Manama, Bahrain 🇧🇭
#1152
26.223504, 50.582243
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Manama is the capital city of Bahrain, known for its modern skyscrapers and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BHD ≈ 2.65 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Stc and Viva are the primary mobile providers offering competitive data packages. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks like HSBC, Citibank, and local banks such as National Bank of Bahrain are commonly used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from high-end hotels like the Four Seasons to serviced apartments and Airbnbs. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local serviced apartments are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options like Bahrain Youth Hostel and budget hotels near the city center. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Bureau is an excellent coworking space near the diplomatic area, offering flexible plans. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Lilou is known for its comfortable atmosphere and fast Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for events on platforms like Meetup and LinkedIn, focusing on technology and entrepreneurship. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Bahrain Expats Facebook group for community gatherings and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate in Manama, providing reliable transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; some hotels and cafes have bike rentals available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Al Fateh Corniche Beach is the closest public beach, about 10 mins away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Gulf Air is the main carrier based in Bahrain. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | British Airways and Emirates offer connections to major cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains; however, public buses connect different parts of the city. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bahrain has a smart card system for public buses; passes can be purchased at stations. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries connect to Saudi Arabia for easy access across the causeway. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Bahrain Defence Force Hospital provides quality healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House offers various yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Gold's Gym are popular options with good facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services like Speedy Wash are accessible in most residential areas. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and HungerStation are widely used for food delivery in Manama. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Machboos, a spiced rice dish, is a must-try local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Ruchi Restaurant offers an extensive vegetarian menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Jlet de Miel serves popular traditional sweets like baklava. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Manama Souq offers local spices and fresh produce at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Bahrain's local e-commerce site, Mumzworld, is popular for shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarket offer grocery delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Adliya is renowned for its bars and nightlife, especially Block 338. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bahrain has no local breweries due to Islamic laws, but several bars serve imported beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Cellar in the Gulf Hotel is a notable wine bar with a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Visit the Manama Souq for a variety of local street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Spices in Adliya serves an excellent range of Indian and Asian cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Bahrain National Museum and the Bahrain Fort are key historic sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Isa Cultural Center hosts various art exhibitions and cultural events. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Qal'at al-Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Al Fateh Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Bahrain International Circuit hosts the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Adliya is known for its arts and culinary scene. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Bahrain National Theater hosts various performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Manama Souq is famous for traditional crafts and spices. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Jazz Club in Adliya features local and guest musicians regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Watchtower and The Bahrain Walls project showcase vibrant street art across the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Bahrain Culinary Academy offers classes for various cuisines. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art features local and international artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old section of Manama features colonial-era architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bahrain's pearl diving history is a significant part of its cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Al Areen Wildlife Park offers a glimpse of Bahrain's natural biodiversity. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The protected area of Hawar Islands is known for birdwatching and natural beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Corniche along the coast is popular for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Bahrain Bay offers stunning views of the skyline, especially at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Hawar Islands and Al Areen provide excellent spots for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public parks like the Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Park allow managed gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Aramex and DHL offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Cairo Street has various electronics repair shops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Recreation clubs in the city center often have table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Bahrain Institute of Languages offers Arabic and English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Bahrain National Library is a quiet place for study and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Bahrain Women's Association hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamers Paradise in Juffair offers a space for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is prohibited in Bahrain, but some clubs offer entertainment experiences. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,400 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €42,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €36,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €168,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €152,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | No corporate tax for most sectors. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% on dividends for foreign investors. |
| 🏦 Tax System | No income tax on personal income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0% for personal income tax. |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No, Bahrain does not enforce CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax in Bahrain. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Most property transactions have a 2% transfer fee. |