The sun sets over Manama,
the capital of Bahrain. Like every weekend, thousands of young Saudis
invade the city. They come here looking for this
which is banned in their country. In the trendy Adliya district,
a succession of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs where alcohol
is over the counter. The city has been the place for more than 30 years
meeting place for Saudi youth. This is thanks to this gigantic bridge which connects
Saudi Arabia in Bahrain since 1986. This bridge, the Saudis are crossing it
by the thousands every weekend. The Bahrainis have since renamed it
with humor: The Johnnie Walker Bridge. The island is home to 8 million
Saudi tourists every year. Among the fashionable places, the
the most exclusive restaurant in the neighborhood, the Mahonia. The owner of the place is called Sawsan. He is a figure of the Bahraini nightlife. - This is my home, this is a place for
that people come and have a good time, that they enjoy and feel good. Sawsan has 3 others
establishments in the city, but this one is the most exclusive. Only 7 tables which cannot accommodate
only around twenty privileged people each evening. - This is the kind of restaurant where
I used to go to Europe. When I opened mine I said
that I was going to bring in all these chefs incredible in Bahrain,
to cook for us. This evening she invited a young
38-year-old French chef, Julien Royer, who runs a restaurant
3 stars in Singapore. To surprise your guests,
the chef has prepared a dish, made from an Asian citrus fruit
little known, Combava. - Here are the two ingredients
main ones that I use for this dish. It's the fruit of the tree
and that is the leaf of the tree. Julien had never
set foot in Bahrain. He is surprised by the special atmosphere
which reigns in this Gulf country. - Surprising, I didn't expect that. It's a place with no
ache for freedom ultimately. We, from an outside perspective,
we don't have that vision. Yesterday we went drinking
a drink in a restaurant-bar, where people party,
people drink alcohol, it could very well
be in Paris or London. Exceptional cuisine, prestigious clients. This evening, Julien receives one
of the 7 sons of the King of Bahrain. Little increase in stress for Julien. This is Prince Khalifa
bin Hamad al Khalifa. - Nice to meet you.
Thank you for being with us. - Thank you for being here. - It's a pleasure.
- I hope dinner will be good. Every time we talk about gastronomy, the first reference,
it’s French cuisine. I often come to France.
It's always a pleasure to go there. In the room, men
in traditional costume, but also women,
dressed in Western style. Alcohol is on the menu, but it
is not served at the royal table. Julien has concocted a 10-course menu. It looks amazing. A gamble a priori successful for the young chef, whose creations are immediately
immortalized by the prince. But to attract rich Saudis, Sawsan doesn't just invite chefs
prestigious, as a savvy businesswoman. She also opened a box
very chic night dress, L’iris, on the roof of the restaurant. We follow Saïf, the master
of a Franco-Moroccan hotel, delighted with his experience in Bahrain. - We call it little Ibiza.
Middle East version. It's Thursday, the weekend begins. There are over 300 people here. It's the most upscale place. Here, 80% of the customers
comes from Saudi Arabia. Girls in sexy outfits. Alcohol, dancing, flirting. In Bahrain, the time of a
weekend, young Saudis, escape the rigor of
Islamic laws of their country. It is the smallest state in the Gulf
Persian, but also the most astonishing. Located between Saudi Arabia
and Iran, right next to Qatar, Bahrain is an island of
only 760 kilometers². An island renowned for its tolerance
and his open-mindedness, rather surprising in
this region of the world. Women have officially
the same rights as men. They can vote and
even file for divorce. And if Islam is the state religion,
the practice of other religions, is authorized there. A first Christian basilica
has even just been inaugurated there. It is also in Bahrain that one of the
last Jewish communities in the Gulf. Abraham is 61 years old. He decided to reopen the old
synagogue of the capital, closed for over 75 years. - This is the first office since 1947. But behind this idyllic picture
there lies a darker reality. The majority population
Shiite, close to Iran, is ruled with an iron fist
by King Hamad al Khalifa. A Sunni close to Saudi Arabia,
whose dynasty controls the country for over 200 years. During the Arab Spring in 2011, peaceful Shiite protests
had been repressed in blood, causing more than 50 deaths. And today all the main
Shiite opponents are in exile or in prison. - He always fought for
defend human rights. He was arrested in December 2014 and
Since then, he has remained in prison. Since 1932, oil exploitation
had made the kingdom rich, and even allowed some
to amass real fortunes. But today, reserves are running out. So the Kingdom launched into real estate. An incredible construction program
towers and creation of artificial islands. Real estate developer, Mohamed
Coegit dreams of competing with Dubai. - It's an incredible feeling
to see the Bahrain skyline from here, and to have this extraordinary view
on the sea and its reflections. A modernity that is not appreciated
not all Bahrainis. Mohamed is one of the most
talented falconers of the country. And at 30, he fights to preserve
Bedouin traditions. - We were born like that. We don't like modern things
not particularly that. At the heart of geopolitical tensions
and nuns from the Gulf, immersion in the kingdom that
escapes all clichés. 20 minutes from downtown Manama. Saar, one of the residential districts
the most exclusive on the island. Behind these high walls, An oasis of tranquility. A Californian style house
of more than 1,000 square meters. This is where he lives with his family
Sawsan, the Bahraini queen of the night. Heir to a family that
made his fortune in oil, the business manager collects
contemporary artists from around the world, and she doesn't hesitate sometimes
to pick up the brush herself. - What's written? - When I'm nice, I'm great. When I'm not wise,
I'm even better. A provocative credo which well sums up the
personality of this businesswoman, who knew how to impose himself in a universe which
seemed totally forbidden to women. His favorite piece is
in the basement of the house. - This room is my relaxation space. And most of these books
are cookbooks. One of my favorite chefs,
It’s Joël Robuchon. I loved his dishes,
the way he cooked. I have a lot of respect
for Bocuse, but I love Robuchon. Fan of France and its gastronomy,
Sawsan is on the other hand, a little more reserved about the French. - They complain about everything
time, they quibble, I don't like it, it's too hot. It's too cold, it's raining. But I still like working with them. Sawsan has been married for over 30 years. - This is my husband. Jalal. - How did you meet each-other ?
- By chance. My father had a furniture store. She came in one day
and as soon as I saw him, I told myself this is the woman I'm going to
marry. I swear, it's not a joke. The couple has 2 children. Abdullah, 31, and a 32-year-old daughter. Everyone lives under the same roof. - My son lives at the bottom of the garden.
- My son and my daughter of course. And my daughter lives upstairs. We're all in the same house.
- Is it traditional? - Yes, they will not leave
the house before their marriage. - I want them to get married, but
that they stay with me afterwards. I don't think they'll want to. - If we can, we will buy the land
right next door and we will build a house. - Put a small window through which
I could watch them. According to them, Bahrain is a victim of
clichés that stick to the Gulf countries. Like that day when they invited
a couple of French friends. They invited him and his wife to come
in Bahrain, but his wife refused to come, because she was afraid. - But afraid of what? - Fear of what the media says
on golf, or on the Arabs. But when he came with his son... - He said: "You are all the time
smiling. We were wrong." Proud of his country, Jalal
even got his flag tattooed. - Are tattoos traditional here?
- No, this is totally unacceptable. The couple has around ten cats. But to protect their property,
they count on Peanut and Erling, their 2 mastiffs, which climb
guards her day and night. They each have an assigned trainer,
and to keep them in shape, every morning, they chain together
laps in the family pool. The couple's cars are in the image,
of the success of this businesswoman. A Porsche 911 and
a Bentley Continental GT. - I love Bentleys. It's very easy
to drive, especially with my driving. My husband gave it to me. After 33 years of marriage. The couple manages together
3 restaurants, a nightclub, but also a cleaning company
and a beauty salon. In all, 150 employees,
including Aïcha, their daughter. She takes care of relationships
public for 2 years. - It's the love of my life.
- Is this a family affair? - Yes, you work with
your brother and your parents. - She's the boss, the real boss. - Do you all live together?
- Yes. - You will leave the house
after your marriage? - Yes. I'm free, but I'd like when
even have my personal space. At Sawsan, we don't joke
never with cooking. Every evening, its employees prepare
ten dishes for the family, and for passing friends. Sawsan embodies the wealthy elite
and progressive of the kingdom. But its success is also revealing of
the evolution of women's rights in Bahrain. On the streets of Bahrain, most
The women we meet are nevertheless veiled. But the veil is not obligatory,
unlike many neighboring countries. Here, women have the right to
drive, open a bank account, but also to vote or
to file for divorce. Since 2002, the new
constitution of the kingdom, officially recognizes gender equality. But behind this facade
very progressive and modernist, there is a Bahrain
much more traditional, which escapes Western influences. Desert makes up 92% of the kingdom. The temperatures there are close
often 50 degrees. And yet, this is the ground
Mohamed's favorite game. This is where he trains his falcons.
It’s his job and his passion. He devoted his whole life to it, and
30 years old, he is still single. - You don't have time for a woman?
- I'll give myself time later. First, it's family,
secondly the hawks. But hawks are in my blood. Of modest origin, Mohamed has today become one
from the most renowned breeders in the country. A profession that he practices with his family. Every day, in winter, he joins in
the desert his brothers and his cousins. Here falconry is a passion
which is transmitted from a very young age. To transport these birds of prey
in the best conditions, Mohamed fitted out this van. Some of these
falcons can be worth up to €15,000. So he pampers them. Mohamed owns 90 competition falcons. They are real athletes,
which must be trained regularly. For this, he uses
this radio-controlled plane, to which he hangs a pigeon carcass. The plane flies at 70 kilometers per hour.
In a few seconds, the raptor catches up with him. Normally, its top speed
can exceed 300 kilometers per hour. The peregrine falcon is the animal
the fastest in the world. After only a few minutes of flight,
the plane drops the pigeon. - It's a good time to give it to him. As a reward for his efforts, the falcon
has the right to devour the carcass. The training will last 2 hours. For his next competitions,
Mohamed bets on his favorite falcon. Baroude. - It's like my pet
company, but a little special. This one is new. I bought it a month ago,
he does a really good job. He is very strong. In 5 days will open in Bahrain,
an international championship, who will unite the falcons
the fastest in the Gulf. Mohamed hopes to appear there
in the top 10. Like many Gulf countries, Bahrain built its wealth
on its oil fields. But today, reserves are running out. The country must find new
resources and reinvent yourself. Like Dubai, a frenzy
real estate has taken over the island. Every year, dozens of
residential towers rising from the ground. In fifteen years, the population
of the kingdom has almost doubled. Going from 900,000 inhabitants in
2005 to 1,700,000 today. Among the main promoters
real estate, the Kooheji company. At its head, Mohammed Al Kooheji,
the son of the founder. After obtaining an engineering degree
under construction in the United States, and followed management studies
at Harvard, he took over the family business. The secret of his success? Build huge towers
in record times. - We are looking for projects
which are done in 2 years. Yesterday we started with
field studies. We will have building permits
in a few weeks, and if all goes well, in 6 weeks,
we begin the foundations. Construction and delivery times
unimaginable in Europe for buildings of this scale like the Onyx Tower. 200 meters high, 45 floors, 700 luxury apartments, all already sold. But Mohamed wanted
show us his jewel. On the 43rd level, a 300 meter² penthouse
under construction with exceptional views. The price ? Almost 2 million euros. - It's an incredible feeling
to see the Bahrain skyline from here. To have this extraordinary view
on the sea. All these reflections on the water, it inspires me a lot
for my future projects. The particularity of this building is
to be built on an artificial island, just opposite the capital. Bahrain was inspired
of Dubai and, for 30 years, set off on a forced march
in the creation of these islands. Everywhere, the earth wins
land on the sea. One of the greatest achievements
spectacular is located in the south of the country. Here is Doura al Baheïn and its 15 islands
in the shape of fish and shells, very inspired by the islands
artificial plants of Dubai. In all 1,200 villas. Ultra-secure residences
with swimming pool and private beach, on which the rich
residents of Bahrain, come to rest every
weekend, far from view, and the hustle and bustle of Manama nights. In 30 years, the country has increased
its surface area by almost 13%. Every month, new
buildings are rising from the ground. Today is the inauguration
of these 2 twin towers, containing 850 apartments
of high standing. Staff are under pressure because
the Minister of Housing in person, came to celebrate the event. Proof that the situation of the real estate market,
is closely monitored by the country's authorities. On the program, visit to a show apartment. - Look, we can see the new airport from here. For this apartment of 100
meters² fully furnished, count €180,000. With breathtaking sea views. It's about 2 to 3 times
cheaper than in Dubai. Bahrain thus hopes to attract
investors from all over the world. The minister is also taking advantage of our
camera to get the message across. - You speak French ?
- So so. The laws in Bahrain are really favorable
to people who want to invest. The country is open to
investors from around the world. You are welcome here. If you are French,
come buy an apartment, and you will own it completely. The minister knows that he must
promote his kingdom, because Bahrain is still far away
to have the reputation of Dubai. Today, after oil,
so it's real estate, who is at the origin of the
fortune of some Bahrainis. This morning, Nabil Nooruddeen
had his favorite car prepared, a 1982 Lamborghini Countach. - I drive this car without shoes.
The pedals are too close together. A little gem at €500,000 that Nabil
hesitates to go out on the streets of Manama. - It's stressful, you know,
the car is old, visibility is not very good,
and since it's a collector's car which does not go unnoticed, there is
lots of people who want to film it, when I drive it and it scares me.
I must have cameras behind my head, to see what is happening. I grew up idealizing this
car, I fell in love with her, and I always
says that one day I will have one. Nabil is the heir to a rich dynasty.
He is close to the royal family. - We're heading towards Barren Bay now.
It's a beautiful place. He grew his fortune thanks to
to its real estate investments. And over the years, he
accumulated in his garage, this unique collection of sports cars. 57 more prestigious vehicles
as each other. Porsches. Lamborghinis, and Ferraris. Lots of Ferraris. Like this limited series Monza SP2 of which
each model is now worth €2,500,000. His latest fad is sports cars
British brand of the famous McLaren brand, which became the property
from Bahrain for 4 years. - It's a special car from McLaren. I was able to personalize it
with this unique color. It is also the only
in the world of this color. It's a 3 seater car,
but I will show you. For me, this car is
art. The driver is in the middle. You can drive it to the Middle East,
in the United States or England. You no longer have to worry about
steering wheel on the right or left. There are only about a hundred in the world. Value 4 million euros. And to maintain these cars,
Nabil hired 4 full-time employees. - I can't bear to come in here and
find dust on my cars, it annoys me.
So every day. Illustrate the cars with a little
water and wax. I really take care of it. Nabil's collection is today
estimated at more than €30 million. One of the surprising aspects
of the Kingdom of Bahrain, is its policy of tolerance
rather unusual nun, in this region of the world. In Manama, there are 19 churches
Christian for almost all religions, from Anglicans to Orthodox,
from Catholics to Evangelists, churches intended for
Christian immigrant workers, mostly came
from the Philippines, India and Pakistan. The country also has the first
basilica of the Notre-Dame d'Espagne region. A gigantic building built
on land given by the king, and which can accommodate more than 2,300 faithful. The basilica was inaugurated
in December 2021, by the king's second son
in person, Abdullah Al-khalifa. It is estimated that there are currently
80,000 Catholics in Bahrain. But the most surprising
in this region of the Gulf, it is the peaceful relationship that maintains
the kingdom with the Jewish community. Check out these images shot in 2016. We see members of the government
Bahraini dancing with Jews, on the holiday of Hanukkah, the Jewish Christmas. These images caused a scandal
in many Arab countries. But what few people know,
is that there is a Jewish community, installed for centuries in Bahrain,
one of the last in the Gulf. We are in the souk, the market
traditional, the historic heart of Manama. Abraham knows the souk like the back of his hand. - This is the best place. It's here
that we have to come, look at that. It's called Ziggurat. When I was a child,
we came here all the time to eat it. I have nostalgia for that time.
It's a beautiful place. We call it an anti-stress rosary. It's fantastic for impatience
when you count the marbles, it is also a religious object.
The Jews of Iraq used it all the time. Abraham Nanny is Jewish.
He was born in Bahrain 61 years ago, and he has always lived there. He is the descendant of family
arrival from Iraq in the 19th century. Today he is preparing
to experience a historic day. Here, in the heart of the souk. The old synagogue will reopen after
having been closed for more than 75 years. Heidi, Abraham's wife and his sister Yaël, put the last touches
to the decoration of the synagogue. - Our community is really very small.
We are talking about 50 to 60 people maximum. While in 1935 there was
a community of 800 Jews here. Only after creation
of the State of Israel in 1948, that the Jews decided to leave,
because they began to be afraid. And for good reason, Bahrainis
had then destroyed the synagogue. For Abraham, this day
is extremely symbolic. - This is the first office since 1947. Even if he is not a rabbi. Abraham will ensure Min'ha,
afternoon prayer. In the room, the faithful are counted
on the fingers of one hand, but everyone knows that they
live a rare moment. A small revolution linked to an event
policy that occurred 2 years earlier. In 2020, the Abraham Accords. Under the aegis of the president
American Donald Trump, Israel, Bahrain and
the United Arab Emirates, signed a peace treaty,
thus opening a new era of cooperation between
these countries which have long been enemies. In the souk, next to the synagogue,
Abraham's wife and his sister Yael, decided to open a souvenir shop
intended for future Jewish tourists, who would come to Bahrain. Objects that combine Jewish symbols
and Arabic Star of David and Hand of Fatma. - The yarmulkes are really very nice. It's the first time that
Bahraini kippahs are made. The Jewish community feels revived
after years of secrecy. - I have always been very
proud of my heritage. Now we can claim it
thanks to the Abrahamic agreements. People are finally realizing that Jews
will stay here forever and that, like everywhere else,
we have the right to be here. A few days later, a first
Israeli tourist arrives. He's a businessman. Passing through
Bahrain, he asked to visit the synagogue. He was able to come thanks to the brand new
air connection between Israel and Manama. - We start with our property deed,
that of the synagogue grounds. It was signed in 1930. - I live in Israel. Being able to come here to Arab lands
as Israelis and Jews, this is a first step
to overcome drama, that there may have been in the past. It's an incredible experience to be there,
as a Jew and an Israeli. To mark the occasion, the businessman came up with
ritual objects of Jewish prayer, his kippah of course, but also
the tefillin that we tie on the left arm, and on the forehead to mark his
attachment to the Jewish faith. The day before, the businessman played
to the tourist in the streets of Bahrain. - I felt like I was being transported
in the shoes of another man. This is how we learn to create
bonds between men to build peace. It was truly a remarkable experience. But if Jews benefit from a
great tolerance on the part of the regime, it is not the same for another
religion which is the majority in the country. In Bahrain, they have their
own neighborhoods and their mosque. The Shiites are the current of Islam
close to Iran which has always opposed to Sunni Islam represented
by Saudi Arabia, great ally of Bahrain. They represent between
60 and 70% of Bahrainis. The power, however, is between
the hands of the Sunni minority, represented by King Hamad al Khalifa. The Shiites form the most
popular and poorest people of Bahrain, and many functions
official visits are prohibited to them. During the Arab Spring in 2011, thousands of Shiites have
invaded the streets of the capital, to demand more democracy. The demonstrations were peaceful,
but the repression was severe. The always ally, Saudi Arabia,
sent his army and his tanks. No way for her to let him
Bahrain come under the influence of Iran. The repression made
around fifty deaths. The main Shiite leaders have
been forced into exile or imprisoned. Among them, Sheikh
Ali Salman, a cleric, who headed the principal
Shiite opposition party. Arrested by the authorities,
he was sentenced to life in prison. His wife agreed to speak to us, but
face hidden for religious reasons. And in this curious setting,
which she directed herself. - He was arrested in December 2014 and
Since then, he has remained in prison. He takes revenge on him, because
of his words, his positions, and its political demands. He led peaceful actions
to achieve equality among citizens, for their rights, their duties. He opposed any discrimination
based on religion. The couple has 2 children,
2 girls aged 14 and 7. - We pay a high price, but we endure. His absence, this separation
and this suffering for our country. We want our homeland to become
a democratic and free country, where the people can enjoy
of their rights in complete safety. Other activists have chosen exile. It was in London that Seyyed
Al Wadi found refuge. He obtained political exile,
after the protests of 2011. This morning he is organizing a conference
press conference in front of his country's embassy. He created an NGO to defend
political prisoners in Bahrain. - Our problem is with
these people, with this embassy. They are the ones who put people in prison. It is
the Bahraini government which imprisons, who tortures and who sentences to death. All these people should not
not be in prison. We are here to say that we will not let
we won't let this pass and we won't keep quiet. He was stripped of his nationality
and can no longer return to Bahrain. We showed him pictures
tours in Shiite neighborhoods. - There is a policy of
permanent discrimination. Shiites are citizens of
second and even third zone. They are discriminated against for work, and in many other aspects of their lives. One of the best illustrations
of this situation, it's the poverty of certain neighborhoods,
and some Shiite villages. They live in disastrous conditions.
They are poor, really very poor. While in the same place, in Bahrain,
we see luxurious neighborhoods. And that's all about it
that the government communicates. Sayyed thinks that the monarchy cannot
can't last like that indefinitely. - The government responded to our
legitimate demands by arms, by bloody repression, by torture. This is the strategy of fear. But that won't last forever. In Bahrain, the roots of
the revolt is still there, and represent a threat to
the king and the Al-khalifa dynasty. Even among Sunnis, Bahrain does not always have a good reputation. For fundamentalist Muslims
or simply traditionalists, the kingdom is seen as a place of perdition. This policy of tolerance is at issue
towards bars and alcohol. - We come from Eastern Saudi Arabia. It takes 1 hour to come
by car or motorbike. All Saudis love to come here just
to walk around and enjoy the good weather. With these 25 degrees in the evening, the temperature
of Bahrain is certainly pleasant, but in reality, what the Saudis
obviously come looking here, it's parties and alcohol
completely banned in their country. In Manama, there are around twenty
nightclubs with sometimes exotic names, like here El Chapo, allusion to one of the
largest Mexican drug traffickers. Or even Escobar, the manager of the place,
it's the man in the white shirt. Leo, a 32-year-old Greek who works
in the kingdom for 4 months. - This is the main area
to get alcohol in Bahrain. In these 2 streets, it is authorized
to serve alcohol. So here is the area
the most touristy in the country. Every weekend, his club is full. - Why are you refusing this client? - Because the bar is full. Onne
can no longer accept anyone now, and all tables are reserved. All the
Saudis are arriving here for the weekend, so there are a lot of people at the beginning
evening. Later it will be better. Inside, music and international DJs. And at the bar all the alcohols on the menu for
a clientele who will spend lavishly. Saudi men and women came
go wild for a weekend. Léo has also planned activities
unimaginable in Saudi Arabia, like this fire-eater in a sexy outfit. Rania chose to settle in Bahrain. She is Slovak and French-speaking. - I have lived in 7 different countries, I feel very good here. - Many Saudis come here? - Yes, it's a big part of
the country's economy is the Saudis. For Léo, the VIP square is the place
business strategy. Here, tables charge a fee. To be able to sit down, you have to commit
to pay a minimum of consumption. - Can we stay on this table?
- Yes, but buy a few bottles. For a table of 5 people, customers
commit to spending at least 800 euros. - We will have to pay the same thing
here than at the other table? - If you want to stay here, it's €1000. Young Saudis do in Bahrain
what would be punished at home, less than 30 kilometers from here. And many are not
not very comfortable with our camera. Few people agree to talk to us. - I come from Saudi Arabia.
- But from where in Saudi Arabia? - Is he filming me for my family?
- It's for French TV. - Why am I here tonight?
To have a good time. Do you see how my friend is going?
It's because there is a camera, and he doesn't want his family
know, that he drinks alcohol. That's the only reason why
people don't want to be filmed. They want to let go, without their family
be aware, it's really hypocritical. In Bahrain, it's not just the Saudis
who meet up. There are also Kuwaitis, Emiratis, but also expatriates
who live in the Gulf. - Where are you from ?
- We come from Germany. - Do you live here?
- No, we live in Saudi Arabia. -And why are you coming here this evening? - To drink a few
drinks and partying. Bahrain is known to be less
strict and also for alcohol. There are more parties
here and less stress. For several years, the Saudi power
let go of his youth a little, it is Bahrain which benefits. - They just want to have fun
when they travel, spend their money and enjoy it.
It's the same all over the world. In the end you just wanna do
party and be treated well. That's what they're looking for. They are not
no different from Europeans or others. In Manama, clubs close at 2 a.m. But for those who would like
prolong the drunkenness, there is another way
to obtain alcohol. In a remote street, an anonymous facade,
without any window or indication. It's a liquor store. There are 4 in the city. But even here in Bahrain,
the subject remains sensitive. So we shoot with a discreet camera. Inside, we find everything from
champagne, a wide choice of beers, but also strong alcohols. Apart from nightclubs and hotels, these are the only places
where alcohol is freely available. - We would like French wine.
- Red, white? To be able to buy alcohol,
you simply have to be 18 years old, and be dressed in Western style. - As long as you don't drink
not in the street, it's ok, because otherwise the police will arrest you. - What do people buy the most? - Saudis love it
vodka, vodka and whiskey. They are not interested in wine. On the shelves, the bottle
of Côtes du Rhône costs €57. It's four times its price in France. The government of Bahrain has indeed
decided to tax alcohol to the maximum. According to a World Bank study, this is the country where alcohol
is the most expensive in the world. 40 kilometers from the
capital, in the middle of the desert, A huge air-conditioned tent. Inside, a hundred falcons and
their trainers are getting ready to argue, the biggest competition of the year, the one who will designate the raptor
the fastest of the season. A consecration for its owner. The breeders come
throughout the Persian Gulf. The event is broadcast by
Bahrain national television. And it is commented live by
specialized sports journalists. For Mohamed, it is the day of truth. - I have 2 hawks who are in the final.
These are my 2 strongest, so, we hope to make a
good result today. In the room, in the front rows, a
young prince, member of the royal family. - It's part of our culture. It's a
of the most important sports for us. It's very traditional
as you can see, we really try to transmit
this passion to Bahrainis, so they can
continue to practice it. At lunch, all the guests
share the same buffet. - What is this ?
- From the camel. You should try. A camel roast in
the purest Bedouin tradition. - Fat is the best part of
camel because there is no cholesterol. You can eat as much as you want. An all-you-can-eat buffet where people mingle
the princes and their drivers. Here, we are very far
of the capital's glitz. We were born like that. - Modern things,
we don't particularly like it. I prefer things
traditional, original. What is old is worth gold. It's 3 p.m., for Mohammed,
serious business begins. Mohammed has just been called
by the race direction. His falcon is about to come on the trail. A chip is attached behind
the wings of the raptor. It makes it possible to identify each
animal and time it. Each raptor must travel 400
meters at the other end of the field, an assistant shakes a pigeon carcass. It's Mohammed's turn
and his falcon, Baroude. The falcon flies close
100 kilometers per hour, and travels the distance
in less than 20 seconds. But Mohamed did not
looking completely satisfied. - It went well ?
- I do not know. Mohamed's falcon, with
its 17 seconds 84/100, achieved the best time of the day. But it's still too much
early to rejoice. It's the turn of one of the favorites of the event,
the falcon of an Emirati, to soar. The result is displayed on
the screen and the winner is... Mohamed and his falcon Baroude who wins
for only 80/100 seconds. Mohamed will be congratulated in the manner
traditional Bedouin. Nose to nose. - What are you proud of?
For your family? For you ? - First, For all princes
who came today. Second, for my family.
Third, for my friends, my brothers, and all the inhabitants
from Bahrain, everyone. Mohamed will leave with a brand new 4x4. But above all supreme consecration, for this defender of values
traditional Bahraini traditions, he is one of the princes
of the Khalifa dynasty, who hands him the Saif in person
Al Noukva, the sword of victory.
