VISA REQUIREMENTS

Easy access to visas
Visas are required by all visitors to Bahrain- regardless of purpose of visit- except passport holders of the GCC States (Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates). Foreign nationals may enter Bahrain with a tourist visa (for individuals or groups), 72-hour visa, 7-day visa, visit visa, business visa, family visa, dependent visa or an employment visa. In addition, all visitors who hold valid resident permits for Saudi Arabia can be issued a free 2-week visa. All applications for extension must be signed by a local sponsor. In the case of tourist visas, the hotel may act as a sponsor.

eVisa
Some visitors to Bahrain can apply and pay for an electronic visa for Bahrain. Please visit website www.evisa.gov.bh for full information.

Tourist Visa
This type of visa can be obtained at the Bahrain International Airport or King Fahad causeway for citizens of the EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong and the United States. Visitors must have no criminal record or involvement in activities that could threaten public order or national security. They are not permitted to seek employment while in Bahrain.

Groups may obtain visas to Bahrain for a duration of up to 2 weeks, renewable once for a similar period. Visas are obtained through hotels, travel and tourist agencies and other firms licensed to conduct tourist activities in Bahrain.

Visit Visa
This is issued to foreign nationals who intend to visit relatives or friends in Bahrain. The application for a visit visa must be signed by a local sponsor and presented to the General Directorate for Immigration and Passports. The following documents must be presented with the application:

a letter from the applicant's sponsor;
a copy of the applicant's CPR card;
a copy of the visitor's passport.

The visit visa is normally valid for one month's stay in Bahrain, but can sometimes be extended to a maximum of three months. A longer stay may be granted in exceptional circumstances. A person on a visit visa is not allowed to work or engage in business activities during their stay in Bahrain.

Business Visa
This type of visa is similar to a visit visa, but the purpose of the visit is business.



RECOMMENDED HOTELS

Gulf Hotel Bahrain
P.O. Box 580, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Telephone +973 17713000
Fax +973 17712088
E-mail ghres@batelco.com.bh
Website www.gulfhotelbahrain.com

Mercure Grand Hotel Seef
P.O. Box 18084, Seef, Kingdom of Bahrain
Telephone +973 17584400
Fax +973 17582359
E-mail h5685sm@accor.com.bh
Website www.mercurebahrain.com

Crowne Plaza Bahrain
P.O. Box 5831, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Telephone +973 17531122
Fax +973 17530154
E-mail crowneplaza@batelco.com.bh
Website www.crowneplaza-bahrain.com

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa
P.O. Box 55577, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Telephone +973 17580000
Fax +973 17580333
E-mail info@ritzcarlton.com.bh
Website www.ritzcarlton.com

Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort, Al Areen
P.O. Box 75055, Juffair, Kingdom of Bahrain
Telephone +973 17845000
Fax +973 17845001
Email reservations-bahrain@banyantree.com
Website www.banyantree.com/bahrain

The Regency Intercontinental Bahrain
P.O. Box 777, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Telephone +973 17227777
Fax +973 17229929
E-mail bahrain@interconti.com
Website www.intercontinental.com/manama

Sheraton Bahrain Hotel
P.O. Box 30, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Telephone +973 17533533
Fax +973 17534069
E-mail reservations.manama.bahrain@sheraton.com
Website www.sheraton.com/bahrain

Golden Tulip Hotel Bahrain
P.O. Box 1090, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Telephone +973 17535000
Fax +973 17523020
E-mail info@goldentulipbahrain.com
Website www.goldentulipbahrain.com

Diplomat Radisson SAS
P.O. Box 5243, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Telephone +973 17531666
Fax +973 17530843
E-mail sales.diplomat@radissonsas.com
Website www.diplomatrdsas.com.bh


RECOMMENDED TAXIS & CAR RENTAL

Avis
Tel: +973 17531144
Fax: +973 17531441

Budget
Tel: +973 17534100
Fax: +973 17535402

Europcar
Tel: +973 17321249
Fax: +973 17321999

Hertz
Tel: +973 17677035
Fax: +973 17677038

Oscar
Tel: +973 17211682
Fax: +973 17211641


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Water is the source of life. Access to water has dictated the geographical distribution of human beings throughout the ages. Whole civilizations thrived around water sources all over the world. The history of Water in Bahrain is thousands of years old and is particularly special due to the freshwater springs that are found across the archipelago, and even in the middle of the sea.

This year, the Riffa Views Bahrain International Garden Show (RVBIGS) will explore the theme of Water as it relates to the history of horticulture and agriculture in Bahrain.

Exhibits on display will include the ancient techniques used by the inhabitants of Bahrain to utilize fresh water springs and grow the plants and gardens for which the island was famous for since ancient times. The show will also examine water and its essentiality to everyday life and contrast modern day techniques of water consumption and utilization with those of Bahrain’s ancient past and exhibit the most recent research relating to water treatment and preservation.

The Bahrain International Garden Show (BIGS) takes place once again from 25 to 28 February 2010 at the Bahrain International Convention & Exhibition Centre. This much-awaited annual garden show will be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain and with the support of Her
Highness Shaikha Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of the King of Bahrain.

This year’s show will be truly exceptional with a whole new identity and design that will become the signature of the Bahrain International Garden Show for the years to come.

The Bahrain International Garden Show will also carry a strong message to sow the seeds for future food security and prosperity.
This critical world issue will be highlighted in a comprehensive display covering the latest information relating to this topic.

There will be more plants and flowers galore, along with new garden technology and equipment, garden accessories and designs, publications, expert advice and consultations plus a whole panorama of new ideas for gardens.

The show stands at the crossroads of a very dynamic and flourishing garden and landscaping industry in the region. It will serve as a perfect venue to bring together professionals and experts in the industry, and to establish a network of new partnerships between local and international companies.

This year, we will be expecting more participation from the business sector from various countries as the show paves the way to establish more business partnerships in the field.

A full-scale advertising and public relations campaign will be conducted to generate increased awareness and attract more participants and visitors throughout the region.

Discover the vast business opportunities available and get more practical and in-depth understanding of the size and demand of the garden and landscaping industry in the region. Welcome to ‘Seeds For Our Future’ at the 2010 Bahrain International Garden Show.

Organising Committee

Underconstruction

Underconstruction

EXHIBIT IN THE GARDEN SHOW OF THE YEAR

Let the numbers speak for themselves!

Widely received by the general public,
with 21,900 visitors in BIGS 2009
and an anticipated
50% increase in visitors
in 2010!

Over 6353 square meters of exhibition
space sold in 2009—with an expected 20%
increase in 2010!

Now in its seventh successful year, the Bahrain International Garden show is firmly established as a leading gardening show in the Arabian Gulf.

Well attended by VIPs, architects, consultants, developers, and other industry professionals. Introduces the very latest in garden and landscaping technology, trends and equipment. A venue for exhibitors to showcase their unique products and services.

An excellent means for establishing new partners and contacts, creating networks and selling and exchanging expertise. A unique opportunity for local and global exchange. Attracts exhibitors worldwide from as far afield as Japan and Australia to the United States of America.

School visits provide a valuable opportunity for students to encounter experiences which are not available to them in the classroom. They can enable students to develop initiative, resourcefulness and independence.

A visit to the Bahrain International Garden Show combines observation and interaction to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding, while developing new learning skills and interests across a wide range of topics under the umbrella of gardening and agriculture. However, it is essential that all such visits are carried out with the highest regard for the safety and welfare of the students taking part in them.

Guidelines have been developed to provide helpful and practical advice to interested schools in order to ensure proper organization of school visits. These guidelines are:

• School visits can only be arranged for __(day)__   ___(date)__ th  and __(day)__   ___(date)__ th of February 2010.
• Due to logistical constraints, a maximum of 20 schools per day can visit the exhibition.
• Each school is limited to 50 students maximum.
• Students must be accompanied by at least 4 adult supervisors.
• Visiting times for schools will be from 9 am to 12 pm.
• The Organizing Committee encourages supervising teachers to prepare activities for the students to conduct during their visit to the show in order for the students to gain the most out of their visit.

What are the dates and hours of the show?
February 25, 2010 is the Official Opening of the Show to be attended by invitation only. February 26-28, 2010 are the public show days open continuously from 10:00am to 9:00pm.

Where can I purchase entrance tickets and how much are they?
Entrance tickets are BD 0.500 each for a three-day pass to the show. The same ticket can be used more than once for the same person. Tickets are purchased at the main entrance of the Bahrain International Convention and Exhibition Center. Children below the age of 12 may enter the show free of charge.

What is the best way to get to the show?
Please click on Visitors, Directions to BIEC, in the above links for directions to the Bahrain International Exhibition Center where the show is being held. Transport by taxi can be arranged from all hotels and taxi stands in the Manama area.

Is the Garden Show only a trade show or is it open to the general public?
BIGS is an international exhibition open to both trade and the general public.

Are school visits allowed during show days?
Yes, schools are encouraged to bring their students to benefit from the world of knowledge demonstrated in our show. School visits must be scheduled ahead of time as the number of visiting schools and the number of students per school is limited. For more information click on Visitors, School Visits in the links shown above.

Are advance reservations or tickets available for the lectures?
Show lectures are free and are strictly on a first-come first-served basis. Many do fill quickly, so be prepared to arrive at least 30 minutes early for popular speakers. Be sure to check Lecture Schedules well in advance and plan ahead!

Are there any cafés or restaurants at the show?
There are two cafés offering a variety of snacks and refreshments for visitors and exhibitors.

How can I get more information about attending the show?
For more information about attending, exhibiting in a booth (educational or commercial), creating a garden, or participating in any other part of the show, contact a Garden Show representative at +973 17 877 999 or fax your inquiries to +973 17 877 998.

BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL GARDEN SHOW READIES FOR BIGGER REGIONAL AUDIENCE IN 2010

July 2009 - Preparations are underway for the 7th Bahrain International Garden Show which will be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain. The show is scheduled on February 25 to 28 at the Bahrain International Convention & Exhibition Center.

The Bahrain International Garden Show is a much awaited annual event showcasing the very latest in garden and landscaping technology, trends and equipment. It offers an excellent venue for exhibitors to promote their world-class products and services to a highly selective regional audience composed of VIPS, architects, consultants, developers, other industry professionals and the general public.

This year’s theme is entitled, "Seeds for Our Future", which will explore the theme of Food Security and Productivity and how both can be achieved through the application of modern technology in agricultural food production and the adaptation of national and regional policies which address related issues.

According to Her Highness Sheikha Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of the King of Bahrain, and the Honorary President of the show’s organizing committee, "It is our aim to make this show a national project that embraces every person who believes in its goals and benefits to the community. It has transcended the boundaries from being an annual event to becoming a means for positive change to spread awareness about our environment, educate the public and promote business and cultural exchange."

Adds Maram Isa Al-Khalifa, Head of the Organizing Committee of the show, "The 7th Bahrain International Garden Show serves as an eye-opener to the better life we can live and what each of us can do towards ensuring a better future for all."

The Bahrain International Garden Show signed a contract with the Albayan Media Group as the co-organizer for its 2010 show. Albayan Media Group will also be handling the marketing of the exhibition space and building stands as well as the public relations requirements.

Says Abdulhamid Al Asfoor, the Managing Director of Albayan Media Group, "This year, we will be expecting more participation from the business sector from various countries as the show paves the way to establish more business partnerships in the field."

The Bahrain International Garden Show enjoys widespread participation from various countries throughout the region. Last year alone, 21,900 visitors came to the event and this year the organizers are expecting a 50% increase in the regional audience.

Next year's show will be truly exceptional with a whole new presentation concept that will become the signature of the Bahrain International Garden Show for the years to come.