I could have taken a plane, I could have joined my friends (a group of 10), but I wanted to experience the trip, I wanted to do something that I havent done before. That was drive to Bahrain from Kuwait. I thought it would be fun, driving across the vast Saudi Arabian Landscape. And Im glad I did it, cause it was a thrilling ride. The fact that I drive a sports car, made it even more interesting. No I did’nt speed *laughs* I was going just as fast as the rest of the people on the road.

I started out from Kuwait around 6am, and reached sometime at 10:30am. On the way (it was daylight) I stopped on the side of the road a few times (natures call), dont drink Red Bull on a long road trip. Overall the feeling of driving through “no mans land” alone, with nothing but your trusty GPS pointing the way was really exciting. Though I must admit at times it was just plain scary, the stuff of modern horror movies.

So I’ve been told the golden rules of this trip are:

• NEVER EVER EVER STOP ANYWHERE IN SAUDI ARABIA
• Dont fuel up in Saudi Arabia either (apparently their fuel aint that great for our fuel filters)
• Always have 2 Mobiles, a GPS unit, and be aware of all things around you 100% of the time

I must say even though I did stop on the way there, I didnt dare stop on the way back. I would not risk stepping out at night in the middle of nowhere just to take a leak. The way back was a bit life threatening though, as 2 vehicles decided to go up against oncoming traffic at night to take a shortcut (”Geisterfahrer”). That was just an insane experience. Why on this earth would you head against a group of cars going at least 180km/h for a shortcut.

Im just happy the guy in front of me (Kuwaiti License plate) didnt freak out, he kept calm, kept his lane, and so did I. But as they passed us (on each side) I was thinking WTF???? Obviously the guy ahead of me, whom Ive been pacing the speed with wasnt too happy bout it either.

The strange thing is, the way back just never wanted to end, it felt twice as long of a trip. Eventually you start searching for Kuwaiti license plates, and when you see them, you breath a sigh of relief, as if they were your last link to home, to Kuwait. Ive never missed Kuwait so much ever before, I was so happy when I reached Khafji. Happy to be back at home, my beloved Kuwait. (This last line almost brought tears to my eyes)

Copies of the following:

• Passport
• Civil ID
• Highschool Transcript / Diploma
  • Has to be approved (mu3adel) by Kuwait MOE if you graduated from a private school
• 4 x pictures
• Filled out application form
• Application Fee: KD 23

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Gulf University Specifics

Testing Fees: KD 75 (depending on what tests you take)

They charge KD 210 / per course
Every Course is 3 credits

During Kuwaits Educare exhibition at Mishref Grounds, I had the chance to check out both Ahlia University (A) and Gulf University of Bahrain (GUB). Personally, contrary to what everyone else says I think both are equally fine choices if you want to continue your eduction on the weekend.

Ahlia have rented an entire floor in a shopping mall named “Gosi Complex” located in the Diplomatic Area in Bahrain, Gulf University is located in “Adiliya”.

Long Story Short Review:

Ahlia University
http://ahliauniversity.edu.bh/

Pros:

• Located in a mall (this will redefine the ter: “Mall Rat”)
• Its very easy and cheap to fine a room in a hotel right across the street (USD 124 for 2 nights)
• Since the university is located in a mall, you can expect a decent clean environment
• Well established faculty with good credentials
• Well designed courses

Cons:

• The Diplomatic Area is practically a red light district
• Up to 5 different clubs can be found in any hotel (Good luck getting some sleep)
• You should budget for 5 gallons of Detol, youll need it to sanitize your room
• Masters Degree :: No online application
• Limited Program/Majors/Master
• The registration team were not well co-ordinated, and in some cases mis informed.

Gulf University of Bahrain
http://www.gulfuniversity.net/

Pros

• Very Affordable
• Located in a respectable residential area (no clubs, no …)
• Registration Staff were extremely helpful and friendly
• Application process is simple
• A wide variety of degrees available
• You can attend once a week (Sat or Thursday) - Once a month for 3 days (Thursday -> Sat.) Or combine both. In addition to that you can change your timing at any time with the Deans approval.

Cons

• Challenging to find an apartment within the vicinity
• You can certainly rule out the possibility of living right across the street
• Most of the rooms were labeled only in Arabic
• Campus rules and regulations were posted in Arabic
• Testing fees are a bit high (KD 75)

I’ve heard a lot of negative talk about the Gulf University of Bahrain, especially in comparison to Ahlia. I must say though, its all talk, no substance. Of course it might be too early to give a valid opinion since I havent started yet. But my 1st impression was certainly a good one.

On to Bahrain, I must say that my only regret of visiting Bahrain, was that I could not find a “I love Bahrain” bumper sticker. The country is awesome, but what makes it so great is not what most of you had in mind. I love Bahrain for its people. I have never seen an Arab country with such friendly, helpful locals.

I hung out at the local malls for a while, and noticed that Bahrain was truly a “cultural melting pot” people of all sorts of races, backgrounds, education everywhere. But I what I noticed more than anything else, was that most everyone walked around in full confidence and peace. The general atmosphere was very soothing and calm. With the minor exceptions of some expats that were not so well behaved (we all know who those are).

I believe Bahrain has a lot to be proud of. And I hope that their nation keeps on developing as it has in the past.