The tiny Arab island nation of Bahrain is getting connected to the rest of the world. The nation is collaborating with Qatar to build a Friendship Bridge that will be 45 kilometers (28 mi) long. The link is expected to consist of a number of bridges combined with roads constructed on dams and will be a natural extension of the King Fahd Causeway that connects Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, thus linking the entire region.

It is no surprise that Bahrain is part of this type of project. The country is one of the most open in the Arab world and it has been since ancient times. There are some who even believe that it was the site of the Biblical Garden of Eden.

Today it has the fastest growing and most open economy in the Arab world. With multinational companies galore located there and travelers from throughout the Gulf region flocking there to enjoy its shopping, music and relaxed atmosphere, Bahrain is a country that will be both familiar and foreign when you visit.

Getting to Bahrain is never an extraordinarily cheap thing, but British Airways will [1] fly you to Bahrain from London for around £400. Keep an eye out for Michael Jackson if you do go there. The reclusive singer has chosen Bahrain to be his home.