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Welcome to the 6th Global Assembly in Bahrain. This leaflet will provide you with some information you will need prior to your arrival to Bahrain, upon arrival, and during your stay in Bahrain. We look forward to hosting you in October.

The program will host special official events by the Government of Bahrain and it is expected in these occasions to dress formally or in your traditional customs. The rest of the events will be casual and smart casual. The weather during the GA period is expected to be hot in the mornings and pleasant at nights so bring clothes you think will make you comfortable.

Bahrain has a hot desert climate. The month of October is characterized by falling daily high temperatures, with daily highs decreasing from 35°C to 30°C over the course of the month, exceeding 37°C or dropping below 28°C only one day in ten.

Expect the sunrise during October to be 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.

Precipitation is least likely around October, and the skies will be generally clear with possibility of scattered clouds.

The relative humidity typically ranges from 42% (comfortable) to 85% (very humid) over the course of a typical October, rarely dropping below 26% (dry) and reaching as high as 100% (very humid).

The air is driest around 1st of October, at which time the relative humidity drops below 51% (mildly humid); it is most humid around the end of October, rising above 79% (humid)

For more info about the weather please visit:

http://www.holiday-weather.com/bahrain/averages/october/

Upon your arrival to Bahrain International Air-port, please search for the 6th SWYAA Global Assembly counter which will be located just before the passport control point. There will be a team at this counter to welcome you and facilitate your arrival procedures.

Please note that this service is provided for participants arriving on 3rd of October 2012 only. For emergencies/enquiries, please con-tact us on the following numbers:

+973 39470181 or +973 39022039BEFORE YOUR DEPARTUREWhat to Pack for Bahrain…..

UPON ARRIVAL

Phone

Operators Bahrain has three official telecommunications providers. You can buy your own sim card upon arrival in the airport as all three compa-nies have their outlets in the airport right af-ter collecting your baggage. You will require your passport to buy a sim card. The telecom-

munications providers can also provide you with broadband internet facilities should you require that. More details will be available at their counters.

Telecom CompanyBATELCO(SIMSIM)

ZAIN

(EasyTalk)VIVA

SIM Card Price (lowest) BD 2 BD 2 BD 2Local Call Charge (per min.) 45 fils 35 fils 33 fils

Local SMS 35 fils 35 fils 25 filsInternational SMS 35 fils 35 fils 30 fils

Call centre 196 107 124

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Official ProgramARRIVAL DAY - Wednesday 3rd OctoberTime EventALL DAY Arrival of participants

DAY 1 - Thursday 4th October 2012Time Event 6-8.30 am Breakfast at hotel

9.00-11.30 Morning Assembly & Ice Breaking Session(Dress code: GA T-Shirts)

12.00-1.30 Bahrain National Museum

2.00-3.00 Lunch

3.30-4.30 Bahrain Fort

7.30-10.00 RECEPTION PARTY (Dress code: Traditional or Formal)

DAY 2 -Friday 5th October 2012Time Event 6.00-9.00 am Breakfast at hotel

10.00-11.30 Bahrain Oil Museum

12.00-2.00 Lunch & Prayers break

2.30-4.30 Bahrain International Circuit

5.00-9.00 Royal Equestrian Stables (Dinner in venue)

DAY 3 - Saturday 6th October 2012Time Event 6.00-8.00 am Breakfast at hotel

8.30-9.30 Beit Al Quraan (Quraan House)

10.00-12.30 Al Fateh Mosque

12.45-30.30 Lunch

4.00-7.30 Post-Program Activities Conference

8.00-10.00 Dinner

DAY 4 - Sunday 7th October 2012Time Event 6.00-9.00 am Breakfast at hotel

10.30-12.00 Institutional/Social Contribution VisitsGroup A: GPICGroup B: Bahrain UniversityGroup C: Supreme Council for WomenGroup D: Muharraq Elderly Centre

1.30 -2.30 Lunch

4.00-5.00 Group 1: Tour of Old Muharraq Area & Halwa FactoryGroup 2: FREE TIME

8.00-11.00 Dinner Gathering

DAY 5- Monday 8th October 2012Time Event 6.00-9.00 am Breakfast at hotel

9.00-11.30 Group 1: FREE TIMEGroup 2: Tour of Old Muharraq Area & Halwa Factory

1.00-2.00 lunch

3.00-6.00 Free time

7.30-10.00 Farewell Party (Dress code: Smart Casual)

DAY 6- Tuesday 9th October 2012Time EventALL DAY Departure of participants

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Deserving its reputation as the most popular tourist attraction in Bahrain, the Bahrain National Museum is the best place to start for an intriguing, well-labeled introduction to the sights of the country. The museum possesses a rich collection of Bahrain’s ancient archaeological artifacts acquired since 1988, and covers 6,000 years of Bahrain’s history. The complex includes three halls devoted to archaeology and the ancient civilization of the Dilmun, while two other halls depict the

culture and lifestyle of Bahrain’s recent pre-industrial past.

Bahrain FortA site actually dating back nearly 5,000 years, the area of the Bahrain Fort was first inhabited sometime around the third century BC, and was thought to be the capital of the Dilmun civilization on the island. After thousands of years of continuous inhabitation, in the 16th century the Portuguese came along, bricked it off and built an impressive fort. Visiting 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.

Arad FortArad Fort is one of Bahrain’s most important fortified castles, overlooking the shores of the island. The Fort was built in the style of Islamic forts at the end of the 15th and early 16th centuries. Due to its strategic location overlooking various sea passages of Muharraq Island, Arad Fort was used as a defensive fortress throughout history, from the time Bahrain was occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century to the 19th century. It has undergone extensive restoration, and is now

illuminated at night, presenting a magnificent sight.

Oil MuseumBuilt in 1992, Bahrain Oil Museum is one of the significant tourist attractions on the Island. It is a small, but very interesting museum that illustrates the story of the black gold industry in Bahrain as well as the history of that era. It was built to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the first discovery of oil on the Island. The Oil Museum is a long way out of the busy town, in

the midst of the oil fields. It is situated only few meters from the first oil well in Sakhir which was discovered back in 1932. The Oil Museum exhibits old photographs, drilling equipment and a working model of an oil rig.

Bahrain National Museum

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Bahrain International CircuitBahrain International Circuit (BIC) is the home of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. The first piece of ground was broken in December 2002 and the ‘keys’ to the circuit were handed over to his Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on March 17, 2004. On April 4, 2004, Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari was first to the chequered flag to win the Bahrain Grand Prix, the first FIA Formula One World Championship event held in the Middle East. BIC is one of the Middle East’s leading entertainment, events and corporate

destinations. Hosting regular race meetings, track days, drag racing and karting events, BIC is the ideal multi-purpose venue.

Royal Equestrian Stables

Al-Fateh Mosque

A unique collection of pure-bred Arabian horses has been preserved on the island for over 200 years by the rulers of Bahrain. In 1983, the Crown Prince relocated the stable to its present site at Rowtha’t Alghar to ensure the protection and careful supervision of the breeding program. In the Royal Stables of Bahrain, His Majesty the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, inherited the royal horses from his father, and in his capable hands, centuries’ old breeding traditions are being upheld and the purity is carefully preserved.

These Bahraini Arabian horses are famous for their unusual and beautiful coats.

Al-Fateh Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world, capable of accommodating over 7,000 worshippers at a time. It is located in the capital city of Manama. Al-Fateh now includes the new National Library, which was inaugurated to the public in 2006. The mosque was built by the late Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa during the early 1990s. It is named after Ahmed Al-Fateh, the conqueror of Bahrain. The Islamic architecture designs are amazing from the outside as well as the inside that brings out

the site as one of the unique monuments in the area.

Beit Al-QuraanBeit Al-Quraan is a museum dedicated to the Islamic Holy Book - the Quraan. The building was founded in 1990 by Dr. Abdul-Latif Jassim Kanoo and it exhibits a number of comprehensive and valuable collections

of rare manuscripts dating from the eighth century. With a library containing books in Arabic, English and French about Islamic history and the Holy Book, and an auditorium in which prominent Islamic scholars are invited to speak, the museum is a forum for Islamic thought.

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Gulf Petrochemical Industries Co. (BSC)

University of Bahrain

Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company was established in December 1979 as a joint venture between the Gulf Cooperation Council member states for the manufacture of fertilizers and petrochemicals. The joint venture is equally owned by the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, and Petrochemical Industries Company, Kuwait. The company is a significant contributor to the national economy of Bahrain.

Supreme Council for WomenThe Supreme Council for Women is Bahrain’s advisory body to the government on women’s issues. It is chaired by Sheikha Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the wife of Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and its secretary general is Lulwa Al Awadhi. The Supreme Council was established to promote women’s rights in the Kingdom and women’s full participation in society, and has

been at the forefront of the campaign for the introduction of a unified personal status law. The Council has its own offices, which include a secretariat and a documentation centre, where the Council’s research is stored along with an extensive library of publications, studies and data related to women affairs.

The University of Bahrain, a public university in the Kingdom of Bahrain, is the largest and one of the most prestigious universities in the region. UOB was founded in 1986 and its main campus is located in Sakhir. The university comprises of the following colleges: Business and Administration, Information Technology, Engineering, Bahrain Teachers’ College, Science, Arts, Law, and Applied Science.

Old Area of Muharraq Muharraq is the third largest island in Bahrain’s archipelago and served as its capital till 1923 when it was replaced by Manama.

Old and historical houses (named after those

who resided in them) such as Seyadi, Shaikh Ibrahim and Shaikh Issa are found in the historic alleyways of the island of Muharraq.

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Sheikh Isa bin Ali HouseThe residence of Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, the ruler of Bahrain between 1869 and 1932, is a great example of the 19th century architecture of the Gulf region. The house comprises of four main sections; the family wing, the Sheikh’s wing, the guest wing and the attendants’ wing.

Shaikh Ibrahim Center

Seyadi House

On January 12, 2002, the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Center for Culture and Research opened its doors once again as a forum for debate and exchange on current cultural, social and political issues. Built on the land of the original majlis (Arabic term meaning ‘place 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.

It is one of the most impressive examples of 19th century houses built by the pearl-merchant Ahmed Bin Qassem Seyadi and has many fine features to look out for, including

ornate ceilings, stained-glass windows, carved screens and a large safe set into the wall of a small, upper reception room.

Halwa FactoryBahrain is regionally an international known for its amazing collection of traditional sweets, some of which it has inherited from neighboring countries and others that were invented or rediscovered by the locals.

Halwa is the absolute queen of Bahraini’s delights and plastic bucket of the green or red jelly mixture, is very popular among all Bahraini’s and tourists alike. Halwa is an essential part of any social gathering in

Bahrain and the best way to balance your sweet buds, is a planned and calculated sips of an Arabian coffee.

The recipe of the Halwa is strictly guarded with Al-Shuwaiter family how have managed to pass the traditional recipes down from one generation to another.

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Things to bear in mind during your visit Clothing Rules GeneralIt is advisable to wear long trousers/skirts, or shorts (clothes below the knee and covering shoulders), and women shouldn’t wear see-through dresses. However, in beach clubs and hotels, swimsuits and shorts are fine to wear. You are free to wear anything you like outside as long as it is respectable and decent. Visiting Mosques Men: shorts and sleeveless tops are not al-lowed to enter into a mosque, therefore, kindly ensure wearing full length trousers and either short or long sleeve shirts. Women: hair, arms and legs must be cov-ered. Men and Women: shoes are not allowed in-side a mosque. They must be removed before entering into the mosque. It is recommended that you talk quietly when you are there.Taking Photographs in Public AreasTaking photographs in public areas is usually acceptable. However, taking photographs of people you don’t know in the streets is usually unacceptable; therefore, try to avoid taking any photographs in unofficial events held in the GA without taking permission of people around the venue. GreetingsPeople from same genders usually greet by

shaking hands. It is unacceptable by majority to kiss or hug opposite genders. Shaking hands of opposite genders might be acceptable with the majority. As a general advice, allow females to initiate a handshake.

Taxi Companies The organizers of 6th GA will handle transpor-tation from and to the airport, and all trans-portation during the official program will be provided. During free time, the most suitable transporta-tion that is available is taxi vehicles. Contact details for taxi companies are as follows:

CompanyTelephoneNumber

Arabian Taxi (+973) 17 461746

Bahrain Taxi / Limo Services (+973) 17 682999

Bahrain Taxi Online (+973) 36688614In addition, you can find individual taxi drivers with meter reading at various tourist attrac-tions and shopping malls that are safe to ap-proach.

Embassies andConsulates Contact Details:Embassy Telephone Number

Australian Embassy (+966 1) 4887788

Egypt Embassy (+973) 17 720005

Greece Consulate (+973) 17 598800

Japan Embassy (+973) 17 716565

Kenya (+966 1) 4881238 / 4882484

Mexican (+966 1) 4808822

Oman Embassy (+973) 17 293663

Poland Embassy (+965) 5311571

Portuguese Consulate (+973) 17 456688

Russian Embassy (+973) 17 725222

Slovenia

South African Consul-ate

(+973) 17 576664

Spain (+965) 5325827

Swedish Consulate (+973) 17 825004

Turkey Embassy (+973) 17 533448

UAE Embassy (+973) 17 748333 / 17 723737

Yemen Embassy (+973) 17 822110

Exchange ratesExchange rate

to Bahraini Dinar (1BD)

CodeCurrency

2.57408AUDAustralian Dollar

5.36246BRLBrazilian Real

2.60304CADCanadian Dollar

63,508.9 ECSEcuador Sucre

16.0154EGPEgyptian Pound

2.08943EUREuro

207.18JPYJapanese Yen

218.453KESKenyan Shilling

34.4781MXNMexican Peso

1.01168OMROmani Rial

11,375.50PYG

Paraguay Guarani

6.69321PEN

Peruvian Nuevo Sol

8.68738PLNPolish Zloty

84.7433RUBRussian Ruble

22.0172ZAR

South African Rand

17.7465SEKSwedish Krona

4.78494TRYTurkish Lira

9.67898AEDUAE Dirham

2.6358USDUS Dollars

11.3071VEF

Venezuelan Bolivar Fuerte

564.078YERYemeni Rial

Source: www.oanda.com as of 8th September 2012

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Recommended places for your free timeBahrain City Center (shopping mall located in Manama)Opening HoursSaturday to Tuesday 10:00 am to 10:00 pmWednesday to Friday 10:00 am to 12:00 amFood & Beverages OutletsDaily 10:00 am to 12:00 amCarrefour Super Market Saturday - Wednesday 8:30am - 12:00amThursday - Friday 8:30am - 1:00amCineco 20 CinemasVisit www.cineco.net for showtimesWahoo! Waterpark BahrainVisit https://www.theplaymania.com/wahooo daily & seasonal timings

Seef Mall (shopping mall in Manama)Opening Hours Saturday to Tuesday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Weekends 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Souq Al Qaisariya (souq in Arabic means local market)One of the oldest sections of the Muharraq 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

renovated shops, selling a variety of products ranging from pearls to spices and tea, as well as a traditional café - Safrron cafe.

Bab Al Bahrain/ Manama SouqManama Souq is the oldest bazaar in Bahrain, started in the early 1930s. This marketplace is located in the heart of the city, near Bab Al Bahrain. Manama Souq is an active marketplace with numerous traditional and modern shops. Many goods are sold there, such as spices, fabrics, handicrafts, souvenirs, dry fruits, nuts, and traditional Bahraini costumes. Bab Al-Bahrain which means “Gate of Bahrain” was constructed during the 1940s by the British. In those times, Bab Al Bahrain used to house the government offices. Today, the ground floor now houses the tourist information office and a handicrafts shop. The monument essentially consists of a huge arch, below which runs a road, which is often referred to as the entrance to the Manama Souq.

Al Areen Wildlife Park

Established in 1975, with over 100,000 plants and trees, & more than 500 animals including the Arabian oryx, which is virtually extinct in the wild, Persian gazelle, springbok, impala, fallow deer, Chapman’s zebra, plus a film show and bus tour. It is divided into two parts, one of which is open to the public. The reserve area is off-limits without special permission. Access to the park is by bus from the main entrance. This takes parties around a tarmac road from which you are able to obtain good views of a

variety of Arabian mammals, some roaming free and others in pens. There are also some African animals which remain from the initial establishment of the park. Arabian species include scimitar-horned oryx, addax, Arabian oryx, dama gazelle, Nubian ibex, wild goat, barbary sheep and Asiatic onager. Wild bird species are also attracted to the park. Near to the administrative building is a walkway which gives close views of various species of bird and animal.

Telephone +973 1783 6116

Location After Bahrain International Circuit, Zallaq - Towards Al Jazayer Beach

Timings 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Admission Fee Adult - BD 1, Children (below 15 years) - 500 fils

Block 338

Located in the heart of Adliya (part of the capital city of Manama), Block 338 is a charming pedestrian quarter crammed with international restaurants, art galleries and small boutiques. As Bahrain’s hot dining district, Block 338 offers a wide range of restaurants appealing to all ages and tastes, be it for a fancy meal, traditional Bahraini dish or just a soothing drink. In addition to this distinguished

eating experience, Block 338 boasts a number of good retail opportunities tucked into its side streets and has grown over the years into a vibrant space for the arts. It is here that Al Riwaq Gallery exhibits the works of emerging artists from Bahrain and the region intercepted by exhibitions by international artists. Its cool little café is a also a popular attraction.

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Al Bareh Gallery can be found in the opposite corner of Adliya. A notable private arts center, it hosts exhibitions by leading regional artists. A diverse programme of exhibitions runs throughout the year in the Art Gallery.

Visiting hours:

Al Riwaq: Daily, 10am to 10pm

Al Bareh: Sat - Thur, 10am to 4pm, 6pm to 8pm

Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park

The Lost Paradise of Dilmun waterpark is part of the Al Areen Resort. The park is the first fully-themed water park in the Middle East, it celebrates the Kingdom of Bahrain’s cultural history, from a time 4,000 years ago when Bahrain was the center of the Dilmun

civilization. Rides include the Falcons’ Dive, the giant Superbowl, Boomerango and the Family Raft Ride, the park’s tallest water slide seating four people. The park is also home to the largest wave pool in the Middle East and the only one with a sandy beach.

Telephone +973 1784 5100 Fax: +973 1784 5199 Email: info@lpodwaterpark.com

Website http://www.lpodwaterpark.com/

Location Near Al Areen Wildlife park, After Bahrain International Circuit, Zallaq

Admission FeeOver 1.2 meters - BD 13 per person and Under 1.2 meter - BD 5 per person

Emergency contact numbers You will be staying in the Gulf Hotel’s Executive Apartments. For directions, please call the hotel on: +973 17 713000.

For any specific help or guidance, please call our SWY Admin on:

+973 39470181

+973 36099888

More about Bahrain

Facts about Bahrain

Official Name Kingdom of Bahrain

Capital Manama

Location Bahrain is in the Arabian Gulf near the Eastern Coast of Saudi Arabia.

Geography An archipelago of 36 islands at the heart of the Arabian Gulf.

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.

Religion Islam is the official religion in Bahrain, which the majority of the people practice.

National day 16th December

Currency Bahraini Dinars. Notes: BD ½ (light brown), BD 1 (red), BD 5 (blue), BD 10 (green) and BD 20(colorful).

Coins: 5,10,25,50,100 and 500 fils.

Time Zone (+3 GMT)

Weather Bahrain has hot and humid summers and mild winters. Temperature from November until April averages between 15◦C and 24◦C. Weather could be 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.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is located in the heart of the Arabian Gulf with a total land area of over 711 square kilometers. The word “Bahrain” literally means “two seas” in Arabic and it refers to the natural springs of water rising from beneath the sea. The country has a varied topography ranging from rocky deserts to lush green vegetation, sandy beaches, and parks.

The islands of Bahrain first stepped into history some 3000 years BC as Dilmun civilization, founded during the Bronze Age and lasting in one form or another for over 2000 years. The name, given by the Sumerians around 2500BC, meant “noble”, and is described as ‘Paradise’ in the epic of Gilgamesh.

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Working hours Public sector: working hours from 7.30am to 14.15pm from Sunday to Thursday (Five days a week).

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). Shops and malls: Malls are open from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm Sunday to 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 branches open from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

Weekends Friday and Saturday are both public and private sector holidays.

Few important Arabic words and their translation in English

Greetings and Goodbyes

Hi or Hello: Salam

Good Morning: Sabah el kheer / Response to someone who tells you good morning: Sabah alnoor

Good Bye: Ma’a Salama

Good Night: Tosbeho ala khair

General Conversation

How are you?: Kaifa Haloki (female) - Kaifa Haloka (male)

Thank you: Shokran or Mushkoor

You’re welcome: Aafwaan

Can you help me? Momken tesa’edni?

I’m sorry: Aasef

How much is this?: Kam hatha?

I don’t understand: La afham

Do you speak English?: Hal tatakallamu alenjleziah?

I don’t know: Ma adhri

Peace be upon you (formal greeting): Assalaam Alaikum

I don’t speak Arabic: Ana la atakellem al Arabiya

I speak English: Atakullum inglieezi

Yes: Na’am

No: La

Please: Law samaht

Directions

Straight: Seeda

Left: Yasar

Right: Yameen

Arabic Glossary

Special thanks for those who have contributed towards gathering the information provided

General Organization for Youth and Sports

Eman Al Banna, SWY 18

Budoor Kamal, SWY 23

Maryam Zaman, SWY 25

Zainab Bahram, SWY 23

Nadia Al Meraisi SWY 16/NL SWY 20

Leena Sharif, SWY 16/NL SWY 23

Mazen Al Maskati, SWY 18

Elham Al Koohiji, SWY 14

Dua’a Isa Bokhammas, SWY 25