Notes: BD ½ (light brown), BD 1 (red), BD 5 (blue), BD 10 Apartments. For directions, please call the (green) and BD 20(colorful). hotel on: +973 17 713000. Coins: 5,10,25,50,100 and 500 fils. For any specific help or guidance, please call Time Zone (+3 GMT) our SWY Admin on: Weather Bahrain has hot and humid summers and mild winters. Temperature from +973 39470181 November until April averages between 15◦C and 24◦C. Weather could be +973 36099888 colder from December to March. From July to September weather is hot with temperature of 36◦C. Average rain is 77 mm and water depth in the Arabian Gulf is only 35 m.

18 19 Working hours Public sector: working hours from 7.30am to 14.15pm from Sunday to Thursday (Five days a week). Special thanks Private sector: working hours differ, but most companies operate from 8.00am to 5.00-6.00 pm Sunday to Thursday (five days a week). for those who have contributed towards Shops and malls: Malls are open from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm Sunday to gathering the information provided Wednesday and 10.00 am to 12.00 pm Thursday to Saturday. Banks: from 8.00 am to 3.00pm from Sunday to Thursday. Some of the General Organization for Youth and Sports branches open from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Eman Al Banna, SWY 18 Weekends Friday and Saturday are both public and private sector holidays. Budoor Kamal, SWY 23 Maryam Zaman, SWY 25 Zainab Bahram, SWY 23 Arabic Nadia Al Meraisi SWY 16/NL SWY 20 Glossary Leena Sharif, SWY 16/NL SWY 23 Mazen Al Maskati, SWY 18 Few important Arabic words and their I don’t understand: La afham Elham Al Koohiji, SWY 14 translation in English Do you speak English?: Hal tatakallamu Dua’a Isa Bokhammas, SWY 25 Greetings and Goodbyes alenjleziah? Hi or Hello: Salam I don’t know: Ma adhri Good Morning: Sabah el kheer / Response Peace be upon you (formal greeting): to someone who tells you good morning: Assalaam Alaikum Sabah alnoor I don’t speak Arabic: Ana la atakellem al Good Bye: Ma’a Salama Arabiya Good Night: Tosbeho ala khair I speak English: Atakullum inglieezi Yes: Na’am General Conversation No: La How are you?: Kaifa Haloki (female) - Kaifa Please: Law samaht Haloka (male)

Thank you: Shokran or Mushkoor Directions You’re welcome: Aafwaan Straight: Seeda Can you help me? Momken tesa’edni? Left: Yasar I’m sorry: Aasef Right: Yameen How much is this?: Kam hatha?

20 21