The City of Manama:

Manama City, the capital and largest city in Bahrain, is called home by roughly 155 000 citizens. Manama sits on a peninsula and offers its guests a gentle sea breeze. This treat is extremely appreciated especially during the summer month as temperatures can rise as high as 45C. This fascinating city of Bahrain lingers between the traditional and the modern as it defines its current identity. Roughly translated, Manama means “sleeping place” which seems a little peculiar since Manama has a vigorous nightlife. Neighboring residents of “alcohol banned” Arab states and foreigners alike regularly descend on Manama to explore its entertainment circuits and to peruse the numerous shopping malls of the city.

Manama’s Highlights

• Al-Fatih Mosque:An impressive mosque made of the best building materials imported from around the world. The Al-Fatih Mosque can accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers.

• Bahrain National Museum: This very modern building displays the country’s archeological treasures, a wildlife hall, and galleries showcasing the country’s art and culture.

• Beit Al Qur’an:A museum and research center displaying impressive collections of Qurans, manuscripts and woodcarvings.

• Friday Mosque: Although it is restricted to tourists, the mosque is a remarkable sight with its mosaic minaret.

• Kids Kingdom:The Kids Kingdom is an amusement park for children of all ages.

• Museum of Pearl Diving: Originally built for the Ministry of Justice, this museum features Bahrain’s pearl fishing and seafaring history and houses exhibits of ancient weapons, costumes, and musical instruments.

• King Fahd Causeway: This four-lane road, connecting Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, is 28km (17mi) long and approximately 23m (75ft) wide.

• Tree of Life: Known as the Tree of Life, thislone topiary flourishes in the middle of the desert about 18 miles South of Manama. This paradoxical tree thrives in a place completely free of water.