Exploring Manama, Bahrain: A City Of Surprises And Delights

Manama, the capital of Bahrain, is a bustling city with a rich history and a plethora of attractions for visitors to explore. From its stunning Islamic architecture to its vibrant souks, Manama offers a unique blend of old and new. Here are some highlights:

- Al Fateh Grand Mosque: One of the largest mosques in the world, accommodating over 7,000 worshippers, with a fiberglass dome that sets a world record.

- Bahrain National Museum: Delve into Bahrain's ancient history and discover archaeological artefacts, including trading seals and ancient coins.

- Bab Al-Bahrain: The historic gateway to the Manama Souq, a bustling bazaar where you can find spices, jewellery, and traditional crafts.

- Beit Al Quran: A renowned Islamic museum housing rare Qur'anic manuscripts and a valuable collection of Islamic art.

- Bahrain World Trade Center: A modern, sustainable twin-tower complex inspired by traditional Bahraini residences.

- Al Dar Islands: A popular weekend getaway for locals, offering a laid-back beach escape just off the coast of Sitra.

- Wahooo! Waterpark: Family-friendly fun with indoor and outdoor water rides, including the thrilling Master Blaster slide.

- La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Art & Spa: Housed in a 150-year-old building, this centre combines art galleries, a spa, and a fine-dining restaurant.

Visit Bab Al-Bahrain, the 'Gateway to Bahrain' and the grand entrance to the island's most multi-ethnic market space

Bab Al-Bahrain is a must-see when visiting Manama, Bahrain. This historical building, located in the Customs Square in the former central business district, is a grand entrance to the Manama Suq, the islands' most multi-ethnic market space.

Bab Al-Bahrain was built in 1949 and designed by the British adviser to the Emir, Charles Belgrave. It once stood on the Manama coastline but is now several kilometres inland due to land reclamation projects. The square is considered the region's first formal public space.

The building has undergone several changes and renovations over the years, including a refurbishment in 1986 to incorporate Islamic architectural features and a complete refurbishment of the facade and interiors in 2013. Today, it consists of a huge arch, with a road running underneath, leading to the Manama Souq. The building houses several shops and cafes, including Cafe Naseef, Bahrain's first ice cream shop.

Bab Al-Bahrain is more than just a gateway to the market; it is a vibrant district known for its bustling marketplace and delectable cuisine. The surrounding area offers a diverse range of accommodation options, from traditional hotels to modern high-rises. Stepping out of your hotel, you will be greeted by the aroma of freshly baked bread and spices as you delve into the labyrinthine alleys of the souq.

The Manama Suq itself is a lively array of shops offering textiles, spices, incense, perfumes, handicrafts, and souvenirs, as well as modern products from around the world. It is a unique shopping experience that brings to mind the style of commerce from days long past and is a must-visit when in Bahrain.

In addition to shopping, Bab Al-Bahrain offers a chance to sample traditional Bahraini coffee and delicacies. It is home to several famous coffee shops and restaurants serving local cuisine. The area also hosts a Saturday Market, usually held weekly, where artists showcase their crafts, live music plays, and traditional Bahraini food vendors set up shop.

Through the passageway of Bab Al-Bahrain, you can also find the original post office of Manama, which has been renovated to host a museum documenting the history of postal services in Bahrain. The museum boasts an impressive collection of photographs, stamps, cancellations, scales, and franking machines. It also includes a philatelic bureau counter for purchasing new and collectible stamps and a cafe with a terrace overlooking Bab Al-Bahrain.

Explore the Bahrain National Museum, which takes you on a journey through the country's 4000-year history

The Bahrain National Museum is a must-see attraction in Manama, taking visitors on a journey through the country's 4000-6000-year history. The museum is one of the oldest and largest public museums in Bahrain and is considered one of the region's first modern museums. It is also the country's most popular tourist attraction.

The museum was inaugurated in 1988 by the late Amir H.H. Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa and designed by Danish architects Krohn and Hartvig Rasmussen. It is characterised by its white travertine marble facade and is centrally located on an artificial peninsula overlooking the island of Muharraq. The complex consists of two buildings, with approximately 20,000-27,800 square metres of floor space.

The Bahrain National Museum is home to several exhibitions and halls that showcase different aspects of Bahrain's history and culture:

• The Hall of Dilmun Graves displays an actual burial mound from the Dilmun civilisation, which has been transported from its original site and reassembled within the museum.
• The Hall of Tylos and Islam covers the Hellenic-influenced history of Bahrain, including interactions with the Seleucid empire and Characene kingdom. This hall also showcases artefacts from the Islamic era, including items from the Khamis Mosque, the oldest mosque in Bahrain.
• The Hall of Documents and Manuscripts exhibits rare copies of the Quran from the 13th and 14th centuries, along with historical documents and letters from the ruling Al Khalifa family.
• The Hall of Customs and Traditions focuses on the customs and traditions of Bahrain before the discovery of oil in 1932, showcasing aspects of everyday life such as childhood, marriage, fashion, and local religious practices.
• The Hall of Traditional Trades and Crafts features a recreation of a traditional Bahraini souq and includes a section on pearl diving, a key component of the country's pre-oil economy.

In addition to these halls, the museum also offers an educational hall, a gift shop, and a cafeteria. The complex is well-maintained, with good lighting and plush interiors. Visitors can also enjoy the comfortable cafe and reasonably priced gift shop.

Admire the Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, which can accommodate over 7000 worshippers

One of the largest mosques in the world, the Al-Fateh Grand Mosque in Manama, Bahrain, is a must-see for visitors to the region. The mosque, which can accommodate over 7,000 worshippers, is a testament to the beauty and cultural richness of Bahrain.

The Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, also known as the Al-Fateh Islamic Centre and the Great Mosque, was built by the late Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa in 1987 and named after Ahmed Al Fateh. Covering 6,500 square metres, it is the largest place of worship in Bahrain.

The mosque is located next to the Al Fateh Highway in Juffair, a suburban neighbourhood of Manama. The huge dome, constructed entirely of fibreglass, weighs over 60 tons and is the world's largest fibreglass dome. The mosque features Italian marble floors, an Austrian chandelier, and doors made of teak wood from India. Throughout, you'll find Kufic calligraphy.

The Al-Fateh Islamic Centre's library holds around 7,000 books, some over 100 years old, including copies of the books of the teachings of Muhammad, the Global Arabic Encyclopedia, the Encyclopedia of Islamic Jurisprudence, and Al-Azhar journals printed over a century ago.

The mosque welcomes visitors of all religions and offers guided tours in various languages, including English, French, Filipino and Russian. Modest dress is required, and abayas and headscarves are provided free of charge. Entry is free, and the mosque is open from 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday to Thursday.

Shop at the City Centre Bahrain, the country's biggest shopping and entertainment centre

Manama, the vibrant capital of Bahrain, offers a plethora of exciting experiences for visitors. One of the highlights for shoppers and entertainment seekers is the City Centre Bahrain—the country's largest and most diverse shopping and entertainment destination. Spread across a vast area, it offers a wide range of options that will keep you engaged for an entire day or even more!

Fashion, Food, and Fun

The City Centre Bahrain is a shopper's paradise, housing all your favorite brands under one roof. Whether you're looking for high-end fashion, local crafts, or the latest electronic gadgets, you'll find it here. The mall boasts of housing over 350 international brands, ensuring that you're spoiled for choice. And when you need a break from shopping, there's a diverse range of dining options, from casual cafes to fine-dining restaurants, serving up a variety of cuisines to satisfy your taste buds.

Entertainment Galore

The entertainment options at the City Centre Bahrain are endless. For movie buffs, there's a state-of-the-art cinema showing the latest blockbusters. If you're looking for something more interactive, the indoor adventure park offers thrilling rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Additionally, the mall regularly hosts events and promotions, from cultural performances to fashion shows, ensuring that there's always something new and exciting happening.

Family-Friendly Attractions

City Centre Bahrain is a haven for families, offering a range of attractions that cater to all ages. Kids will love the indoor playground and the chance to meet their favorite characters during seasonal events. There's also a bowling alley, mini-golf, and a variety of arcade games to keep the fun going. For parents, the mall provides a convenient and safe environment to shop and relax, with ample seating areas and family-friendly dining options.

Convenience and Accessibility

Located strategically in the heart of Manama, the City Centre Bahrain is easily accessible from anywhere in the city. It offers ample parking spaces, and its connectivity to public transport makes it convenient for everyone to reach. The mall also houses a range of services, from banks to travel agencies, ensuring that all your needs are met under one roof.

Discover the Beit Al Qur'an, a renowned Islamic museum featuring a host of rare manuscripts

Discover the Beit Al Quran, a renowned Islamic museum featuring a host of rare manuscripts

The Beit Al Quran, or 'House of Quran', is a multi-purpose complex dedicated to Islamic arts, located in Hoora, Bahrain. The complex is most famous for its Islamic museum, which has been acknowledged as one of the most renowned Islamic museums in the world.

History of the Beit Al Quran

The construction of the complex began in 1984 and the museum was officially opened in March 1990 by Abdul Latif Jassim Kanoo. The museum was built to accommodate a large and valuable collection of Islamic arts, including a comprehensive collection of the Quran and other rare manuscripts. This concept is said to be unique in the Persian Gulf region. The core of the museum's holdings is Kanoo's own collection of Qur'anic manuscripts and Islamic art. As his collection grew, he reportedly felt a strong sense of responsibility toward the rare manuscripts he had acquired. In 1990, he donated his collection to the museum and established a first-of-its-kind institution dedicated to the service of the Quran and the preservation of historic manuscripts.

The Complex

The Beit Al Quran complex is open to the public on Saturdays to Wednesdays from 9 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 6 pm. The complex's exterior design is based on an old-fashioned 12th-century mosque. The entire complex consists of a mosque, a library, an auditorium, a madrasa, and a museum that comprises ten exhibition halls. A large stained glass dome covers the grand hall and the mosque. The Mihrab, the sign indicating the direction to Mecca, is covered in blue ceramic tiles with an engraved Al Qursi Qur'anic verse.

The Library

The library consists of over 50,000 books and manuscripts in Arabic, English, and French, mostly on Islam. The library and its reading rooms are open to the public during working hours with internet access available. It also provides individual rooms for researchers and specialists.

The Auditorium

The Mohammed Bin Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa Lecture Hall can accommodate up to 150 people and is mainly used for lectures and conferences. Guest speakers are brought to Bahrain from countries including the US, UK, and France. The conference hall is often made available for general use for public lectures in cooperation with different societies and institutions in Bahrain.

The Yousuf Bin Ahmad Kanoo School for Qur'anic Studies

The Yousuf Bin Ahmad Kanoo School for Qur'anic Studies is located within the site and offers seven study areas fully equipped with computers and modern aids, with separate classes for women and children learning the Quran.

The Al Hayat Museum

The Al Hayat Museum is the complex's most recognised establishment, exhibiting rare Qur'anic manuscripts from different periods, starting from the 7th century. Manuscripts on parchments that originate from Saudi Arabia (Mecca and Medina), Damascus, and Baghdad are present in the museum and have undergone special procedures for their preservation. Some of the artifacts present in the museum include a rare manuscript of the Quran from 1694, printed in Germany, and the world's oldest translated copy of the Quran, translated into Latin in Switzerland, dating to 955 AD. The museum also houses the first copy of the Quran, written during the reign of Caliph Uthman ibn Affan, alongside a number of small copies of the Quran that can only be read using optical instruments.

Other Exhibits

The museum also displays grains, peas, and rice from the 14th century, from present-day Pakistan, which contain surahs engraved into them. The exhibits include a rare collection of gold and copper pottery and glass from different eras of Iraq, Turkey, Iran, and Egypt, respectively.

Frequently asked questions