Wish you were here

A couple of friends from Riyadh are coming to Bahrain for the first time and asked me to arrange a fun and interesting tour around the country for them.

Since it is going to be their first visit to Bahrain and they will be staying in my house, I had to spend a lot of time figuring out what attractions my country is offering to tourists ... particularly families.

My friends, a married Saudi couple with two little boys, aged eight and 10 years, are coming next week and will be staying for 10 days.

As a mother the first thing that clicked in my mind were the places where a whole family could visit and enjoy a lovely day out.

On top of my list was the newly-opened Adhari Park. The BD12 million park has several outdoor rides including a roller coaster, a go-kart track and a variety of rides and games for the little ones only.

I have been to the park twice and I can tell it is a great place for kids.

The other firm favourite is the Lost Paradise of Dilmun water park. Rides include the Falcon's 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. I think the beach will be a great place to relax and enjoy the company of my friends while our little kids play in the sand, I am confident my four-year-old daughter Leyan will have the time of her life.

Although I have yet to visit Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), I think it would be fun to take my friends there and I am sure the little boys would enjoy it as they love motor-racing and hope to convince their parents to take them to the F1 next year.

The Tree of Life has been my favourite spot since my childhood, I have been so many times and have so many fond memories. I will definitely take my friends there and teach them about this 400-year-old mesquite tree which is considered a natural wonder.

To teach my friends a little bit more about the history of Bahrain, I noted down several other places on my 'to do' list.

For instance, I would love to take them to the Bahrain National Museum, located near the Marina Club. Since 1988, the museum has housed a rich collection of Bahrain's ancient archaeological artifacts. It covers 6,000 years of Bahrain's history.

The BD11 million complex includes three halls devoted to archaeology and the ancient civilisation of Dilmun, while two other halls depict the old culture and lifestyle of Bahrain.

Another choice is the Bahrain Fort. It is composed of an artificial mound created by human inhabitants from 2300 BC up to the 1700s.

I can also take them to Arad Fort if they are interested in archaeological sites. This 15th century fort was built in a typical Arab style.

Close to the Bahrain International Airport, the fort has been renovated and presents a magnificent sight when it is illuminated at night.

I have taken a few of my other visiting friends in the past to Beit Al Quran in Manama and they enjoyed the trip, so I noted the name down on my list too.

All kids like watching animals and birds and that is why I also thought of Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve. The park is a unique experiment in conservation.

Shopping is always a must trip, as far as I'm concerned, so I will try and squeeze in a visit to Manama Souq. The nearby Gold Souq is also worth a visit, with all the gold hallmarked and pure 18 carat and 21 carat.

So, all I have to do now is to wait for the arrival of my friends and hope that they like what I have planned for them ... if not there are still other places that I can always take them to.

Who said there's nothing to do in Bahrain?