Manama, Bahrain 🇧🇭
#1152
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain, known for its modern skyline and cultural diversity. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 800,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 90 Mbps with reliable 4G and 5G coverage. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BHD ≈ 2.65 USD. Major banks include Gulf International Bank and Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electrical supply is 220V, 50Hz, with Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Batelco, Zain, and Viva. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards are widely accepted; banks like HSBC and Standard Chartered are expat-friendly. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, serviced apartments, and short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in most establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Sites like Airbnb and Booking.com offer various options in central locations. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include The Oscar Hotel and Al Safir Hotel. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Adliya and the Diplomatic Area are popular neighborhoods for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Financial District is favored due to its proximity to coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork Manama offers a vibrant community with modern amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Bateel and La Maison du Cafe provide comfortable environments for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Groups like BDB offer regular networking events for professionals and entrepreneurs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Bahrain Expat Forum hosts community gatherings and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate in Manama for reliable ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bahrain offers scooter rentals through providers like Lime. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is Al Corniche Beach, about 10 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Gulf Air is the national carrier offering various regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Qatar Airways and Emirates have numerous flights departing from Bahrain. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main roads include Shaikh Khalifa Highway and King Fahd Causeway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Manama does not have a train service; taxis and buses are prevalent for transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus passes are available, with the fare being around BHD 0.5 per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect to nearby towns like Muharraq and Hamad Town. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Bahrain Defence Force Hospital provides extensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Beirut Outpatient Rehabilitation Centre offers yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First has multiple branches across the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services like Washbox are widely available throughout Manama. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and HungerStation are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Machboos, a spiced rice dish, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | M vegetarian and The Good Life Cafe offer great plant-based choices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie D'Elia and La Fontaine provide a range of delicious desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Souq Al-Manama offers local food markets and shopping opportunities. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com and noon.com are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery apps like Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarket offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Adliya area has a vibrant nightlife scene with various bars and lounges. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bahrain Brewing Company is known for producing local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Bahrain has a few wine bars, including La Fontaine. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food is prevalent at the Souq, offering local delights. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants such as Nolu's and Maki offer international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Bahrain World Trade Center and the Bahrain Fort are iconic landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Bahrain National Museum showcases the country's rich history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Qal'at al-Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Al-Fateh Grand Mosque is a must-visit landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Bahrain International Film Festival occurs annually and attracts filmmakers worldwide. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Adliya is known for its art galleries and cultural venues. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Bahrain National Theater hosts various performances and shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Sky-View Market and Manama Souq offer unique local shopping experiences. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Enjoy live music at venues like The Music Chamber. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Adliya features vibrant street art and murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary art classes are offered at the Bahrain Culinary Center. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Contemporary art is showcased at the Al Riwaq Gallery. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore the historical buildings in the Manama Fort area. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Bahraini culture is celebrated at various cultural festivals throughout the year. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Dilmun Burial Mounds offer a scenic historical outdoor experience. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve is a nearby wildlife sanctuary. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Corniche offers scenic paths for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Bahrain Fort area offers panoramic views of the skyline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Southern Governorate is known for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Qal'at al-Bahrain has designated areas for picnics and gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Aramex and DHL offer parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Apple Store and numerous local repair shops are available. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Manama Youth Center has facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The British Council offers English language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Bahrain National Library provides resources and study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Bahrain Community Center hosts various cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | A1 Gaming Lounge offers a variety of gaming experiences. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Bahrain does not have traditional casinos but offers various entertainment venues. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BHD 1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BHD 60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BHD 1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BHD 48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BHD 1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BHD 102,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BHD 1,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BHD 78,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BHD 1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BHD 144,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BHD 1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BHD 112,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 0% for most businesses in Bahrain. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% |
| 🏦 Tax System | No income tax for expatriates; profits are taxed only if they exceed BHD 3 million. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0% |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% standard VAT applicable. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1% for property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Bahrain offers a tax-friendly environment with no personal income taxes. |