Complete Travel Guide to Manama, Bahrain

Manama Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain, with an approximate population of 297,502 as of 2012. Long an important trading center in the Persian Gulf, Manama is home to a diverse population. After periods of Portuguese and Persian control and a short invasion from the ruling dynasty of Saudi Arabia, followed by a longer invasion by Oman, Bahrain established itself as an independent nation in 1971 following a period of British hegemony. Positioned at coordinates 26.22787°N, 50.58565°E, Manama occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Manama place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. Home to 297502 residents, Manama maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Manama represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Manama reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout Bahrain, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Capital province, Manama contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines Bahrain’s regional character. The role of Manama in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Manama discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of Bahrain while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Manama

History #Pre-modern history There is evidence of human settlement on the northern coastline of Bahrain dating back to the Bronze Age The Dilmun civilisation inhabited the area in 3000 BC, serving as a key regional trading hub between Mesopotamia, Magan and the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Approximately 100,000 Dilmun burial mounds were found across the north and central regions of the country, some originating 5,000 years ago Despite the discovery of the mounds, there is no significant evidence to suggest heavy urbanisation took place during the Dilmun era.

It is believed that the majority of the population lived in rural areas, numbering several thousand Evidence of an ancient large rural population was confirmed by one of Alexander the Great’s ship captains, during voyages in the Persian Gulf A vast system of aqueducts in northern Bahrain helped facilitate ancient horticulture and agriculture.

> “The capital of Awal is a town well populated whose environs are fertile > and produce corn and dates in abundance ” > > —Al-Idrisi The Khamis Mosque in 1956 The commercial network of Dilmun lasted for almost 2,000 years, after which the Assyrians took control of the island in 700 BC for more than a century.

This was followed by Babylonian and Achaemenid rule, which later gave way to Greek influence during the time of Alexander the Great’s conquests In the first century AD, the Roman writer Pliny the Elder wrote of Tylos, the Hellenic name of Bahrain in the classical era, and its pearls and cotton fields.

Roman influence in Manama established foundational infrastructure and administrative systems that continued to shape the region for centuries The island came under the control of the Parthian and Sassanid empires respectively, by which time Nestorian Christianity started to spread in Bahrain.

By 410–420 AD, a Nestorian bishopric and monastery was established in Al Dair, on the neighbouring island of Muharraq Following the conversion of Bahrain to Islam in 628 AD, work on one of the earliest mosques in the region, the Khamis Mosque, began as early as the seventh century AD.

During this time, Bahrain was engaged in long distance marine trading, evident from the discovery of Chinese coins dating between 600 and 1200 AD, in Manama The Portuguese Fort, built by the Portuguese Empire while it ruled Bahrain from 1521 to 1602 In 1330, under the Jarwanid dynasty, the island became a tributary of the Kingdom of Hormuz.

The town of Manama was mentioned by name for the first time in a manuscript dating to 1345 AD Bahrain, particularly Manama and the nearby settlement of Bilad Al Qadeem, became a centre of Shia scholarship and training for the ulema, it would remain so for centuries.

The ulema would help fund pearling expeditions and finance grain production in the rural areas surrounding the city In 1521, Bahrain fell to the expanding Portuguese Empire in the Persian Gulf, having already defeated Hormuz The Portuguese consolidated their hold on the island by constructing the Bahrain Fort, on the outskirts of Manama.

After numerous revolts and an expanding Safavid empire in.

The historical trajectory of Manama demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Manama reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Manama remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

Geography Main article: Geography of Bahrain The city is located in the north-eastern corner of Bahrain on a small peninsula. As in the rest of Bahrain, the land is generally flat (or gently rolling) and arid. A panoramic view of the skyline of Manama from left to right:1. The twin towers of the Bahrain WTC. The twin towers of the Bahrain Financial Harbor (BFH). The NBB tower (short building next to BFH). The Almoayyed Tower (tallest in the photo, center of image). The Abraj Al Lulu residential project (three towers) under-construction on the far-right). #Climate Main article: Climate of Bahrain Manama has an arid climate. In common with the rest of Bahrain, Manama experiences extreme climatic conditions, with summer temperatures up to 45 °C (113 °F), and winter as low as 7 °C (45 °F) with even hail on rare occasions. Average temperatures of the summer and winter seasons are generally from about 17 °C (63 °F) to about 34 °C (93 °F). The most pleasant time in Bahrain is spring when sunshine is comparatively low, coupled with mild temperatures moderated by soft breezes. Climate data for Manama (Bahrain International Airport) 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1902–present Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 29. 5) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 20. 3) Daily mean °C (°F) 17. 9) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 14. 7) Record low °C (°F) 2. 9) Average precipitation mm (inches) 18. 71) Average precipitation days (≥ 1. 6 Average relative humidity (%) 69. 0 Average dew point °C (°F) 11.

The topographic characteristics of Manama result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Manama region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Manama area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Manama has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Manama demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Manama create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

#Climate Main article: Climate of Bahrain Manama has an arid climate. In common with the rest of Bahrain, Manama experiences extreme climatic conditions, with summer temperatures up to 45 °C (113 °F), and winter as low as 7 °C (45 °F) with even hail on rare occasions. Temperature patterns in Manama influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. Average temperatures of the summer and winter seasons are generally from about 17 °C (63 °F) to about 34 °C (93 °F). Temperature patterns in Manama influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. The most pleasant time in Bahrain is spring when sunshine is comparatively low, coupled with mild temperatures moderated by soft breezes. Temperature patterns in Manama influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. Climate data for Manama (Bahrain International Airport) 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1902–present Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 29. 5) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 20. 3) Daily mean °C (°F) 17. 9) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 14. 7) Record low °C (°F) 2. 9) Average precipitation mm (inches) 18. Rainfall patterns in Manama determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 71) Average precipitation days (≥ 1. Rainfall patterns in Manama determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 6 Average relative humidity (%) 69. 0 Average dew point °C (°F) 11. 9) Mean monthly sunshine hours 232 221 245 256 316 344 337 334 316 306 249 235 3,391 Source: NOAA, Meteo Climat (record highs and lows) 1. “Bahrain International Airport Climate Normals 1991–2020”. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 10 October 2023. “Station Bahrain” (in French). Retrieved 14 October 2016.

The climatic regime of Manama reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Manama create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Manama determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Manama create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Manama demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Manama include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Demographics Main article: Demographics of Bahrain Historical populationYearPop. The demographic composition of Manama reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. ±% 1860s8,000— 190425,000+212. 5% 194127,835+11. 3% 195039,648+42. 4% 195961,726+55. 7% 196579,098+28. 1% 197188,785+12. 2% 1981121,986+37. 4% 2010329,510+170. 1% Source: Bahrain Census 2010 The role of Manama as a regional port city in the Persian Gulf made it a hub for migrant workers in search of a better living. As a result, Manama has often been described, both in the pre-oil and post-oil era, as a cosmopolitan city. In 1904, it was estimated that Manama’s population numbered 25,000, out of which half were believed to have been foreigners from Basra, Najd, al- Hasa and Iran, as well as from India and Europe. The demographic composition of Manama reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. #Religion The two main branches of Islam, Shia Islam and Sunni Islam, coexisted in Manama for centuries and are represented by distinct ethnic groups. The Shia community is represented by the native Arab Baharna, the Hasawis and Qatifis of mainland Arabia and the Persian Ajam. The Sunni community is represented by Arab Bedouin tribes who migrated in the eighteenth century along with the Bani Utbah and the Huwala. Ben Hamouche 2008, p. ^ _**a**_ _**b**_ Ben Hamouche 2008, p. ]: Population *[±%]: Percent change. The demographic composition of Manama reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life.

Culture Bab Al Bahrain The country attracts a large number of foreigners and foreign influences, with about half of the population hailing from abroad. The demographic composition of Manama reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Alcohol is legal in the country, with bars and nightclubs operating in the city. Bahrain gave women the right to vote in elections for the first time in 2002. Football is the most popular sport in Manama (and the rest of the country), with three teams from Manama participating in the Bahraini Premier League. Notable cultural sites within Manama include the Bab Al Bahrain and the adjacent souq area. In the 2010s, the historic core of Manama underwent revitalisation efforts alongside the Manama souq, which were due to be completed in 2020. The central areas of Manama are also the main location for Muharram processions in the country, attracting hundreds of thousands of people annually from Bahrain and across the Gulf. “Manama | Bahrain, Population, & Map | Britannica”. The demographic composition of Manama reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Retrieved 10 March 2025. _The Report: Bahrain 2012_. Oxford Business Group. ISBN 978-1-907065-58-3. Retrieved 11 March 2020. “Manama Souq revamp will be finished by mid-2020”. _Time Out Bahrain_. Retrieved 11 March 2020.

The cultural landscape of Manama represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Manama reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Manama continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Manama provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Manama demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Manama provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

Economy Main article: Economy of Bahrain Central Manama The Bahrain Financial Harbour in Manama. Manama is the focal point of the Bahraini economy. While petroleum has decreased in importance in recent years due to depleting reserves and growth in other industries, it is still the mainstay of the economy. Heavy industry (e. aluminium smelting, ship repair), banking and finance, and tourism are among the industries which have experienced recent growth. Several multinationals have facilities and offices in and around Manama. The primary industry in Manama itself is financial services, with over two hundred financial institutions and banks based in the CBD and the Diplomatic Area. Manama is a financial hub for the Persian Gulf region and a center of Islamic banking. There is also a large retail sector in the shopping malls around Seef, while the center of Manama is dominated by small workshops and traders. Manama’s economy in the early 20th century relied heavily on pearling; in 1907, the pearling industry was estimated to include 917 boats providing employment for up to 18,000 people. Shipbuilding also employed several hundred in both Manama and Muharraq. The estimated income earned from pearling in 1926 and subsequent years prior to the Great Depression was £1. 5 million annually. Custom duties and tariffs served as the prime source of revenue for the government. With the onset of the Great Depression, the collapse of the pearling industry and the discovery of oil in 1932, the country’s economy began to shift towards oil. Historically, the ports at Manama were of poor reputation. The British described the ports importing systems as being “very bad – goods were exposed to the weather and there were long delays in delivery”, in 1911. Indians began maintaining the ports and new resources were built on site, improving the situation. As of 1920, Manama was one of the main exporters of Bahrain pearls, attracting steamships from India. During this time, they also imported goods from India and from other regional countries. They imported rice, textiles, ghee, coffee, dates, tea, tobacco, fuel, and livestock. They exported less of a variety, with a focus on pearls, oysters, and sailcloth. For the year of 1911–12, Manama was visited by 52 steamships, the majority being British and the rest Turkish-Arabian. CIA World Factbook – Bahrain (retrieved 2 December 2006) 2. Stationery Office.

The economic structure of Manama reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Manama often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Manama serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Manama demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Manama has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Manama focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transport Main article: Transport in Bahrain #Road network Aerial view of Manama City Manama night view Bahrain Bay overview Skyline of Manama Manama is the main hub of the country’s road network. At the moment the city’s road network is undergoing substantial development to ameliorate the situation of traffic in the city. Due to the fact that it is the capital and the main city in the country, where most of the government and the commercial offices and facilities are established, along with the entertainment centers, and the country’s fast growth, vehicle population is increasing rapidly. The widening of roads in the old districts of Manama and the development of a national network linking the capital to other settlements commenced as early as the arrival of the first car in 1914. The continuous increase in the number of cars from 395 in 1944, to 3,379 in 1954 and to 18,372 cars in 1970 caused urban development to primarily focus on expanding the road network, widening carriageways and the establishment of more parking spaces. Many tracks previously laid in the pre-oil era (prior to the 1930s) were resurfaced and widened, turning them into ‘road arteries’. Initial widening of the roads started in the Manama Souq district, widening its main roads by demolishing encroaching houses. A series of ring roads were constructed (Isa al Kabeer avenue in the 1930s, Exhibition avenue in the 1960s and Al Fateh highway in the 1980s), to push back the coastline and extend the city area in belt-like forms. To the north, the foreshore used to be around _Government Avenue_ in the 1920s but it shifted to a new road, _King Faisal Road_ , in the early 1930s which became the coastal road. To the east, a bridge connected Manama to Muharraq since 1929, a new causeway was built in 1941 which replaced the old wooden bridge. Transits between the two islands peaked after the construction of the Bahrain International Airport in 1932. To the south of Manama, roads connected groves, lagoons and marshes of Hoora, Adliya, Gudaibiya and Juffair. Villages such as Mahooz, Ghuraifa, Seqaya served as the end of these roads. To the west, a major highway was built that linked Manama to the isolated village port of Budaiya, this highway crossed through the ‘green belt’ villages of Sanabis, Jidhafs and Duraz. To the south, a road was built that connected Manama to Riffa. The discovery of oil accelerated the growth of the city’s road network. Muharraq The four main islands and all the towns and villages are linked by well- constructed roads. There were 3,164 km (1,966 mi) of roadways in 2002, of which 2,433 km (1,512 mi) were paved. A causeway stretching over 2. 8 km (2 mi), connect Manama with Muharraq Island, and another bridge joins Sitra to the main island. A four-lane highway atop a 24 km (15 mi) causeway, linking Bahrain with the Saudi Arabian mainland via the island of Umm an-Nasan was completed in December 1986, and financed by Saudi Arabia. In 2000, there were.

Transportation infrastructure serving Manama reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Bahrain. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Manama.

Regional connectivity from Manama provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

Education Main article: Education in Bahrain See also: List of schools in Bahrain The clock tower of the Applied Science University building Quranic schools were the only source of education in Bahrain prior to the 20th century; such schools were primarily dedicated to the study of the Qur’an. The first modern school to open in the country was a missionary elementary school set up in 1892 (according to one account) in Manama by the Reformed Church in America, with the school’s syllabus comprising English, Mathematics and the study of Christianity. Leading merchants in the country sent their children to the school until it was closed down in 1933 due to financial difficulties. The school reopened some years later under the name of Al Raja School where it operates till the present day. In addition to the American Mission School, another foreign private school was opened in 1910; Al-Ittihad school, funded by the Persian community of Bahrain. Following the end of the First World War, Western ideas became more widespread in the country, culminating in the opening of the first public school of Bahrain, Al-Hidaya Al-Khalifia Boys school, in the island of Muharraq in 1919. The school was founded by prominent citizens of Muharraq and was endorsed by the Bahraini royal family. The country’s first Education Committee was established by several leading Bahraini merchants, headed by Shaikh Abdulla bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the son of the then-ruler of Bahrain Isa ibn Ali Al Khalifa, who acted as the de facto Minister of Education. The Education Committee was also responsible for managing the Al-Hidaya Boys school. The school was, in fact, the brainchild of Shaikh Abdulla, who suggested the idea after returning from post-World War I celebrations in England. In 1926, a second public school for boys opened up in Manama called the Jafaria School. Two years later, in 1928, the first public school for girls was established. Due to financial constraints suffered by the Education Committee, the Bahraini government took control of the schools in 1930. Presently, Manama has a wide range of private and public universities and colleges such as Ahlia University, Applied Science University, Arab Open University, Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance, and the College of Health and Sport Sciences. Other notable primary and secondary schools situated in the city include the Bahrain School, the Indian School, Al Raja School amongst others. 1. ^ _**a**_ _**b**_ _**c**_ _**d**_ “History”. Ministry of Education – Bahrain. Archived from the original on 18 January 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2013. 2. Shirawi 1987, p. 59. 3. Shirawi 1987, p. 60. 4. Shirawi 1987, p. 61.

Educational institutions in Manama serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Planning Your Visit to Manama

Successful visits to Manama require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Manama often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Manama include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Manama extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.

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Source: This article incorporates material from the Wikipedia article “Manama”.