Official shutdown as country pays tribute to Fahd

An eerie silence engulfed Bahrain's usually bustling streets on Tuesday as the country, in a sombre mood, expressed deep emotion and profound sorrow and paid rich tribute to the late King Fahd.

Few vehicles could be spotted on the roads and most shops remained closed, in line with a call from the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry to show respect to the former leader. The three-day official shutdown largely contributed to the absence of movement and accentuated the sense of sadness and gloom that descended over the country. The vibrant and permanently packed area of Exhibition Avenue where Saudis and other GCC nationals gather was silent, and no cars with Saudi or GCC licence plates could be spotted. Managers of hotels and club managers said on Monday that they were suspending all live entertainment and music as a mark of respect for the deceased monarch.

Saudis, Qataris and Kuwaitis often use the 25-km King Fahd Causeway to drive into Bahrain.

Bahrain has declared a 40-day mourning period and closed all ministries and official establishments for three days.