The Gulf Tourism Directory Issue No. 1

Original colour illustrated glossy wraps 21x30cm. Layout and design by Promoseven, Bahrain. 96pp stylishly illustrated with photos and maps in glossy colour throughout, with several related adverts. Wraps near fine with tiny abrasion to the spine head, interiors fine. The first and possibly only issue, this appears to be extremely rare, unrecorded on Worldcat and Library Hub, with no subsequent issues or other references found. It is undated, but gives exchange rates for July 1988. Bahrain launched its Supreme Council for Tourism in 1985/86 to regulate its tourism sector. Sheikh Rashid Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, a member of the ruling family and a renowned artist, became Undersecretary for Tourism and Archaeology within the Ministry of Culture, a post he held until 2011. Bahrain launched its own detailed Tourism Directory in October 1988. This work was however published in his own name, and opens with his welcome address to visitors to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The GCC had been formed in 1981 in response to regional political and security concerns including the Iranian Revolution (1978-79) and the ensuing Iran-Iraq War (1980 to August 1988). Early GCC tourism initiatives focused on joint infrastructure and transport arrangements. The timing of this work, apparently prepared around the time of the ceasefire as suggested by the exchange rate data, anticipates a period of peace on which to build further cooperation. Opening sections are dedicated to the Gulf's culture, heritage and economy including traditional dress, pearl diving, boat building, architecture, falconry, and horsemanship. There is also a section on oil. The rest are dedicated to each of the six GCC member states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE. Each country directory contains a map, general information, government, embassies and consulates, airlines, hotels, transport, restaurants, etc.…