Visitors to Bahrain this March will be able to sample the delights of the nation's first Spring of Culture festival - an exciting programme of passionate dance, intense music, inspiring poetry, engaging art exhibitions and debate. This month-long cultural festival links the world to Bahrain's rich and diverse cultural heritage and archaeological sites, with venues including the Cultural Hall of the Bahrain National Museum and historic Arad Fort plus others across Manama, Bahrain's capital. The programme spans from 1-29 March 2006.

Visitors in Bahrain for first Formula One race of the season, the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix (March 10-12), will be able to catch some of the festival's highlights including The Fire of Anatolia on Thursday, 9 March, a 75-strong Turkish dance company performing in the historic setting of the 16th century Arad Fort; and Tango Flamenco - a performance melding the passion of the Argentine Tango with the soul of Spanish Flamenco (Arad Fort, Friday, 8 March).

Spring of Culture also boasts performances from Tunisian diva Sonia Mbarak, known as the Voice of the Mediterranean (Thursday 2 March), legendary Arab poet Mahmoud Darwish (Wednesday 8 March) and the Lebanese Puppet Theatre (Thursday 16 March), all in the Cultural Hall at the Bahrain National Museum. A further 19 events covering art, calligraphy, debate, theatre and numerous musical forms are also scheduled.

The programme is being staged by the country's Economic Development Board in collaboration with its national partners, the Culture and National Heritage Department and Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Mohammad Al-Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research.

Events at the Bahrain National Museum, Arts Centre Bahrain and most other venues are free. Concerts at Arad Fort are for ticket holders only; tickets are priced at BD7, BD15 and BD20 (approx �10, �22 and �30).

For more information visit springofculture.org Gulf Air, the award winning national carrier of Bahrain offers twice daily non-stop flights to Bahrain from London Heathrow. Return economy fares from London Heathrow to Bahrain start from just �412 including tax. For further information visit gulfairco.com or call 0870 777 1717.

About Gulf Air Founded in 1950, Gulf Air, owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the Middle East region. The regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central to defining its brand and service ethos. Today the airline's network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 50 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft and has the distinct advantage of possessing the strongest network across the Middle East. A platform for sustained commercial operation has been established over the past three years as part of a multi-phased turnaround programme. It has also provided a framework for a succession of innovative products and services including the unique Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies that form part of Gulf Air's 'smart airline, successful business' vision. International recognition has been achieved as a result of the turnaround programme leading to numerous awards for the airline's innovative and high quality products and services:

These include: � Best Onboard Catering in First and Business Class (Skytrax World Airline Catering Awards 2005) � Best designed in-flight magazine (American Creativity Awards,2005) � Middle East Leading First Class Airline (World Travel Awards 2005) � World's Leading Airport Lounge (World Travel Awards 2005) � Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline (MENA Travel Awards 2004 � Most Improved Airline (Skytrax Awards 2004) � Middle East First Class Airline (Arabian Business Awards) � Best new product launch for in-flight services (PAX international Readership Awards) � Best First Class Onboard Food (Skytrax Food Category 2004) � Best Business Class Check-in (Skytrax Check-in Category 2004) � Middle East region's best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain International Airport lounge (PAX International Readership Awards 2005) Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2006 About the EDB The Economic Development Board is responsible for the future economic strategy of Bahrain and for creating the right climate to attract foreign direct investment into the Kingdom. It is an autonomous government agency chaired by His Highness the Crown Prince, Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa. It is the first port of call for inward investors. The EDB provides a one-stop service for those looking to invest in business in Bahrain, liaising with Ministries and other Government departments to ensure a smooth and successful entry. bahraindb.com For further information please contact Gulf Air Press Office, +44 (0)870 420 3262, Fax: +44 (0)870 420 3252 or e-mail: gulfair@fourcommunications.com