Exploring Bahrain Airport: Activities And Attractions

Bahrain International Airport is located on Muharraq Island, just 9km from the capital Manama. The airport offers a range of facilities and services for travellers, including shops, restaurants, and lounges. For those looking to pass the time, there are duty-free shops, art galleries, and a kids' play zone. A variety of dining options are available, including both Western chains and local restaurants. The airport also has prayer rooms for men and women, banking services, currency exchange booths, and a post office. Travellers can also take advantage of the airport lounges, which offer additional amenities such as internet access, snacks, drinks, and entertainment.

Explore the Cultural Heritage Galleries and local artwork

Bahrain International Airport is a cultural platform that celebrates the Kingdom's distinct character. The airport features a broad range of local artwork and cultural artefacts, showcasing the talents of Bahraini artists, past and present.

The Cultural Heritage Galleries, located in the Departures Area, are curated and produced by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. The galleries highlight the cultural wealth of Bahrain's past and present and celebrate local creativity. The archaeology gallery illustrates the historical significance of the island of Bahrain, once considered the land of immortality and opulence. The art gallery features the vibrant and historically grounded art scene in Bahrain, showcasing the creativity of local artists.

The airport also features ten thought-provoking sculptures commissioned especially for the airport from leading Bahraini sculptors. Ranging from abstract to realism, the art collection showcases the work of fifteen leading Bahraini artists. Two stunning glass paintings showcase Bahrain's rich culture and heritage. The airport terminal also has two large-scale glass art installations that overlook the central hub of the new terminal building. These pieces were designed by British artist Andrew Moor and incorporate the work of Bahraini artists Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and Hussain Al Sunni.

Shop at the Bahrain Duty-Free Shop Complex

Bahrain International Airport is a great place to indulge in some retail therapy, especially at the Bahrain Duty-Free Shop Complex. With dozens of duty-free shops located in both the arrivals and departures areas, as well as an arrivals hall known as A to Z, you can shop till you drop!

The Bahrain Duty-Free Shop Complex offers a wide range of products, from jewellery and clothing to electronics and cameras. You can also find accessories, liquor, tobacco, and perfume. If you're looking for something more unique, explore the local artwork and cultural artefacts proudly displayed at the airport.

For those who prefer to plan ahead, the online service allows travellers to purchase goods in advance and pick them up upon arrival or departure. This way, you can make the most of your time at the airport and avoid any last-minute rushing.

In addition to the duty-free shops, there are also retail, cosmetic, and gift shops throughout the terminal, so you can find something for yourself or pick up a last-minute gift for a loved one. Don't forget to check out the Bahrain National Museum if you're interested in learning more about the country's history and culture.

Eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes

If you're feeling peckish, Bahrain Airport has a wide range of eateries to suit your needs. Whether you're after a quick bite, a hearty meal, or a taste of local cuisine, there's something for everyone.

For coffee lovers, there's Costa Coffee, Gloria Jean's Coffees, and Caribou Coffee, where you can grab a caffeine fix and a pastry or sandwich. If you're craving something more substantial, head to Sky Restaurant or Chili's for a sit-down meal. For fast food, there's McDonald's, DQ Grill, Papa John's Pizzeria, and McCafe. If you fancy a drink, the Irish Lounge offers a pub environment.

Bahrain Airport also has a variety of international food options, including Starbucks, Chili's, Dairy Queen, Papa John's, Jasmi's, Caribou, Romanos Macaroni Grill, Habara Irish Pub Int, Habara Skybar, Gloria Jean's Coffees, and Magic Corn. So whether you're in the mood for American classics, Italian fare, or a taste of Ireland, you'll find something to satisfy your cravings.

With such a diverse range of dining options, Bahrain Airport is a great place to grab a bite before your flight or during a layover.

Relax in one of the airport lounges

Bahrain International Airport has three premium lounges where you can relax and unwind. These lounges offer a tranquil escape from the bustling departure halls, providing comfortable seating, refreshments, and various amenities to make your time at the airport more enjoyable.

The Gulf Air Business Class Falcon Lounge is an excellent option for business class travellers. This lounge offers a range of facilities, including a dedicated dining area called The Dining Room for Falcon Gold passengers, a business centre with telephones, fax machines, and wireless internet, and a quiet room with comfortable chaise lounges for those who want to rest. It's located at the upper level, easily accessible via the escalators by Gate 15's departure area, and offers a unique view of the airplanes as they land and take off.

The Dilmun Lounge is another great choice, featuring reclining chairs, ample seating areas, free WiFi, and buffet-style food options. It costs $60 for access to the lounge for up to 3 hours before your boarding time. Please note that this lounge can get noisy due to the high number of visitors.

The Marhaba Lounge is a more affordable option, charging only $30 for 3 hours. It has three locations within the airport: one in the basement near Gates 31 onwards, one near the Duty-Free area, and another on the first floor beside the Dilmun Lounge. The first-floor lounge is particularly peaceful and quiet, making it ideal for sleeping in the airport. It offers comfortable chairs, good WiFi, attentive staff, and a variety of food options.

All the lounges provide complimentary refreshments and snacks, including biscuits, nuts, hot beverages, soft drinks, and sometimes alcoholic beverages. They also offer comfortable seating, a tranquil atmosphere, and, in some cases, additional facilities like business centres, quiet rooms, and playrooms for families travelling with children.

So, if you're looking to relax and unwind during your time at Bahrain International Airport, the airport lounges are definitely worth considering.

Visit the nearby Al-Fatih Mosque

One of the largest mosques in the world, the Al-Fatih Mosque (also known as the Al-Fateh Islamic Centre and Al Fateh Grand Mosque) is a must-see for anyone visiting Bahrain. Located in Juffair, a suburban neighbourhood of Manama, the mosque is easily accessible from Bahrain Airport.

History

The mosque was built by the late Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa in 1987 and was named after Ahmed Al Fateh. Covering 6,500 square metres, it has the capacity to accommodate over 7,000 worshippers at a time. The huge dome, constructed entirely of fibreglass, weighs over 60 tons and holds the record for being the world's largest fibreglass dome. The mosque also houses the National Library of Bahrain, which contains around 7,000 books, some over 100 years old.

Visitor Information

The Al-Fatih Mosque is open to visitors from 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday to Thursday, and is also open to visitors on Fridays. Tours are available in a variety of languages, including English, French, Russian and Filipino. Women are requested to wear an abaya and a headscarf when entering the mosque.

Architecture and Design

The mosque features intricate Kufic calligraphy throughout, with beautifully ornamented walls. The marble used in the floors is Italian, the chandelier is from Austria, and the doors are made of teak wood from India.

Frequently asked questions