Car Hire in Manama, Bahrain

Manama

When the British arrived in Manama in 1945, they built an archway on the waterfront and named it Bab al-Bahrain. The name of this arch translates as ‘Gateway to Bahrain’. For many travellers across time, that is exactly what Bahrain’s capital city has offered - a gateway into a kingdom that rests upon a cluster of 33 tiny islands off the coast of the Arabian Peninsula.

Although Manama was first mentioned in Islamic chronicles dating from the 14th century, the region had been a significant trading centre for thousands of years. In fact it lay on one of the most important commercial routes of the ancient world. Whilst traders converged from the edges of the known world and beyond, the local inhabitants found great prosperity in the pearly waters of the Persian Gulf.

Today, Manama’s economy is supported by petroleum and various financial services rather than pearls. However Bahrain’s largest city has a keen sense of its own heritage and Manama is one of the few places left in the world where natural pearls can still be found. It is one of the most liberal cities in the Middle East and freely welcomes visitors from all around the globe. Arabic is the national language but English is widely spoken.

It is the synthesis of the past and present that makes Manama such an exciting and exotic destination.

Attractions

Extensive land reclamation means that Bab al-Bahrain no longer stands by the sea however this landmark is still the ideal starting place for any itinerary. The archway now serves as an impressive entrance to the great soukh (marketplace), which beats as the heart of the city.

Not too far away, the Bahrain National Museum stands proudly, encased by a bold piece of modern architecture. This highly regarded museum offers to take visitors on a journey deep into Bahrain’s past, from the time of the ancient Dilmun civilisation nearly 5000 years ago, through to the present day. One of the more noteworthy exhibits is an actual Dilmun burial ground that has been painstakingly reassembled within the museum. Such burial mounds are littered all over Bahrain. For history buffs the Museum of Pearl Diving is also well worth checking out.

Literally meaning ‘House of Qu’ran’ in Arabic, the Beit al-Qu’ran contains an extremely valuable selection of Islamic manuscripts, rare Qu’rans and ornate woodcarvings which have been gathered from all over the Islamic world. Also of great religious significance, the Al-Fatih Mosque is Bahrain’s largest house of worship. There are many guided tours every day, although it is closed to visitors on Thursdays and Fridays.

A short drive from Manama, Qala'at al Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) is a site which served as both the capital of the Dilmun Empire and a fort for the invading Portuguese in the 15th century. In 2005, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Close to the airport on Muharraq Island, Qala’at Arad is another 15th century fort that has undergone massive restoration.

For those desiring a change of pace, the King Fahd Causeway which connects Bahrain to Saudi Arabia is marvel of modern engineering. Manama is also within short driving distance of the only Formula One circuit in the Arabic world. In 2004, the Bahrain International Circuit held its first Grand Prix.

Pearl diving and a comprehensive range of water sports are also on offer in and around the city.

Shopping

No trip to Bahrain is complete without sampling the unique delights of the soukh (marketplace). It is a veritable hive of activity. Traditional shops and stalls specialising in colourful spices, exquisite fabrics and all manner of handicrafts stand side by side with those that offer modern wares. In particular the market is famed for its pearls and gold. Most of the gold shops are grouped together in an area known as the gold soukh. The crowd is a melting pot of different people – local traders and expatriates from all over the Asian world mix with tourists to create an atmosphere unlike any other. The soukh is a source of much of the city’s culture and vitality, a remnant of the long lost world of the Arabian Nights.

For a more modern experience, there are also many shopping centres around Manama that sell Western-style goods, particularly clothes.

Nightlife and Eating Out

Although Manama means ‘Sleeping Place’, the city is always lively. Islam prohibits Muslims from consuming alcohol but this is not a problem for visitors. There are many bars and nightclubs, and most hotels offer various night-time activities. There are also two cinema complexes within the city, both of which show a variety of Western films. Information on special events and festivals taking place in Manama can be found at Gulf Daily News.

Central Manama offers a wide variety of restaurants, most of which are very reasonably priced. As well as those restaurants offering Arabic dishes, there are also a number that specialise in international cuisine ranging from Chinese to Mexican, and everything in between. In addition, the city is host to many Western fast-food outlets such as McDonalds and Pizza Hut, while more traditional Arabic teahouses are dotted around.

Tourist Information

Bahrain Tourist Office
PO Box 11294, Villa No.5, Gudaibiya, Manama
Tel: +973 715 713; Fax: +973 715 527
Email: btour@bahraintourism.com
Web: www.bahraintourism.com
Timings: 08:00-12:00 and 16:30-18:00, closed on Fridays

Airport

Manama is served by Bahrain International Airport which is located on the neighbouring Muharraq Island. The airport is easily accessible by car, just 15 minutes (6km) from the city centre. Both British Airways and Gulf Air offer non-stop flights between London and Bahrain everyday while Air Arabia runs cheap flights between different countries in the region. The airport is host to one of the finest duty free outlets in the world.