, Destination Guide

Overview of Manama First mentioned in Islamic chronicles in the year 1345, historical Manama is now the capital and largest city of Bahrain at the north-eastern tip of the island state. There is a strong colonial influence in the area, with Portuguese occupation in 1521 followed by Persian dominance in 1602. This lovely city is a great base from which to enjoy the stunning beaches, buildings and sites in the area. The economy of Manama was traditionally based on pearling, fishing, boat building, and trade, displays of which can now be seen in local museums. In 1932, the discovery of petroleum boosted the city's economy, which has recently diversified into tourism and retail. Open-minded and tolerant of other cultures, Manama is visited by a large number of foreigners each year. These visitors can enjoy a vast array of attractions, from souks(markets) and shopping malls to forts and museums. There is also an active nightlife with many popular restaurants, bars, and clubs to choose from, making this a splendid vacation destination.

Key Facts

Language: is the official language in Bahrain, although English is widely understood and is used by most businesses. Passport/Visa: All persons who wish to enter Bahrain need a visa, except citizens of the (, , , , ). Visas can be obtained on arrival or online at www.evisa.gov.bh. Not all nationalities qualify for visas on arrival. A passport valid for duration of stay is required, but it is recommended that passports be valid for at least six months beyond intended travel. Visitors also require tickets or documentation for return or onward travel as well as proof of sufficient funds and address of stay in Bahrain. : The official currency is the Bahraini (BHD). The is linked to the US Dollar at a rate of US$1=BD 0.376. Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change, commercial banks in Manama or at money changers operating in souks. ATMs are available in larger towns. Credit cards are widely accepted. Electricity: Electrical current in Bahrain is 230 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin plugs are used.

Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

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Travel to Manama Climate for Manama Manama experiences extreme climatic conditions, with summer temperatures in July rising to 102°F (39°C) and winter temperatures in January as low as 57°F (14°C). The most pleasant time to visit Manama is in autumn (October and November) when warm temperatures are tempered by a soft breeze. Manama has an arid climate with little rainfall.

Health Notes when travelling to Bahrain No vaccinations are required for visitors to Bahrain, but a hepatitis A vaccination is recommended. Medical facilities are good in the main cities, but health insurance is recommended because visitors must pay for treatment. There are many well-stocked pharmacies in the country. Water is deemed clean and safe by the authorities, but visitors usually prefer to drink bottled water, which is widely available. Safety Notes when travelling to Bahrain Although the crime rate in Bahrain is relatively low, visitors should be aware that along with other states in the Gulf region, the country is at risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks by Al Qaeda on Western interests. Visitors are advised to be vigilant and avoid public demonstrations. Around 10,000 British nationals live in Bahrain, and thousands more visit each year. The vast majority of visits are trouble free. Customs in Bahrain Although it is a liberal state, Bahrain is an Islamic country and many locals find scanty clothing and immoderate public behaviour offensive. Visitors should dress and act respectfully. Religious and social sensitivities should be observed and respected, especially during religious festivals. Foreigners are not expected to fast during the holy month of Ramadan, but it is considered extremely inconsiderate to eat, drink, or smoke in public during this time. Homosexuality is illegal. Duty Free in Bahrain Travellers to Bahrain over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250g tobacco (in open packets); perfume up to 237ml; 1 litre alcoholic liquor and 6 cans of beer for non-Muslim passengers only; and gifts to the value of BD 250. Doing Business in Bahrain Bahrain is generally more liberal than its Arab neighbours, but businesswomen should nevertheless ensure that they wear conservative clothing and men are expected to wear smart suits and ties. Bahrainis prefer to do business with those whom they have a personal relationship with so a letter of introduction from someone they know is appreciated. English is used as the language of business, but expect prolonged small talk and personal enquiries before sitting down to do business, as building a trustworthy relationship is important. Rushing a deal and high-pressure sales tactics are frowned upon. Impatience has no place, so plenty of time should be allowed for decision-making. For meetings, punctuality is important and business cards are routinely handed out to everyone, using both hands and preferably with the Arabic translation on the back of the card face up. It is important to study a received card for a while before putting it away. Formal titles should be used. Business hours are Sunday to Thursday 7am to 2pm. Most businesses take a break in the afternoon between 1pm and 3pm, but are open later in the evening. During the holy month of Ramadan working hours are reduced. Communication in Bahrain The international direct dialling code for Bahrain is +973. There are no city or area codes. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option. Internet is available at most of the larger hotels in Manama. Tipping in Bahrain Most restaurants and hotels in Bahrain add a service charge of 10 to 15 percent to their bills. However, you may leave a tip at your discretion. Taxi drivers expect a 10 percent tip and porters will be happy with about 100 per item of baggage.

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Passport/Visa Note All persons who wish to enter Bahrain need a visa, except citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates). Visas can be obtained on arrival or online at www.evisa.gov.bh. Not all nationalities qualify for visas on arrival. A passport valid for duration of stay is required, but it is recommended that passports be valid for at least six months beyond intended travel. Visitors also require tickets or documentation for return or onward travel as well as proof of sufficient funds and address of stay in Bahrain. Entry Requirements Entry requirements for Americans: US citizens require a valid passport and a visa (or electronic visa) to enter Bahrain. Single entry Electronic Visas may be obtained online before travel, or a one-month tourist or business visa can be obtained on arrival, with the option to extend this by two weeks.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian citizens require a valid passport and an eVisa, obtainable online prior to their visit, or a one-month tourist or business visa obtainable on arrival. A two-week extension is possible.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens require a valid passport and an eVisa, obtainable online prior to their visit, or a three-month visa obtainable on arrival. British passport holders with endorsements other than 'British Citizen' should confirm official requirements before travel.

Entry requirements for Australians: Australians need a valid passport and a visa, obtainable online (www.evisa.gov.bh) prior to their visit, or a one-month tourist or business visa obtainable on arrival. A two-week extension is possible.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals need a valid passport and an eVisa, obtainable online prior to their visit, or a three-month tourist or business visa obtainable on arrival.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealanders require a valid passport and an eVisa, obtainable online prior to their visit, or a one-month tourist or business visa obtainable on arrival. A two-week extension is possible.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans need a visa and a valid passport to visit Bahrain. Visas are obtainable online prior to travel.

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Getting around in Manama, Bahrain There is little in the way of public transport in Manama, with most residents driving their own cars to get around. While long-haul buses link the major cities in Bahrain, local travel can be less organised and predictable for those visiting the . Taxis are perhaps the most popular way for travellers to get around Manama. There are plenty of cabs throughout the city, so finding a vacant one should not be much of a problem. Visitors should insist that the official meter is used, as it is extremely common for drivers to try and rip tourists off with an exorbitant fixed fee. If the driver is especially reluctant to use the meter, it is often best to simply vacate the cab and find another. There are surcharges for night-time fares (between 10pm and 6am), and hotel or airport pickups. Hiring a car is the only other practical way to get around Manama, which is not considered pedestrian-friendly and has few sidewalks. All roads in Bahrain quite literally lead to Manama, so visitors who hire a car will also have considerable access to the whole country. Those who plan to stay within the city, however, will occasionally have to deal with periods of congested traffic, especially during rush hour.

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Attractions in Manama, Bahrain As the meeting place for locals and visitors and a fantastic way to experience the true flavours, scents, and colours of Manama, a visit to the souks (local markets) is a must. Here one can purchase anything from beautiful Persian rugs to rare and precious jewellery, all while sampling the local cuisine along the way. If one is to venture just slightly out of the city, Bahrain's special history can be encountered in numerous old fort buildings, dating back as far back as 3000 BC, and beautifully restored and preserved for visitors to admire. And when the temperatures of the desert seem overwhelming, water activities seem extra tempting. Luckily water sports are extremely popular in Bahrain, with tourists and locals indulging in their sport of choice all year round in the warm waters of the Persian Gulf. Sailing and scuba diving are particularly popular. If you prefer to stay on land but still feel the need to cool down, you can visit the Lost Paradise of Waterpark with the family, allowing kids to tube and slide the day away, while cooling off from the desert climate. Whether it is in the water or in the desert, there is plenty to choose from for the whole family.

Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park On a swelteringly hot day, the perfect activity for both children and adults in Bahrain is a trip to the Lost Paradise of Dilmun. The biggest waterpark in the , The Lost Paradise of Dilmun has a number of water rides and attractions catering for all ages, ranging from lazy rivers to high-speed waterslides, man-made waves to the interactive Dancing Fountain. The park was designed to resemble Dilmun, an ancient kingdom in Bahrain that was said to contain the Garden of Eden. Guests can also relax by the pool in private cabanas. The park also has restaurants and souvenir shops. Though expensive by local standards and far from Manama (a 45-minute drive from downtown), the Lost Paradise of Dilmun is a great family excursion in Bahrain. Visitors should note that the park is only open during the summer. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Address: Building 1663, Road 6227, Block 1062 Hawrat Ingah, Manama Website: www.lpodwaterpark.com

Al Dar Island is Bahrain's best-kept secret. A Mediterranean beach resort with sparkling blue seas, it offers activities like dolphin viewing, pearl collecting, fishing, scuba diving, boating, and other water sports. Because Bahrain's beaches are notoriously poor, Al Dar is a popular excursion for both locals and tourists in Manama and all over the country. Though small, there are several beaches on Al Dar to choose from, none of which are overcrowded due to the strict limits regarding the number of visitors per day. The beaches are all clean and well-kept with good shower and ablution facilities, plus several decent restaurants and shops. The island is also known for its beach parties and a nightlife which, in Bahrain terms, is quite lively. Booking ahead is essential, as only a few tickets to Al Dar are allocated per day, and international visitors are required to present their passports at the Port Office before embarking on the ferry to Al Dar. Website: www.aldarislands.com

Hawar Islands A one-hour boat ride from Manama are the , a cluster of islands known for their spectacular scenery and wildlife. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hawar Islands are home to playful dolphins and bright pink flocks of flamingos, and the islands' resorts offer the chance to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings while indulging in activities like jet skiing, canoeing, cycling, and paddle boats. With a small population of around 4,000 people, tourism is the major industry. Although the islands are geographically closer to Qatar, Hawar belongs to Bahrain and makes a pleasant weekend excursion from Manama.

Bahrain Fort Located roughly two miles (4km) from Manama along the coast of Bahrain, the archaeological site of Bahrain Fort (Qal'at al-Bahrain) is one of the largest in the country and has been listed as a World Heritage Site. As the capital of the ancient Silmun Civilization, this site represents Bahrain's role as a centre for commerce and cultural exchange. Excavations have revealed the ruins of six cities near the fort, dating as far back as 3000 BC, however only 25 percent of the site has been uncovered. Visitors can see the remains of several necropolises along with city walls, and many copper and ivory artefacts and examples of Barbar pottery. There is also a visitors centre, with displays of ancient life. Tourists can easily dedicate an entire afternoon to the site, which also has a cafe. Be aware that bottles of water are much cheaper at nearby shops, which do not charge tourist prices.

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Manama Souk To experience the true flavours, scents and colours of Manama, a visit to the souks (local markets) are a must. Here, visitors can experience and purchase everything this beautiful country has to offer, from a variety of cloths in different colours and textures to jewellery and local crafts. The best buys include exquisite Persian rugs and natural . The fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs, spices, and nuts available here are also outstanding, though less ideal as souvenirs. The souk is divided into several sections, including the Fareeq el-Hammam and Fareeq el-Hatab, which are home to several famous Matams. Most shops are open from 9am to 1pm and from 4pm to 9pm, and are closed during the day on Fridays. Touts are known for their aggressiveness, and visitors should be prepared to haggle for the best price.

Jebel Al Dukhan and the Tree of Life At 439 feet (134m) above sea level, the Jebel Al Dukhan hill is the highest point in Bahrain. Translated from Arabic, Jebel Al Dukhan means 'Mountain of Smoke', named for the haze which often surrounds it on humid days. There are various undetermined caves in the area for visitors to explore. Roughly a mile (2km) away, the Tree of Life stands alone in the desert, its water source a complete mystery. The mesquite tree is said to be around 400 years old, and stands 32 feet (10m) high. There is nothing else nearby to see or do. However, the mysterious tree is a popular sight for tourists in Bahrain.

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Events in Manama, Bahrain Bahrain Grand Prix Saturday April 13, 2019 to Monday April 15, 2019 (TBC) Where: Bahrain International Circuit Every year, the Bahrain International Circuit hosts its Grand Prix event, a round of Formula One races that see the world's top drivers race around a challenging track designed by Grand Prix legend Hermann Tilke. The circuit features dramatic elevation changes and three areas for overtaking. www.formula1.com Jewellery Arabia Tuesday November 17, 2020 to Saturday November 21, 2020 (17- 21 November 2020) Where: Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) This international exhibition of Middle Eastern jewellery and watches occurs annually at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. The Arabian passion for fine jewellery has inspired the world's most dynamic jewellery market, with trade demand ranging from simple gold designs to exclusive and customised pieces. www.jewelleryarabia.com

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Nightlife in Manama, Bahrain

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Shopping in Manama, Bahrain

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Dining in Manama, Bahrain

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Airports in Manama Bahrain International Airport (BAH) Bahrain International Airport www.bahrainairport.com Location: Manama The airport is about four miles (7km) north of the capital, Manama, on Island. Time: GMT +3. Contacts: Airport Flight Details: +973 80007777 (Local); +973 80114444 (International) Getting to the city: Many hotels operate courtesy buses for their guests to and from the airport. Taxis operate at the airport. Car rental: Budget, Europcar, Hanco, Hertz, Oscar, Avis, Gulf, Sixt, Al Kobaisi, and other companies operate from Bahrain Airport. Airport Taxis: There are taxis outside the terminal, but they tend to overcharge foreigners. It is better to phone for a metered taxi service. It is about a 15-minute drive to Manama. Facilities: Facilities include banks and currency exchange services, restaurants, cafes and bars, gift shops, a post office, communications centre, tourist information, and a prayer room. The Bahrain Duty Free shopping complex is internationally acclaimed. Disabled facilities are good. Parking: Short and long-term parking facilities are available in front of the terminal. The cashier counters are available at the exits and they are open 24 hours. A free shuttle bus service operates between the terminal and the long-term car parks.

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Currency The official currency is the Bahraini dinar (BHD). The Bahraini dinar is linked to the US Dollar at a rate of US$1=BD 0.376. Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change, commercial banks in Manama or at money changers operating in souks. ATMs are available in larger towns. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Exchange rate for 1 BHD - Bahrain Dinar 2.66 BMD 2.38 EUR 2.66 USD 1.84 GBP 289.63 JPY 3.48 CAD Bermudan Dollar U.S. Dollar U.K. Canadian Dollar 2.63 CHF 3.67 AUD 66.78 UAH 898.15 KZT 4,004.89 LBP 1.89 LYD Swiss Franc Ukrainian Hryvnia 18.24 BOB 286.91 NPR 1.02 OMR 9.68 QAR 3.66 SGD 22.04 SEK Bolivian Boliviano Qatari Rial Dollar Swedish Krona 17.63 TTD 26.54 VEF 121.89 DOP 17.87 HRK 49.56 MXN 1,559.32 XOF Trinidad Tobago Dollar Venezuelan Bolivar Dominican Peso Croatian Kuna Mexican Peso West African CFA Franc 8.42 PGK 2.66 BSD 5.62 FJD 60.21 HNL 293.96 DZD 3,168.38 MMK Papua New Guinean kina Bahamian Dollar Fiji Dollar Honduran Lempira Myanma Kyat 29.75 BWP 8.96 PEN 1,844.48 CLP 1,271.55 AMD 64.29 CZK 53.14 MDL Botswana Pula Peruvian Nuevo Sol Chilean Peso Dram Czech Koruna Moldova Lei 330.55 ISK 7,815.82 UZS 10.25 ILS 1.88 JOD 0.80 KWD 83.38 UYU Icelandic Krona Sum Israeli New Sheqel Uruguayan Peso 94.46 MUR 75.83 NIO 22.19 NOK 10.43 PLN 9.97 SAR 388.34 LKR Mauritian Rupee Nicaraguan Córdoba Norwegian Krone Polish Zloty Rupee 94.72 THB 9.77 AED 9.56 BRL 10.77 RON 20.67 HKD 1,562.86 XAF U.A.E Dirham Brazilian Real Romanian New Leu Dollar Central African CFA Franc 59,773.14 VND 37.10 ARS 7.17 XCD 20.83 GTQ 25.99 MAD 2.66 PAB Vietnamese Dong Argentine Peso East Caribbean Dollar Guatemalan Quetzal Moroccan Dirham Panamanian Balboa 3.98 AZN 8,292.05 COP 181.65 KGS 744.04 HUF 20.93 TJS 36,391.22 IDR Manat Colombian Peso Som Hungarian Forint Ruble 23.62 EGP 3,167.82 KRW 15,078.24 PYG 11.07 MYR 1,432.85 CRC 3.90 NZD Paraguayan Guaraní Costa Rican Colón New Zealand Dollar 278.56 PKR 177.65 RUB 41.50 ZAR 5.64 TND 5.32 BBD 4.66 BGN Russian Rouble South African Rand Barbadian Dollar Bulgarian Lev 7.85 TRY 123.99 PHP 86.75 TWD 522.61 NGN 284.97 XPF 10.40 GHS New Dollar Nigerian Naira CFP Franc Ghanaian Cedi 332.24 JMD 4.80 ANG 3.66 BND 294.03 RSD 17.50 CNY 52,921.54 BYR Jamaican Dollar Neth. Antillean Guilder Dollar Chinese Yuan Belarussian Ruble 17.69 DKK 9.14 TMT 178.89 INR

Danish Krone New Manat

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