Bahrain preceded the whole region: Sakhir, the Middle East's first Formula 1 circuit (2004) — its floodlit night race among the calendar's loveliest rounds, and between races the gates open: track tours, karting, and real race-car driving experiences. Grand Prix week (usually spring) books months out in full festival family air; off-season, the backstage tour and night karting rank among Bahrain's best activities; thirty minutes from Manama — pair with the nearby Tree of Life in one desert run.