Exploring Bahrain: What's Open And Happening Now

Bahrain is an island country in the Persian Gulf, situated between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. It is officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain and consists of Bahrain Island and around 30 smaller islands. The country is renowned for its date palms, pearl-diving, and trading tradition. Bahrain's economy has historically relied on processing crude oil from neighbouring countries, but in recent years, the financial, commercial services, and tourism sectors have grown significantly. The country's capital, Manama, is a popular destination for visitors from neighbouring Saudi Arabia, known for its restaurants and bars. Bahrain is also known for its ethnically diverse population, with about 70% Shia and 30% Sunni Muslims.

Schools

Bahrain has the oldest public education system in the Arabian Peninsula. The Bahraini government established the country's first public school for boys in 1930, and the first public school for girls in 1928. The country's literacy rate is 94.6%.

Education in Bahrain is provided by either public schools, which are government-run, or private schools, many of which are international schools. Public education is free, and students also receive free supplies, uniforms, meals, and transportation.

There are 50 private schools in Bahrain, offering a range of international curricula, including the British, American, Canadian, and International Baccalaureate (IB) systems. Here is a closer look at some of the notable schools in Bahrain:

The British School of Bahrain (BSB): Located in Hamala, BSB is one of the top international schools in Bahrain, providing high-quality British education to students aged 3 to 18 for over 26 years. The school has been rated 'Outstanding' by the Bahrain Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA) and is accredited by the British Schools Organisation (BSO). BSB offers a 1:11 teacher-to-student ratio and a multilingual curriculum that includes Arabic, French, and Spanish tuition. The school also provides an extensive sports programme with 30 sports, 32 teams, and 100 fixtures.

St. Christopher's School: St. Christopher's is a British international school with over 62 years of legacy in Bahrain, catering to students aged 3 to 18. The school operates across two campuses: the Saar campus for infants and juniors, and the Isa Town campus for secondary students. St. Christopher's offers three distinct academic pathways: BTEC, A Levels, and IB. The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities, expert teaching staff, and exceptional extracurricular programmes in Art, Drama, Music, and Sport. In 2006, the Guardian newspaper named St. Christopher's among the top eight best international schools offering a British curriculum worldwide.

American School of Bahrain (ASB): ASB is a premium American international school in Riffa Al Shamali, providing a challenging American and international education. ASB offers a standards-based American curriculum from Head Start to Grade 12, with a focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) learning and project-based learning. The school has a heritage of over 45 years of educational excellence and is part of a global community of over 10,000 students. ASB's campus includes technology-enabled classrooms, STEAM labs, maker spaces, a multi-level library, art studios, music rooms, and an athletics complex.

Capital School Bahrain: Capital School is a classic British primary school offering the full British National Curriculum from the Early Years Foundation Stage to the Secondary department. The school adheres to the Bahrain Ministry of Education's requirements for teaching Arabic, Social Studies, Citizenship, and Islamic Classes. Capital School has a brand-new campus with extensive facilities, including play areas, science labs, sports facilities, a multipurpose hall, three libraries, and a food tech room. The school is regularly inspected by the Education and Training Quality Authority (BQA) and is accredited by the British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspectorate.

The Indian School: The Indian School is one of the largest expatriate schools in the Arabian Gulf, with over 13,000 students and 600 staff members. It is a CBSE-affiliated school located in Bahrain, offering Indian curriculum education from preschool to secondary level. The school was founded in 1950 through the efforts of the Indian community in Bahrain and has since made significant contributions to educational excellence in the country.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of schools in Bahrain, catering to both local and expatriate students and offering various curricula to meet the educational needs of the community.

Airports

Bahrain International Airport (IATA: BAH) is located on Muharraq Island, adjacent to the capital Manama and the city of Muharraq. It is the oldest international airport in the Persian Gulf, established in 1927. The airport is managed by the Bahrain Airport Company and serves as the hub for the national carrier Gulf Air.

The new passenger terminal, which opened in January 2021, covers 210,000 square meters and includes check-in halls, check-in desks, passport control booths, E-gates, security lanes, a duty-free retail space, lounges, food and beverage zones, 24 departure gates, and 7,000 new parking spaces. The airport is open 24 hours and offers a range of facilities and services for travellers, including:

• A variety of shops, restaurants, and services.
• Pay-per-use lounges with WiFi access.
• Art galleries and cultural exhibits.
• ATMs and currency exchange services.
• Baggage trolleys and luggage wrapping services.
• Baby care facilities and a kids' play zone.
• Medical services and pharmacies.
• Prayer rooms for men and women.
• Smoking rooms.

The airport provides convenient parking facilities for short and long stays, with Car Park B located adjacent to the new passenger terminal and Car Park D offering long-stay parking with a complimentary shuttle service.

For transportation to and from the airport, passengers can choose from public buses, licensed taxis, ridesharing services like Uber and Careem, or private transfer companies. The airport is also served by several taxi operators and Bahrain Public Transport Company (BPTC) buses.

Shopping malls

Seef Mall

Seef Mall, located in the Seef District of Manama, is a shopper's paradise. With over 350 outlets, 55 restaurants, and a leasable area of 72,000 square meters, it offers a wide range of global brands, cafes, and restaurants. The mall also features the largest cinema multiplex in Bahrain, making it a popular destination for entertainment and leisure.

Dragon City Bahrain

Dragon City Bahrain is the largest shopping complex in the country, housing over 787 commercial units. Located close to the international airport, it showcases Chinese culture, architecture, and products. Visitors can find everything from electronics and gadgets to fashion, home furnishings, and kids' fashion. The food court offers a variety of international cuisines to cater to all tastes.

The Bahrain Mall

The Bahrain Mall, located in Manama, is one of the finest shopping spots in the country. Spread across 70,000 square meters, it attracts over 400,000 visitors each month. It offers a wide range of global brands, supermarkets, food courts, and other facilities. Visitors can find everything from Arabian perfumes and books to fashion and cosmetics.

The Avenues Mall Bahrain

Overlooking the waterfront, The Avenues Mall is one of the best malls in Bahrain for those who want to shop while enjoying the seafront views. Opened in 2017, it offers a unique shopping experience with a lease area of 40,000 square meters and 130 stores. Visitors can find various brands, including accessories, clothes, cosmetics, perfumes, electronics, and footwear. The mall also features walkways, gardens, parking, ATMs, and water taxis.

Marina Mall

Located in the Central Market of Manama, Marina Mall is a popular destination for luxury shopping. It boasts a variety of global brands, including Lifestyle, Mothercare, Shoe Cart, Splash, and Lee Cooper. The mall also features a Magic Island play zone and a variety of dining options, including Italian, Chinese, and Arabic cuisine.

Bahrain City Center

Bahrain City Center, located in Manama, is one of the largest malls in Bahrain. With over 340 brands and dining outlets, it attracts more than 13.5 million visitors annually. The mall also features an indoor and outdoor water park, making it a popular destination for families.

These malls offer a glimpse into Bahrain's vibrant shopping culture, combining traditional and modern experiences. With a mix of global brands, entertainment, and culinary delights, they cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

Restaurants

Bahrain is home to a plethora of restaurants, bars, and clubs, with the capital, Manama, known for its vibrant nightlife. Here is a selection of restaurants to visit in Bahrain.

Monsoon

Rated the second-best restaurant in Bahrain by Le Petit Chef, Monsoon offers top-notch Asian cuisine and great service. The restaurant's ambience and menu selection, which includes sushi, Asian, and Thai food, will transport you to a premium location in Thailand. Monsoon is located in Manama and is open from 12:00 pm to 11:30 pm.

Fish Market Restaurant

If you're craving lobster, sea bass, crab, king prawns, or other seafood, the Fish Market Restaurant in Manama is the place to go. The restaurant overlooks Bahrain Bay, and you can enjoy a variety of seafood dishes, including persillade mussels. The restaurant is open daily from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am.

Haus Restaurant & Lounge

A relative newcomer to Manama's restaurant scene, Haus Restaurant & Lounge specializes in Italian and Japanese cuisine. The menu prices are wallet-friendly, and they offer a special discount for ladies on Tuesdays from 8 pm to 11 pm, with free drinks and appetizers. The restaurant is open daily from 12:00 pm to 11:30 pm.

Furn Bistro & Bakery

Located inside the Westin City Centre in Manama, Furn Bistro & Bakery is a trophy collector with 12 awards since its opening in 2016. It offers international cuisine with a modern twist and is open daily for breakfast and dinner. The bakery is open from 8 am to 11 pm.

Cantina Kahlo

Cantina Kahlo is a Mexican restaurant located in the Ritz-Carlton, Seef. It offers exceptional Latin American cuisine with traditional dishes and décor inspired by Mexico's vibrant art scene. The restaurant is usually open from Monday to Wednesday, 4 pm to 12 am, Thursday to Friday, 1 pm to 1 am, and Saturday, 1 pm to 12 am.

The Foundry

The Foundry is a cool, industrial-style eatery in Bahrain. The menu features a selection of steaks, punchy vegetarian dishes, and mouth-watering starters. You can choose between an intimate dining experience in the low-lit lounge or a more lively atmosphere around the metalwork bar.

Bushido Restaurant and Lounge

Bushido is a popular Japanese restaurant in Bahrain, offering new-wave Japanese contemporary cuisine. The menu features a number of mouth-watering fusion dishes that satisfy both authentic Japanese and international taste buds. The food presentation is edible art.

Primavera

Based at the Ritz-Carlton, this "trattoria moderna" offers some of the most authentic Italian cuisine in Bahrain. Headed by two-Michelin-starred chef Oliver Glowig, the menu features a gastronomic lineup of his signature style, local inspiration, and variety. The seasonal ingredients grown in Bahrain add a unique twist to the dishes.

Oliveto Bahrain

Oliveto brings a menu and decor that will transport your senses to Italy. The modern, sleek, and cool design aesthetic is reminiscent of a hip Milanese trattoria, while the deck exudes a cool Amalfi coast club vibe. The seafood is incredibly fresh, the pizzas are delicious, and the desserts are decadent.

Nomad Urban Eatery

Nomad Urban Eatery is an all-day dining, new gastronomic concept restaurant located in the Seef District of Manama. It is known for its use of bold and urban flavours and its warm and aesthetically pleasing ambiance, both indoor and outdoor.

My Cafe

My Cafe is a boutique cafe restaurant located in Block 338, Adliya. It serves gourmet meals and beverages made from scratch with fresh, high-quality ingredients. There is indoor seating as well as a beautiful outdoor garden terrace.

Bahrain Bay Kitchen

Located in the lower lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Bahrain Bay Kitchen offers a unique dining experience with sophisticated cocktails, cozy chic decor, and an awesome menu. Families and kids are welcome, and a special children's menu is available. They host a well-known Friday brunch and an Oriental Saturday brunch for an Arabic food culture experience.

Alto

Alto is a restaurant located high above the capital, offering stunning views of Manama's city lights. With a history steeped in Arabian hospitality, Alto presents a refined and welcoming ambiance. The glamorous interiors and eclectic fusion music inspire the carefully selected, meticulously prepared Arabian-inspired food and crafted cocktails.

Plant Cafe Restaurant

Plant Cafe is a vegan eatery with the mission to nourish and rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul in a serene setting. They serve mindful food and are passionate about incorporating more plant-based foods as essential to health.

Cinemas

Bahrain is home to several cinemas, including Cineco, VOX Cinemas, and Mukta A2 Cinemas. Here is some more information about the cinema experience in Bahrain:

Cineco

Cineco cinemas offer a premium movie-going experience with state-of-the-art theatres showcasing the latest films. They provide the largest choice of theatre locations and screens in Bahrain, along with advanced cinematic technologies such as IMAX, 3D viewing, and 4D Dolby Atmos sound. Cineco also offers a diverse range of food and drink options, including concession counters and kiosks with snacks like popcorn, hot dogs, and nachos. They also have exclusive services such as Cine Gourmet and Trax, enhancing the overall experience.

VOX Cinemas

VOX Cinemas is another popular choice for movie-goers in Bahrain. They offer online ticket bookings for a range of films, from Hollywood blockbusters to local productions. VOX aims to provide a unique cinematic journey, as seen with their LEGO® animation film PIECE BY PIECE, which invites audiences to explore the life of cultural icon Pharrell Williams through vibrant visuals and music.

Mukta A2 Cinemas

Mukta A2 Cinemas strives to enhance the movie-going experience for its patrons by providing the best service in the industry. They offer faster ticket bookings and personalised movie recommendations through their mobile app. Mukta A2 Cinemas is currently accepting only credit card payments.

With these cinema options, Bahrain offers a diverse and exciting movie-going culture, ensuring that residents and visitors can enjoy the latest films and immersive cinematic experiences.

Frequently asked questions