Exploring Port Manama, Bahrain: A Cultural Gateway

Manama, the capital of Bahrain, is an important port in the Persian Gulf. It is the country's largest city and is located on the archipelago's main island, also named Bahrain. The city's economy has historically been centred around pearling, fishing, boatbuilding, and trade. However, the discovery of oil in 1932 and subsequent petroleum industry have transformed Manama into a bustling financial hub. The city's port facilities have also improved over time, with the Mina Salman Port serving as the country's principal seaport and customs point. In addition to petroleum, Manama's economy relies on heavy industry, shipping, and tourism.

The port is a 45-minute shuttle ride from downtown Manama

The port of Manama, Bahrain, is a bustling gateway to the country's main island. With a rich history as a trading centre in the Persian Gulf, Manama has evolved into a modern city, boasting a Manhattan-style skyline. The port, located in the Bahrain's capital, offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and contemporary attractions.

The cruise port, Khalifa Bin Salman Port, is situated approximately 13 kilometres (8 miles) from the heart of Manama. It is a modern facility, featuring a cruise terminal, duty-free shopping and other amenities for travellers. A shuttle service is available from the port to the vibrant downtown area of Manama, a journey of around 45 minutes.

During the shuttle ride, passengers can catch glimpses of Manama's diverse architectural landscape, where towering skyscrapers stand alongside majestic mosques. The city's old town, centred around the Bab al-Bahrain archway, showcases a more traditional side with its souk (market). Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and browse an array of goods, from spices to handicrafts.

Beyond the souk, Manama offers a wealth of historical and cultural attractions. The Al Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, welcomes visitors of all faiths and provides a glimpse into Islamic architecture. For those interested in history, the Bahrain Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the House of Al Jasra, the birthplace of the Amir, offer insights into the country's rich past.

The city also boasts a lively nightlife scene, catering to both locals and tourists. The east coast, known as Corniche al-Fateh, is a popular seaside promenade featuring fair rides, shisha bars, and stunning views of the cityscape. Manama's culinary scene showcases Arabic cuisine, characterised by spicy lamb dishes and strong flavours, accompanied by traditional drinks like arak (aniseed-flavoured grape spirit) and beer.

In addition to its cultural offerings, Manama provides easy access to natural attractions. The country is an archipelago of 33 islands, offering pristine sandy beaches and coral reefs for exploration. Al Jazair, in particular, is renowned for its beautiful beach, providing a relaxing escape from the bustling city.

The Khalifa Bin Salman Port is a modern cruise terminal with a duty-free store

The Khalifa Bin Salman Port has a large quay wall that is 1.8km long, a water depth of 15m, and gantry cranes capable of handling large boxships with a maximum width of 18 stacks. The port has several facilities, including a control tower, a seafarers centre, a ferry and cruise passenger terminal, a customs operation administration, a container freight station, a medical centre, deepwater berths, containership berths, finger jetties, a covered cargo storage area, a container cargo warehousing area, an export shed, and open storage for general cargo.

The Khalifa Bin Salman Port is linked to Manama's old port, Mina Salman, via a 5km long causeway. Mina Salman is Bahrain's principal seaport and primary cargo port and customs point. It covers an area of 80 hectares and has a total of 15 containership berths, handling around 2.5 million tons of cargo annually.

Manama, Bahrain's capital and largest city, has a population of around 200,000 (with a metropolitan area population of around 640,000). The city's economy is largely based on petroleum, heavy industry (such as aluminium smelting), shipping (including ship repairs), financial services (with over 200 banks and financial institutions), and tourism.

Manama has a long history as an important commercial centre in the Persian Gulf. Historically, its economy was based on pearling, fishing, boatbuilding, and import trade. However, the discovery of petroleum in Bahrain in 1932 revolutionised the city's economy and appearance, leading to the construction of many modern buildings. Today, Manama is a thriving trade, financial, and commercial centre.

Mina Salman Port is the closest port to the city

Mina Salman Port is the closest port to Manama, the capital city of Bahrain. It is located on the north coast of Bahrain Island, south of Manama, within sheltered waters adjacent to Sitra. The port is named after Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa I, the grandfather of the current King.

Mina Salman is Bahrain's principal seaport and the primary cargo port and customs point of the country. It covers 80 hectares (0.8 km2 / 0.3 mi2) and has 15 container berths, enabling it to handle 2.5 million tonnes of cargo annually. The port consists of an 800-metre finger pier, which comprises 10 berths. It can accommodate ships weighing up to 70,000 DWT, with draughts ranging from 5.5 metres to 11 metres.

The history of Mina Salman Port dates back to the 14th century when Manama Harbour was first mentioned in Islamic texts. However, the area was not suitable for large ships, and ships often had to anchor up to 6 kilometres offshore. In 1954, approach channels were built, and a pier was constructed in 1956, mainly used by dhows. In 1958, Manama became a free port, and in 1962, a deep-water wharf was built, allowing cargo to be loaded directly onto the port for the first time.

In addition to its role as a cargo port, Mina Salman Port also has a cruise ship terminal. It is a popular stop for cruise ships, with a modern terminal, duty-free stores, and other services. The port offers a convenient location for passengers to explore Manama and its surrounding areas, including the A'ali Burial Mounds, The House of Al Jasra, and the Al Fateh Grand Mosque.

The port is linked to Manama's old port via a 5km-long causeway

Manama, the capital of Bahrain, is an important port in the Persian Gulf. It is also the country's largest city, with a population of around 200,000 people. The port of Manama has a long history, dating back to the 14th century when it was first mentioned in Islamic texts. Over the centuries, the port has undergone significant development and played a crucial role in the country's economy.

The port of Manama is linked to the city's old port, Mina Salman, via a 5km-long causeway. Mina Salman serves as Bahrain's principal seaport and customs point, covering an area of 80 hectares. It is a crucial cargo port, handling approximately 2.5 million tons of cargo annually. The port features 15 container ship berths and a range of facilities, including a control tower, a seafarers centre, and a cruise passenger terminal.

The development of the port has been a gradual process. In the mid-20th century, harbour facilities in Manama were poor, and ocean vessels had to anchor in the open roadstead several kilometres offshore. However, with the discovery of petroleum in Bahrain in 1932, the city's economy received a boost, and modern buildings began to spring up. This included the construction of deepwater port facilities at Mina Salman in 1962, which revolutionised the port's capabilities.

In addition to Mina Salman, cruise ships also dock at the Khalifa Bin Salman Port, which is located in the Hidd Industrial Area, approximately 13 kilometres from Bahrain Airport. This port, managed by APM Terminal Bahrain, features a modern cruise terminal and duty-free stores. It is linked to the old port via the same 5km-long causeway.

The port of Manama has played a significant role in Bahrain's economy, both historically and in modern times. In the past, Manama's economy relied heavily on pearling, fishing, boatbuilding, and import trade. Today, the city is a major centre for banking and finance, with over 200 financial institutions and banks. The port continues to bring revenue to the city through shipping and cruise tourism.

The port handles ~2.5 million tons of cargo annually

Manama, the capital of Bahrain, is a major port in the Persian Gulf. The port handles ~2.5 million tons of cargo annually. It is a gateway to the main Bahrain Island and has long been an important trading centre.

Historically, the ports at Manama were poorly regarded. In 1911, British observers described the ports' importing systems as "very bad", noting that goods were exposed to the elements and that deliveries were often delayed. However, the port's reputation began to improve when Indians started maintaining the ports and new resources were built on-site. By 1920, Manama was one of the main exporters of Bahrain pearls, attracting steamships from India. During this time, the port also imported goods from India and other regional countries, including rice, textiles, ghee, coffee, dates, tea, tobacco, fuel, and livestock.

In the mid-20th century, several developments were made to improve the port's infrastructure and capacity. In 1954, approach channels were constructed, and two years later, in 1956, the first pier was built. Manama became a free port in 1958, and in 1962, deepwater port facilities were opened in the protected bay of Al-Qulay'ah Inlet, southeast of the city. These new facilities included storage and refrigeration capabilities, as well as equipment for docking and repairing large ocean-going vessels. As a result, the port of Manama became one of the most important ports in the Persian Gulf.

Today, the port continues to play a crucial role in Bahrain's economy, with over two hundred financial institutions and banks based in the city's central business district and diplomatic area. The primary industries in Manama include financial services, heavy industry (such as aluminium smelting and ship repair), and tourism.

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