Exploring Juffair, Bahrain: A Local's Guide To The Area

Juffair, Bahrain is a popular destination for tourists and expats, known for its vibrant nightlife, trendy cafes, luxury hotels, and shopping malls. Located in the capital city of Manama, Juffair offers a range of attractions, including the Al-Fateh Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, the Bahrain National Museum, and the La Fontaine Center of Contemporary Art. With its stunning beaches, entertainment options, and proximity to popular tourist spots, Juffair has become a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

Visit Al-Fateh Mosque, one of the world's largest mosques

One of the world's largest mosques, Al-Fateh Mosque (also known as Al-Fateh Islamic Centre & Al Fateh Grand Mosque) is a must-see when visiting Juffair, Bahrain. The mosque, which was constructed in 1987 or 1988, is named after Ahmed Al Fateh (Ahmed ibn Muhammad ibn Khalifa), the conqueror of Bahrain in the 18th century.

Spanning 6,500 square metres, the mosque can accommodate over 7,000 worshippers at a time. The huge dome, weighing over 60 tons, is made entirely of fibreglass and is the world's largest of its kind. The mosque also features Italian marble floors, an Austrian chandelier, and doors made of teak wood from India. Throughout the mosque, you'll find Kufic calligraphy adorning the walls.

The Al-Fateh Mosque is more than just a place of worship; it's a premier tourist attraction in Bahrain. Open daily from 9 am to 4 pm (except Fridays), the mosque offers tours in various languages, including English, French, Filipino, and Russian. Visitors are encouraged to make special arrangements for a smoother experience. It's important to note that the mosque is closed to visitors during prayer times, so be sure to check the prayer schedule before your visit.

When visiting the mosque, remember to dress modestly and conservatively. If you're not appropriately dressed, don't worry—the mosque provides clothes for those who need them. During your tour, you'll be taken through the courtyard and the prayer room, with opportunities to take photos along the way. The tour guides are knowledgeable and passionate, offering insights into the history of the mosque, the construction details, and the Islamic faith.

In addition to its architectural grandeur, the Al-Fateh Mosque houses the National Library of Bahrain, which contains around 7,000 books, some of which are over a hundred years old. These include ancient copies of the books of the teachings of Muhammad, the Global Arabic Encyclopedia, the Encyclopedia of Islamic Jurisprudence, and various periodicals and magazines.

Explore the Bahrain National Museum, the country's largest and oldest public museum

The Bahrain National Museum is a must-visit when in Juffair, Bahrain. Officially inaugurated on 15 December 1988 by the late Amir H.H. Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, it is the country's largest and oldest public museum and is considered one of the island's main cultural landmarks. The museum is centrally located on an artificial peninsula overlooking the neighbouring island of Muharraq and is characterised by its white travertine marble facade. The modern museum was designed by Danish architects Krohn & Hartvig Rasmussen and is made up of two connected buildings spanning a floor space of approximately 20,000 to 27,800 square metres.

The Bahrain National Museum is the repository of 6,000 years of Bahrain's history, with exhibits spanning from 5000 BC to the 18th century. The museum complex includes six permanent exhibitions, an educational hall, a gift shop and a cafeteria, in addition to administrative offices, laboratories and warehouses. The exhibition halls, located on the ground and first floors, are accessed by the grand foyer, a large dramatic space accented by shafts of natural light, which hosts the exhibition, "Investing in Culture".

The Hall of Dilmun Graves is one of the highlights of the museum, featuring an actual burial mound that was transported from its original site and reassembled within the museum. Another notable exhibit is the Durand Stone, a long black basalt sculpture dating back to the Babylonian era. The Hall of Tylos and Islam covers the Hellenic-influenced history of Bahrain and its interactions with the Seleucid empire and Characene kingdom, featuring glazed pottery, glasses, alabaster containers and jewellery from that era.

The Hall of Documents and Manuscripts displays rare copies of the Quran from the 13th and 14th centuries, notes on astronomy, and historical documents and letters from the ruling Al Khalifa family. The Hall of Customs and Traditions showcases the customs and traditions of Bahrain prior to the discovery of oil in 1932, including aspects of everyday life such as childhood, marriage, fashion, local religious and medical practices, and traditional house structures.

The Bahrain National Museum is a fascinating and informative attraction that provides valuable insights into the history, culture and traditions of Bahrain. It is well-maintained, aesthetically built and usually not too crowded, making it a pleasant experience for visitors.

Shop at Juffair Mall, one of the best shopping malls in Bahrain

Juffair, Bahrain, is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. With its stunning beaches, shopping malls, and entertainment options, it has become a vibrant and cosmopolitan neighbourhood in the Manama area of Bahrain.

One of the best shopping malls in Juffair is the Juffair Mall, which opened in December 2015. This mall offers a wide range of international retail and dining options. It is a great place to shop for souvenirs, enjoy a meal with family and friends, or simply unwind.

The Juffair Mall is home to a variety of shops, from local boutiques selling silver ornaments and artefacts to international brands. It also has a Lulu Hypermarket, which is the 120th Lulu store in the world, offering a wide range of products under one roof. For entertainment, the mall features a gaming zone, a bowling alley, and the Mukta A2 Cinemas. There is also a playing area for children and adults called Matrix.

The Juffair Mall is conveniently located near the entrance of Juffair, making it easily accessible for visitors. It is a great option for those looking to indulge in some retail therapy while in Juffair, Bahrain.

Enjoy the rides and attractions at The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park

Juffair, Bahrain has a lot to offer, from cultural landmarks to recreational activities. One of the most popular attractions in Juffair is the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park, which offers a variety of rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Here are some details about the park:

Rides and Attractions

The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park is the biggest water park in Bahrain, covering an area of 77,000 square meters. It offers a range of exciting rides and attractions, including:

• Boomerango: A giant pendulum-style slide for adrenaline seekers.
• Aqua Loop Rocket Slide: The world's fastest looping rocket slide.
• Family Raft Ride: A fun way to cool off and enjoy laughs with your family.
• Lazy River: Gently float down the lazy river or relax in the spa pool.
• Tots Pool: A shallow pool with small slides, perfect for younger children.
• Young Fun Zone: An area with various water play structures designed for kids.
• Wave Pool with a Sandy Beach: Fun for people of all ages and preferences.

Dining and Shopping

The water park also offers a variety of dining options, including fast food favourites such as burger meals, salads, and hot dogs. You can also find food and drink stands like Gilgamesh Eatz, The Arab Ice Cream booth, and Bubbles Store. The park has a shop called The Souq, where you can buy souvenirs, gifts, snacks, drinks, and summer essentials like sunblock and hats.

Facilities and Services

The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park provides a range of facilities and services to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for its visitors. These include:

• Male and female changing rooms and toilets.
• Male and female prayer rooms.
• Shaded parking for up to 570 vehicles.
• Rental of lockers and towels.
• Massage services for both men and women.
• Free-blowing tubes.
• Covered picnic areas, sunbeds, and seating.
• Fully qualified rescue workers and a fully equipped first aid station.
• Automated water treatment system to maintain hygiene levels according to WHO standards.

The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park is a great option for families, offering a mix of thrilling rides and attractions, dining, and shopping options, along with excellent facilities and safety measures. It is located in the Zallaq area, just a 5-minute drive from Bahrain International Circuit and 25 minutes from Manama/Seef.

Relax and stroll in the lush greenery of Water Garden City

Water Garden City in Juffair, Bahrain, is a great place to relax and stroll in lush greenery. The park offers a range of attractions, from walking trails to colourful lights, making it a perfect spot for photo-taking. It is also conveniently located near many hotels and the city centre, making it a popular place to chill and walk around.

Water Garden City has two main water bodies: a marina and a beach, which provide an ideal environment for water-based activities and events. The recreation and open space system meets the leisure demands of inner-city living and encourages high levels of visitation to Water Garden City. The park used to be one of the best in Bahrain, with old-fashioned games, water boats and a roller coaster. While it is currently closed for renovation, it is still a nice place to spend an hour or so strolling or having tea.

The master plan for Water Garden City has been carefully devised to maximise the value of water, with an integrated network of water-based activities and facilities offering diverse opportunities for families and individuals to engage with water. The development includes mixed-use residential and retail spaces, with an emphasis on community features, garden plazas, promenade walking and beach areas. Water Garden City is located in the Seef District of Manama, just a short drive from Bahrain International Airport.

So, if you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature in Juffair, be sure to check out Water Garden City! Stroll through the lush greenery, take photos with the colourful lights, and enjoy the water-based activities. Don't forget to grab a cup of coffee and a donut from the nearby restaurants, too!

Frequently asked questions