Shoppers' Paradise: Bahrain's Shopping Scene Unveiled

Bahrain is a small island in the Persian Gulf, bordering Saudi Arabia and Qatar. It is a popular shopping destination, with a mix of modern malls and traditional markets (souqs). The Bab el-Bahrain Souk in Manama, for example, offers a bazaar-like shopping experience with a wide range of items such as electronics, jewellery, spices, fabrics, and traditional clothing. Bahrain is also known for its gold and pearls, with the Gold Souq in Manama being a popular attraction. The country has a liberal Islamic culture, with relaxed laws and religious customs compared to other countries in the region. This includes greater freedom for women, a diverse expat population, and a variety of faiths and churches.

Bahrain's liberal Islamic laws and regulations

Bahrain is a liberal country compared to most others in the region, but many Bahrainis hold conservative social views. Islamic religious values are greatly respected, and disrespect towards religious beliefs or practices is considered deeply offensive and can result in heavy fines and/or imprisonment.

The Constitution of Bahrain states that Islam is the official religion, and Sharia (Islamic law) is the principal source for legislation. Article 22 of the Constitution provides for freedom of conscience, the inviolability of worship, and the freedom to perform religious rites and hold religious parades and meetings. However, the Government has placed some limitations on these rights.

Bahrain's laws and regulations are based on a mix of civil codes, regulations, and Islamic Sharia law, with the latter governing personal status matters such as inheritance, child custody, marriage, and divorce. While the country guarantees freedom of conscience and religious practice for all faiths, there are some restrictions on religious expression and publication. The law prohibits anti-Islamic publications and mandates imprisonment for exposing the state's official religion to offence and criticism. The penal code punishes individuals who mock or disdain another religious group.

In practice, Bahrain's Islamic laws and regulations are relatively liberal compared to other countries in the region. Same-sex activity between consenting adults over the age of 21 is not criminalised, although sodomy is illegal. Alcohol is permitted, and there are several bars, licensed restaurants, and off-licences. However, drunken behaviour, driving under the influence, and public displays of physical assault or damage to public property while intoxicated are strictly prohibited and can result in fines, imprisonment, and/or deportation.

In terms of dress code, Bahrainis often dress conservatively in traditional attire and can be offended when people dress inappropriately or not in accordance with Islamic values. Visitors and residents are encouraged to dress appropriately in public places, avoiding transparent or indecent clothing that exposes the body or displays offensive pictures or slogans. During the holy month of Ramadan, modesty is promoted, and these rules are observed more closely.

Overall, Bahrain's liberal Islamic laws and regulations aim to balance religious freedom and cultural sensitivity with restrictions on expression and behaviour that could be deemed offensive or harmful to the country's Islamic values and social order.

The Gold Souq

In addition to gold, the Gold Souq also offers diamonds, pearls, and old coins. It is an excellent place to purchase authentic Bahraini pearls, which are renowned for their exceptional quality and natural origin. The souq is located in the heart of Manama, the capital of Bahrain, and can be challenging to find, but it is well worth the effort.

The Bahrain Pearling Trail

The site is Bahrain's second World Heritage Site and is located on Muharraq Island, close to Bahrain's capital, Manama. It covers 330,000 square meters, including oyster beds and buildings related to the 19th-century pearl industry.

The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities has led efforts to preserve and revive the spirit of this historical area, highlighting its social and economic importance, particularly in relation to the ancient pearl trade. The urban regeneration project aims to ensure that any new construction in the area is sensitive to heritage conservation and contemporary public space planning.

The revitalization project includes conservation initiatives, new buildings, and plans for public spaces, along with social and economic mandates. As part of the project, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities is maintaining the city's public areas, streets, car parking, and facades, as well as reintroducing contemporary programs.

The Pearling Path, a pathway that extends 3.5 kilometers from the Bu Mahir seashore to the Siyadi complex in the heart of Muharraq, is open to visitors. This includes various buildings that played a role in the pearling economy, especially during the 19th century. The path also includes a modern visitor centre, 16 public squares, cultural buildings, and car parking facilities.

The buildings listed by UNESCO include the residences and majlises of pearl merchants, traders, and divers, trade establishments, storage houses, and the Siyadi family mosque. The path also features a mix of old and new elements, with narrow lanes, a modern visitor centre, and contemporary programs and facilities.

The historic significance of the Bahrain Pearling Trail lies in the ancient practice of pearl diving in the region, dating back to 2000 BC. Bahrain was known for its abundant pearls, and the golden age of pearling lasted from the 1850s to 1930, when pearls were more valuable than diamonds. The pearling industry was the principal industry in Bahrain before the discovery of oil in 1932, and the collapse of the industry led to a transition to the oil sector.

The revitalization of Muharraq has stimulated growth and employment opportunities, and Bahrain's ancient and traditional crafts, such as Kurar embroidery, have been revived. The project has also received recognition, such as the 2019 Aga Khan Award for Architecture, for its role in preserving the history of the Arabian Peninsula's pearl industry and its sensitive approach to heritage conservation and contemporary public space planning.

The Bab el-Bahrain Souk

The souk is a vibrant collection of shops offering a wide range of goods, including textiles, spices, incense, perfumes, handicrafts, souvenirs, electronics, and jewellery. It is also a great place to buy gold, with many shops selling high-quality Bahraini gold jewellery. The Gold Souq is amazing, and visitors should be prepared to haggle to get the best prices. In addition to the shops, there are also several traditional coffee shops and cafes in the area, including Naseef Cafe, which was the first ice cream shop in the country.

Overall, the Bab el-Bahrain Souk is a must-visit destination for shoppers in Bahrain, offering a unique shopping experience and a glimpse into the local culture and way of life.

The Dragon City Bahrain

Dragon City Bahrain is a large-scale commercial centre with Chinese-inspired architecture, serving as a major trading hub for Bahrain and the surrounding regions. With over 787 commercial units, it is the largest wholesale and retail trading centre in the country.

Dragon City offers a diverse range of products, including electronics, sports and leisure equipment, textiles and garments, children's fashion, home furnishings, building materials, machinery, hardware, lighting, and kitchenware. It promises an authentic oriental experience, with endless shopping options for families in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

The mall boasts competitive prices and a wide variety of high-quality products, including replica handbags, accessories, belts, shoes, and clothes. The kids' section offers a range of games and toys to entertain the little ones.

Dragon City is a great place for shopping, dining, and relaxation. It is open from 10 AM to 10 PM from Saturday to Wednesday and from 10 AM to 12 AM on Thursdays and Fridays.

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