MANAMA TRAVEL GUIDE
Things To Know About Manama
Tourism In Manama
Manama is a popular destination for Arabs and expatriates who live in ‘alcohol-free’ Arab nations. Tourists, notably Saudis and Saudi citizens, visit Bahrain mostly for the nightlife.
Things To See
- Bahrain’s Bab Al Bahrain. Bahrain’s Gateway, situated in Central Manama’s Customs Square. The tourist information center and a handicraft store are located on the ground level.
- Souq Manama (Behind Bab Al Bahrain building). The souq is a network of narrow passageways filled with modest shops offering anything from souvenirs and presents to electronics. Many gold and jewelry businesses, as well as tailors, can be found in the souq.
- Mosque of Al-Fateh. One of the world’s biggest mosques, capable of hosting over 7,000 worshipers at once, and the largest site of prayer in Bahrain. It is also one of Bahrain’s most popular tourist attractions. The dome is now the biggest fibreglass dome in the world, weighing over 60,000 kg. The new National Library, officially opened to the public in 2006, is part of Al-Fateh.
- Al-Fateh Corniche – This lovely coastal promenade on the city’s east coast gives nice views of the buildings to the south and aircraft taking off from the adjacent airport. There are plenty of exciting fair attractions for the youngsters as well as shisha bars for the adult crowd.
- The Museum of Pearl Diving – Is regarded as one of Bahrain’s most significant historic structures. It is significant because it is the first official location for Bahrain Courts. The structure was dedicated on October 18, 1937, by Late H.H. Sh. Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the former Governor of Bahrain. Apart from three Directorates, the building at the time housed four Supreme Courts. Later, in 1984, the structure was converted into a Traditional Heritage Center. The Museum of Pearl Diving is now under the authority of the Directorate of Archaeology and Heritage, one of the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and Information’s main Directorates.
- Bahrain National Museum, Al Fateh Highway, Bahrain’s natural and cultural heritage
- The Tree of Life is located 30 kilometers south of Manama. The well-known lonesome tree in the midst of an arid desert. Scientists haven’t found out how it thrives since there is no subsurface aquifer or spring underneath that region. In fact, all subterranean water sources around the tree are tainted with salt, suggesting that the tree may have a mutation that makes it salt-tolerant.
Things To Do
- Dolphin spotting – On a boat ride, you may observe dolphins and manatees playing in the warm Gulf seas, as well as local fishermen heading out in traditional wooden dhows to capture the treasured local hammour, a sort of grouper. Dolphin watching tours are offered three times each day. Adults pay BD6, while children under the age of 12 pay BD3.
- Scuba diving, the Bahrain Yacht Club, and the Al Bandar resort are all nearby.
- Saar, horseback riding – The Twin Palms Riding School and the Dilmun Club are wonderful places to start for those interested in riding instruction or an occasional hack.
- Horse racing. Arabia is well-known for its horses. From October through March, the national racetrack in Al Sakhir features races every Friday. The stadium can accommodate up to 3,000 spectators and admission is free, however visitors should be aware that betting is forbidden.
Shopping
Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway, Seef District, Al A’Ali Mall Within its air-conditioned confines, A’ali Mall has the appearance and feel of a typical open-air souk. A glass ceiling, boutiques with old-fashioned Arabic wooden doors, and souvenir carts all contribute to the mood. Top Designer shops may be found at outlet malls.
Bahrain City Centre, Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway, Seef District, Bahrain City Centre is Bahrain’s first and largest mixed-use complex, giving its clients the greatest retail, leisure, and entertainment experience under one roof.
Bahrain City Centre has delivered a world-class retail environment as well as hundreds of other ‘firsts’ to the Kingdom, including the premiere of 150 of its approximately 350 globally renowned brands. The outstanding entertainment offering at the Centre includes the region’s first indoor/outdoor temperature controlled 15,000 square metre Wahooo! Waterpark, Bahrain’s largest cinema complex Cineco 20, and Magic Planet, a family entertainment center for children and young people. Over 50 food court establishments have been set up to provide the most popular as well as unique selections from all over the globe for food and beverage alternatives.
Bahrain’s Mall. The Bahrain Mall is centrally located in Bahrain’s new shopping sector. This superb position is readily accessible from the major highway and from everywhere in the city. It contains over 120 multinational brands and speciality shops and spans 750,000 square feet.
Dana Mall is located on the Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway. Discover a plethora of boutiques for your clothing, pampered lifestyle, and one-of-a-kind trends.
Family Holiday In Manama
Manama is renowned for its incredible selection of amusement parks, which is why it is so popular with families. The Lost Paradise of Dilmun is the largest and most visited water park in the world. It will astound guests with its assortment of pools and activities. For toddlers, there are tiny pools with fun attractions and inflatable toys, whereas school-aged youngsters will enjoy the big, tens-of-meter-long slides. Palm trees and other exotic vegetation adorn the water park’s landscaping. The water park does not appear busy even during the height of the season, owing to its expansive size.
If this water park’s attractions are insufficient, you can visit another similarly popular park, Wahooo! Waterpark. This is an indoor water park, thus it may be visited regardless of the season or weather. There is a lovely pool with artificial waves, as well as numerous children’s towns and colourful slides. The water park is adorned with a number of fascinating designer structures against which one can take breathtaking photographs. There is also a dedicated Jacuzzi for youngsters in the water park, which is primarily meant for families.
Adhari Park is the most popular amusement park in the city. There are carousels and attractions for children of all ages. Some visitors are particularly excited to enter the park at night, when it is illuminated with dazzling neon lighting. Children will be able to ride magnificent carousels, miniature automobiles, and traverse expansive grounds. Several of the park’s attractions cater exclusively to lovers of extreme sports.
The city-based Royal Camel Farm is a must-see for nature and animal lovers. It is an ideal location for family vacations. It is possible to pet, feed, and photograph camels. On the property of the farm, there is a wonderful fig grove, where one can go at any time to relax in the shade of palm palms. On the farm, there are always little camels that youngsters like.
Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary is an uncommon zoo in the neighborhood of Manama. Here, animals are housed in huge enclosures with indistinct boundaries. Young tourists are amazed by the reserve’s unusual birds, adorable tortoises, and porcupines. There is a wonderful pond with ducks in the preserve. Also present are hazardous predators, such as hyenas and lions. The reserve contains numerous leisure places with expansive trees and benches.
The Challenge Chambers deserves special consideration among the city’s gambling facilities. It provides a wide variety of escape quests, which have become one of the most popular family and corporate activities. This center will be intriguing for teenagers to visit. Clients have access to both classic search missions and more creative game types.
The Museum of Pearl Diving is among the cultural institutions in Manama that are recommended for family visits. This museum’s collection is devoted to pearls. Visitors are shown the most valuable and unusual breeds and explained how pearls were extracted centuries ago and how they are extracted today. A pleasant addition to the tour will be the availability of literally every type of pearl and jewelry.
Climate In Manama
Manama has a desert climate.
Manama, like the rest of Bahrain, has harsh weather conditions, with summer temperatures reaching 48 °C (118 °F) and winter temperatures as low as 7 °C (45 °F), with hail on rare occasions.
Summer and winter average temperatures range from 17 °C (63 °F) to over 45 °C (113 °F).
Autumn is the most pleasant season in Bahrain, with low sunlight and temperate temperatures moderated by gentle breezes.
Geography Of Manama
The settlement is situated on a tiny peninsula in the north-eastern corner of Bahrain. The topography is mainly flat (or moderately undulating) and arid, as it is across Bahrain.
Economy Of Manama
Bahrain’s economy revolves on Manama. While the significance of petroleum has declined in recent years owing to decreasing reserves and expansion in other sectors, it remains the backbone of the economy. Heavy industry (e.g., aluminum smelting, ship maintenance), banking and finance, and tourism are some of the businesses that have recently expanded. A number of global corporations operate facilities and offices in and around Manama.
Financial services are the principal sector of Manama, with over 200 financial institutions and banks situated in the CBD and the Diplomatic Area. Manama is a financial centre for the Persian Gulf area as well as an Islamic banking center. The shopping malls near Seef also have a major retail sector, although the core of Manama is dominated by tiny workshops and shopkeepers.