Exploring Block Numbers: Navigating Bahrain's Address System

If you're looking to find a block number in Bahrain, it's important to know that the country is divided into areas, each with its own block number. Block numbers are part of the address format in Bahrain, along with the region or municipality, route, and postal code, which consists of 3-4 digits. For example, the address Mr. Abdullah Ahmed Immeuble 222 Route 1888 AL–MANAMAH 317 BAHRAIN has a postal code of 317. To find the block number of a specific address in Bahrain, you can use applications like Uber or trycarriage, or use APIs like Google Maps or OSM.

Using Google Maps API

Google Maps API can be used to find block numbers in Bahrain.

To do this, you can use the Reverse Geocoding request of the Geocoding API. The following URL can be used:

> https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/geocode/json?latlng=LATITUDE, LONGITUDE&key=YOUR_API_KEY

You will need to replace LATITUDE and LONGITUDE with the specific latitude and longitude values for your desired location in Bahrain. Additionally, YOUR_API_KEY should be replaced with your own Google Maps API key.

Upon making the request, you will receive a JSON response with various address components and location information. The block number can typically be found in the "formatted_address" tag within the JSON data.

For example, for the coordinates 26.218588, 50.587587 in Bahrain, the response includes the following:

> "formatted_address" : "Block 326, Manama, Bahrain"

Here, the block number is given as "Block 326".

It is important to note that Google Maps API may not be free to use, depending on your usage volume and requirements. Additionally, the API response may vary based on the specific location queried.

Using OSM API

To find block numbers in Bahrain using the OSM API, you can try the following methods:

• Utilise dedicated tags for postal codes: Draw an area with `boundary=postal_code`, put the `postal_code` tag on streets, or use the `addr:postcode` tag for individual addresses. This approach is supported by most OSM-related software.
• Consider using `place=suburb` or `place=neighbourhood` tags if you believe block numbers are unrelated to postal addresses.
• Discuss new tag usage on the tagging mailing list to determine the best approach for your specific use case.
• Establish a convention for tagging block numbers and start adding data to the OSM API. Currently, there is limited data available, with only one node tagged with "addr:block", a few with block numbers in "addr:street", and at least one with "addr:housenumber".
• If you have personal knowledge of block numbers, you can start adding them slowly to the OSM API. However, this can be challenging if you tag the blocks as areas since guessing boundaries from a few addresses is difficult.

Understanding Bahrain's address hierarchy

Bahrain's address hierarchy is made up of three levels: 'Governorate', 'Place', and 'Block'. Each area in Bahrain has a block number, which is part of a broader address format that includes the region or municipality, the building number and route, and the postal code.

For example, consider the following address:

> Mr. Abdullah Ahmed Immeuble 222 Route 1888 AL–MANAMAH 317 BAHRAIN

Here, "317" is the postal code, which consists of 3-4 digits. The first digit of the postal code represents the region or municipality.

To find the block number for a specific address in Bahrain, you can use various mapping tools and APIs, such as Google Maps or OpenStreetMap (OSM). By inputting the address or geographical coordinates, you can retrieve the corresponding block number.

Interpreting postal codes

Postal codes in Bahrain are comprised of 3-4 digits. The first digit represents the region or municipality. For example, the postal code for Manama Center in the capital region is 323.

While some sources suggest that Bahrain does not use zip or postal codes, others provide lists of postal codes for the country. These sources list postal codes for the northern, southern, capital, and Muharraq areas of Bahrain.

For those who need to include a postal code when filling out an online form, it is recommended to use 00000 or other random numbers.

To find the correct postal code for a specific address in Bahrain, one can refer to online resources that provide interactive maps or lookup features. These tools allow users to search for the postal code corresponding to their desired location or destination city.

Additionally, block numbers in Bahrain can be found using Google Maps or other mapping applications. These block numbers are specific to areas within the country and can be useful for navigation purposes.

Using Uber and trycarriage apps

The Uber app can be used to find block numbers in Bahrain. To use Uber, you will need to download the app and enable location services on your device. Once you have done this, you can open the app and enter your destination or pickup location in the "Where to?" box. Uber uses your device's location services to make it easier to get a ride and improve services like pickups, navigation, and customer support.

After entering your location, confirm the address and tap "Request" to be matched with a nearby driver. You will be able to see the driver's estimated time of arrival and track their location on the in-app map. When the driver is a few minutes away, make sure to verify the license plate, car make and model, and driver photo with the information provided in the app before getting into the car.

The Trycarriage app, which provides food delivery services, also has a built-in feature that can help you find block numbers in Bahrain. However, it is unclear exactly how this feature works within the app.

• Open and log into the Uber app on your device.
• Type your destination or pickup location into the "Where to?" section.
• Select the type of vehicle you would like at the bottom of the screen.
• Tap "Request" and then confirm the pickup location.
• Wait for your request to be accepted by a driver, and check the estimated time of arrival.
• You can track the driver's location on the in-app map and you will be notified when they are close to your location.
• Verify the license plate, car make and model, and driver photo before getting into the car.

By following these steps and using the Uber or Trycarriage app, you can conveniently find block numbers in Bahrain while also utilizing the other features and services provided by these applications.

Frequently asked questions