I've been there several times in the last 10-years. I liked it too. It the entire Middle East was like Bahrain, the world would be in a much better place.
They have slowly embraced democratic reforms over the last decade or longer, which has allowed them to more carefully manage the process. Minority voices are given actual voice in their parliamentary system, which really helps to reduce the "heat" of their political climate.
In many ways, they're a great model for others in the region to follow.
I like the Oil Museum right next to Oil Well #1. Amazing it still has over 1000 psi after more than 70 years. At least that’s what the pressure valves said. The Tree of Life is useless otoh. Their real tree of life is the oil pump stack.