Since its early history Bahrain has been an important trading center and it continued as a specialize center for transportation and shipment. Today with the modern infrastructure and latest development in Khalifa bin Salamn port, as one of the most modern ports in the Arabian Gulf, will further develop many industries, including the cruise tourism industry.

As a tourist destination, Bahrain receives over eight million visitors per annum[citation needed]. Most of these are from the surrounding Arab states although an increasing number hail from outside the region due to growing awareness of the kingdom's heritage and its higher profile as a result of the Bahrain International F1 Circuit. The Lonely Planet Guide describes Bahrain as "an excellent introduction to the Persian Gulf", because of its authentic Arab heritage and reputation as a liberal and modern country. The kingdom is also home to the popular tourist attraction, the Bahrain City Center.