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A group of lucky tourists truly uncovered our small island’s big heart after being taken on a journey of discovery around the kingdom in seven days.
Discover Bahrain, a project initiated by the Good Word Society, staged its second programme following the success of its launch last year, to boost Bahrain’s tourism industry and expand visitor knowledge of the country.
The programme allows individuals to ‘discover Bahrain’ through a series of trips focusing on showcasing its history, culture and people … and to spread the message to a global audience.
A team of 24 delegates from around the world took part in the all-expenses paid trip to spend one week under the care of project director Ahmed Buhazza and a group of more than 40 volunteers.
An incredible itinerary, from 9am till 10pm each day, took the party of visitors around the kingdom to museums and famous landmarks, businesses, parliament, hospitals and go-karting at the Bahrain International Circuit.
“It was educational but we also added plenty of fun activities,” said Mr Buhazza. “The programme was a means for cultural exchange and the visiting delegates got to know the true Bahrain.”
Volunteers – all but a couple local – accompanied the team on their expedition. The Good Word Society was established in 2002 as a non-governmental organisation with the aim of bringing individuals, communities, institutions and systems together to create love and unity in the country.
Discover Bahrain, an off-shoot project, took off after the society was visited by an enthusiastic Egyptian resident, Hamdi Abdulaziz, who urged its members to take advantage of the island’s rich culture, traditions and the welcoming nature of the local population to push and promote the kingdom.
“We decided to invite people to come to Bahrain and to give them an intensive tour of our country,” explained Mr Buhazza.
“This is only the second time we have organised the programme but we hope it will continue for many years to come.
“We had many people registering to take part, but we picked the people that we believed could make the most difference to Bahrain by giving us their insight and possibly opening connections to help boost the economy.
“The delegates don’t pay for anything, other than the little extras and souvenirs they wish to purchase. The programme is fully Bahraini and the main purpose is to give without asking for anything in return.
“The beauty of it is that it brings together a mix of people from all over the world, so not only do they learn about our culture, but everyone who meets them gets to discover a little about their homelands too.”
The programme took just over six months to organise with Ahmed and the volunteers setting up meetings with a total of 14 sponsors, which included major businesses and government initiatives offering funds, facilities and expertise, and trying to find new and exciting ways to introduce Bahrain to foreign visitors.
Sharlene Forbes and her husband William Rendle were the only two non-Bahraini volunteers taking part in Discover Bahrain this year and Mr Buhazza explained that it was useful to ‘look through the eyes’ of expats living in the kingdom in order to gain a fresh perspective.
British-born Sharlene, from Amwaj, said: “We’ve had such a good time. Although we were volunteering, we only arrived in Bahrain 18 months ago so we were still learning so much at the same time ... it’s just been an amazing experience.
“Many of the delegates even saw similarities between their home countries and Bahrain. It was just nice to learn from everybody involved.”
The delegates came from 21 different countries that spanned from as far as the US state of Alaska, Argentina, Guatemala and Mexico. From scientists and doctors to journalists, musicians and researchers, the variety of individuals were given an insight into how different aspects of the country run including the local media, businesses and politics.
Two of the delegates, Mira Green and Dexter McKinney, both from the US, took part in the first Discover Bahrain in 2012 and returned this year to reunite with familiar faces.
Public diplomacy graduate Mr McKinney, 27, from New York, said: “The first time was an amazing experience and I was excited to come back and see the people I had kept in touch with.
“Bahrain is a beautiful country and the generosity of the people is unparalleled.
“I remember my outlook on Bahrain before coming here wasn’t the most positive after seeing the TV coverage of the unrest – but it completely changed.
“This time around was a little different, I saw more places and did new things. It’s a different face, but the same warm heart. I would recommend people to come check it out.
“The highlights of the trip were definitely the hospitality … everyone treats you like family. On a couple of occasions some of the volunteers even opened their homes to us and we had Bahraini meals and got to see how they live. If I had the opportunity to come back again, I would take it.”
Dr Amal Al Jowder is a travel enthusiast and never misses the opportunity to take a holiday abroad, so when she heard about Discover Bahrain she was more than happy to reverse the role and show tourists around her homeland.
Dr Al Jowder, from Riffa, said: “I love my country and I want to be part of something that will promote and make us proud of its achievements.
“It is a nice experience, not just for the delegates, but it was the first time I had visited many of the places that were on the agenda so it was very informative for me as well. I got to act like a tourist and that’s what I love. It was fun and we learned a lot.”
Each day the activities were themed. One day, for example, concentrated on history and another on economics, and there were also insights into religion, health and sport.
Programme co-ordinator Ebrahim Akbari, 24, from Sanad, said: “This year the themed days added more structure into the programme and also allowed the delegates to see as much of Bahrain as possible. They got to see the roots of the country by visiting museums, mosques and the economic structure from visits to UNIDO, Tamkeen and the Bahrain Economic Development Board.
“Many of the volunteers are still very young and it just shows that they want to give something back to our country.
“The programme has opened many doors of opportunities and I know that we have already changed many of the delegates’ initial perception of Bahrain.”
Professional travel writer and blogger Shivya Nath was on her first trip to the Middle East. She has been so impressed with Bahrain and its people that she decided to extend her trip.
Shivya, 24, from Delhi, said: “It was not what I was expecting at all. It is a lot more liberal yet has a rich and deep history and is filled with such an amazing culture.
“The friendships I have made on this trip are something I will value forever. The people in Bahrain are very friendly and helpful. I’m so glad I was part of this experience.”
On Friday night, the group of delegates, Discover Bahrain representatives and officials from the sponsoring bodies attended a farewell dinner, where heart-warming presentations and fun-filled exercises and heartfelt farewells were the order of the night.
The sponsors for Discover Bahrain were: Cebarco Bahrain, Mumtalakat, GPIC, Tamkeen, Dr Summaya Al Joder Clinic, Bahrain Development Bank, Etisalcom, Bahrain Airport Services, Information Affairs Authority, Al Salam Bank, Gulf Air, Bahrain National Gas, Bapco and CapiVest.
For more information on the programme or to volunteer next year, visit www.facebook.com/discoverbh
