Bahrain Grand Prix

The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is arguably the biggest sporting occasion in the Middle East.

In just four years the Kingdom of Bahrain has blazed a trail for the Formula One in the Gulf region by creating an award-winning event, developing a huge fan base and becoming one of only a handful of Grand Prix around the world to be played out to a capacity crowd.

The event has grown in popularity since its debut four years ago and every year continues to get bigger and better - and 2008 is no exception. With a total capacity of 50,000 spectators, and a main grandstand for 10,500 of those, the Bahrain International Circuit boasts state-of-the-art facilities to cater to any motorsport activity.

The two-storey main grandstand complex provides astounding views of the cars as they roar in for their pit stops, as well as views of the desert track and the pit straight down towards the start/finish line.

After the drivers go head-to-head on the track, guests will be able to meet their heroes during the official autograph signing.

In between races and autographs fans will be able to relax to the sound of live music and a chill out area with refreshments and the age-old Arabic tradition of shisha.

Off track

The Kingdom of Bahrain is made up of a group of 40 islands which rests midway between the Qatar peninsula and Saudi Arabia.

Bahrain itself is an Arabic word meaning 'Two Seas', referring to the island's two sources of water, sweet water springs and salty water.

The kingdom is known as the ‘home of motorsports in the Middle East' in reference to it being host to the F1 Grand Prix every year since 2004.

But if you're visiting in Bahrain for the Grand Prix this is a desert delight well worth exploring.

Visit one of the kingdom's 4,000-year old temples and sample some of Bahrain's ancient history.

The country also boasts a vibrant nightlife and has a plethora of restaurants in the famed 'restaurant row', to tantalise your tastebuds.

If you've had enough of high-speeds and luxury living, get back to nature and head to one of Bahrain's stunning beaches on the coastline around the Arabian Gulf.

The crystal-blue waters are inviting for snorkeling and scuba-diving and if you take a splash under the water you'll be sure to see some of the most spectacular scenery on earth.

If you still haven't had enough sport Bahrain takes pride in its immaculate, international 18-hole grass golf course. The lush green oasis looms just 15 minutes from the capital of Manama.

The par 72 championship course features five lakes and is landscaped with hundreds of date palms and desert rough.

Formula fun
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