Exploring Manama's Local Classifieds: A Guide To Buying And Selling

Local classifieds in Manama, Bahrain, offer a range of products and services, from home essentials to leisure activities. As the capital and largest city of Bahrain, Manama is a hub for classified ads, with expats and locals alike buying and selling goods and services. From vehicles and property to music classes and sports partners, Manama's classifieds cater to a diverse range of interests and needs. With a population of over 1.5 million people, including a significant number of expatriates, Manama's classifieds reflect the city's cosmopolitan nature and provide a platform for residents to connect and engage in trade.

Leisure activities and tourism

Manama, the capital and largest city of Bahrain, offers a plethora of leisure activities and tourist attractions. Here is an overview:

Historical and Cultural Sites:

• Al-Fateh Grand Mosque: Features the world's largest fibreglass dome, weighing over 60 tons.
• Bahrain National Museum: Houses ancient archaeological artefacts reflecting Bahrain's rich history.
• Qal'at al-Bahrain: A large fort sitting upon an ancient tell, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Bab el-Bahrain Souk: A historical building in the former central business district, known for its gold jewellery, spices, and textiles.
• Moda Mall - Bahrain World Trade Center: An iconic twin tower building located in the heart of Manama.
• Beit Al Qur'an: Houses a large collection of Islamic arts, including ancient Qurans and calligraphy.
• Seef Mall: The first authentic mall in Bahrain, featuring the largest indoor amusement park in the Middle East, Magic Island.
• Royal Camel Farm: A free-entry farm where visitors can see camels up close and learn about their spacing and chaining to prevent fighting.

Outdoor Activities:

Manama offers a range of outdoor activities, including bird watching in the Hawar Islands, scuba diving, and horse riding. The city also has several parks, such as the Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Park.

Tours:

A variety of tours are available, including historical tours, archaeology tours, and food tours. The Bahrain City and Desert Tour is a popular option, providing an overview of the city and a desert experience.

Sporting Events:

Manama hosts a range of sporting events, with Formula One being a notable highlight. The Bahrain International Circuit has hosted the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix since 2004, except for 2011 due to political unrest. Other popular sports include football, basketball, and horse racing.

Vehicles and transport

Overview

Manama, Bahrain's capital, has a well-developed road network, with private vehicles and taxis being the primary means of transportation. The city has undergone significant road expansion over the years to accommodate the growing number of cars.

Public Transportation

The public transport system in Manama includes buses and taxis, which are widely used, especially by migrant workers and day labourers.

Buses

Buses in Manama are air-conditioned and offer comfortable travel at affordable prices. Bus routes can be accessed online, and fares typically start from BD 0.200. The Kingdom of Bahrain website provides detailed information on bus routes, stops, and trip planning.

Taxis

Taxis in Manama have specific fares, including day and night rates, and airport taxis are also available. While some taxi drivers may try to negotiate fares without using the meter, it is within your rights to insist on the meter being turned on or to find another taxi. The official rate for taxis starts at BD 1.130 during the day, with a cost of BD 0.220 per kilometre.

Buying and Selling Vehicles

Online classifieds websites such as expatriates.com and dubizzle.com.bh offer a range of vehicles for sale in Manama, including cars, SUVs, and trucks from various makes and models. These websites provide detailed information on vehicle specifications, prices, and contact information for interested buyers.

Vehicle Registration and Regulations

When owning and operating a vehicle in Manama, it is essential to stay up to date with vehicle registration requirements and traffic regulations. Renewing vehicle registration and understanding traffic fines are important aspects of vehicle ownership.

Manama, Bahrain, offers a range of transportation options, from public buses and taxis to private vehicle ownership. The city has a well-developed road network, and online resources are available for trip planning and accessing transportation services. For those looking to buy or sell vehicles, online classifieds provide a convenient platform, offering a diverse selection of vehicles to suit different needs and preferences.

Housing and property

The capital city of Bahrain, Manama, offers a diverse range of housing and property options, catering to a variety of lifestyles and preferences. From traditional villas to modern apartments and high-rise buildings, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Neighbourhoods

Manama's neighbourhoods each have their own unique character and charm. Here are some popular areas to consider:

• Adliya: Known as the heart of Manama's art scene, Adliya is a haven for creatives. It offers a mix of traditional villas and modern apartments. Adliya is also home to the renowned La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art and trendy cafes.
• Juffair: For those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life, Juffair is the ideal location. It offers a plethora of restaurants, shopping malls, and nightlife venues. The real estate market here consists mainly of high-rise apartments with stunning city views.
• Seef: As the commercial hub of Manama, Seef boasts numerous office buildings and shopping centres. It is also a popular residential area, offering a range of luxury apartments and villas.
• Amwaj Islands: These man-made islands provide a unique waterfront living experience, with properties ranging from beachfront villas to high-rise apartments, all surrounded by breathtaking sea views.
• Riffa: As the second-largest city in Bahrain, Riffa offers a blend of old and new. It is home to historical sites such as Riffa Fort and modern amenities like the Royal Golf Club. The real estate market in Riffa includes a mix of traditional houses and modern villas.
• Saar: Saar is a quiet, family-friendly neighbourhood known for its green spaces and strong sense of community. It offers a range of villas and compounds, making it a popular choice for families and expats.

Properties for Sale or Rent

Whether you are looking to buy or rent a property in Manama, there are plenty of options available. Here are some examples:

• Apartments: From luxury furnished studios to spacious multi-bedroom apartments, Manama offers a wide range of apartment options. Prices for rentals start at around BHD 60 per month for a room and go up to BHD 400 per month for a fully furnished two-bedroom apartment.
• Villas: Manama has a selection of extravagant villas for those seeking a more luxurious lifestyle. These spacious and sophisticated properties are available in various neighbourhoods, offering comfortable living for larger families.
• Houses: Traditional Bahraini-style houses can be found in neighbourhoods like Muharraq, known for its rich history and cultural significance.
• High-rise buildings: For those seeking stunning city or sea views, high-rise apartments are available in areas like the Diplomatic Area and Amwaj Islands.

With its diverse range of housing options, Manama provides something for everyone, whether you are an expat looking for a vibrant city life or a family seeking a quiet and comfortable neighbourhood to call home.

Local services

Classifieds in Manama, Bahrain, offer a wide range of services and products. From home essentials to leisure activities, there is something for everyone.

Buy and Sell

The 'Buy and Sell' section of Manama's classifieds includes a variety of products, such as furniture, books, and video games. For example, you can find a queen-size mattress for 15 Bahraini dinars or a brand-new two-seater sofa set with two chairs for 85 dinars. If you are a music enthusiast, you can even find private music classes for piano and composition, starting at 100 dinars.

Vehicles

For those interested in vehicles, there are boats, cars, and motorcycles listed. A 2018 Porsche 911 GT2RS Weissach Package is available for 164,089.44 dinars, while a 2022 Lamborghini Urus will cost you 16,900 dinars. If you are looking for something more affordable, a 2004 Ford F150 Raptor SVT is listed, with the price available upon request.

Property

The property section includes both rental and sale options. For instance, you can rent an office in Busaiteen for 250 dinars per month or a studio in Sanabis for 320 dinars per month. If you are looking to buy, there is a spacious villa in the Sanad area for 455,000 dinars or a house in Riffa Al-Hajiyat for an negotiable price.

Health and Wellness

For health and wellness, you can find a variety of fitness and wellness services. There are squash training partners, Thai massages, and even a simple modern one-bedroom apartment available for rent, which is advertised as being in a prime location.

Other Services

Other services include a wide range of options, such as a business analyst training course in Delhi, India, and a simple modern one-bedroom apartment with all-inclusive utilities.

Jobs and education

Jobs

Local classifieds for jobs in Manama, Bahrain, can be found on expatriates.com and indeed.com. These websites offer a range of job opportunities in various sectors, including hospitality, sales, administration, education, and engineering.

Expatriates.com, in particular, offers a wide range of job listings, including:

• Sales and marketing positions, such as sales executives, sales managers, and telesales executives.
• Hospitality roles, including waiters, chefs, baristas, and restaurant managers.
• Administrative and managerial positions, such as office admins, project coordinators, and supply chain managers.
• Skilled trades, such as barbers, tailors, carpenters, and technicians.
• Teaching positions, including high school teachers and homeroom teachers.

Indeed.com also offers a range of job opportunities in Manama, including:

• Administrative and secretarial positions.
• Customer service roles, such as call center representatives.
• Hospitality jobs, including guest room attendants and boutique admins.
• Education and library positions, such as library technicians and social media specialists at the Royal University for Women.
• Technical roles, such as QA officers and maintenance technicians.

Education

There are a variety of educational institutions in Manama, Bahrain, catering to both local and expatriate students. The city has a diverse range of public, private, and international schools, offering different curricula and extra-curricular activities.

• British School of Bahrain: Offers a British curriculum with GCSE and IGCSE qualifications.
• St. Christopher's School: A world-class, award-winning school with a diverse student population and a focus on academic rigor and extracurricular activities.
• EtonHouse International School: Provides a British curriculum with an emphasis on early years foundation.
• Al Noor International School: Offers a British curriculum with CBSE and IGCSE qualifications.
• Abdul Rahman Kanoo International School (ARKIS): A co-educational and bilingual school offering IGCSE, IB, and CISCE curricula.
• New Generation Private School: An independent school with a curriculum that reflects worldwide educational research and best practices.
• The International School of Choueifat – Manama: Part of the global SABIS® Network.
• Modern Knowledge School: Provides an American curriculum with IB and Arabic qualifications.
• Lycée Français MLF Bahrein: A multilingual school offering instruction in English, Arabic, and French.
• Canadian School Bahrain: Focuses on the British Columbia, Canada curriculum, blended with Arabic language studies, Islamic studies, and Bahraini social and citizenship classes.

Frequently asked questions