Muharraq, Bahrain 🇧🇭
#1766
26.246594, 50.616412
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Muharraq is one of Bahrain's major cities, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 215,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 70 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BHD ≈ 2.65 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Batelco, STC, and Zain. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banking options include HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and local rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most places accept cards and mobile payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and properties listed on Bayut are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include the Al Muqsha Hotel and Adhari Hotel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Bahrain is popular for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Lilou offers a great ambiance for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for Meetups on platforms like Meetup.com focusing on technology and entrepreneurship. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Expat Women Support Group on Facebook hosts regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate in Muharraq. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | While bike rentals are limited, some local companies offer scooter rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Al Muharraq Beach, a sandy stretch close by. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Gulf Air is the primary regional service. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Gulf Air and Emirates are major international airlines. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Easy access to Sheikh Khalifa Highway for regional travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Muharraq does not have a train system; buses serve as primary transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bahrain offers prepaid bus cards for public transit. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run frequently to Manama and other Bahrain cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Bahrain Specialist Hospital is highly rated. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Bahrain offers various classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Gold’s Gym are popular choices. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | The Laundry Room offers various laundry services across Muharraq. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and Carriage are popular food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Mandi, a spiced rice dish with meat, at Al Fateh Restaurant. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan options are available at Ozone Cafe. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try the sweets at Al Bateel for high-quality dates and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Souq Muharraq offers local goods at budget-friendly prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com (now Amazon.ae) provides a variety of products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery stores like Lulu Hypermarket offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Avenues offers a mix of dining and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is controlled; limited local brews are available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Al Amana offers a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Visit the stalls at the Friday Market for local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza Express and Maki serve quality international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Bahrain Fort for historical insights and beautiful views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Bahrain National Museum showcases local culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Qal'at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Arad Fort and nearby mosques for cultural insights. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Bahrain International Film Festival takes place annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the Muharraq Cultural Area for traditional architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Bahrain National Theater hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Muharraq Souq is famous for local crafts and spices. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Enjoy live music events at local cafes and lounge bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for urban art in the areas near the Souq. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Dar Al-Athar has classes focusing on traditional Bahraini cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Sheikh Ebrahim Centre hosts cultural and artistic exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit the Shaikh Isa bin Ali House for traditional architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Pearl Diving Heritage reflects the island’s historical economy. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Al Areen Wildlife Park offers beautiful nature trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Hawar Islands provide a natural getaway with stunning scenery. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The seaside corniche offers a great area for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view at Al Muharraq’s mangroves is picturesque for photography. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Hawar Islands are a UNESCO biosphere, ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Specific areas on the coast allow controlled bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex provide reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix provides device repair services in Muharraq. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The British Council offers English language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Muharraq Public Library has a range of resources for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Bahrain Cultural Center hosts events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer’s Lounge offers an array of eSports and gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is prohibited in Bahrain. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BHD 700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BHD 28,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BHD 550 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BHD 22,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BHD 950 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BHD 57,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BHD 650 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BHD 39,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BHD 800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BHD 64,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BHD 600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BHD 48,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 0% corporate tax. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | No tax on personal income; VAT is at 5%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0%; Bahrain does not tax personal income. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No significant restrictions in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No property tax in Bahrain. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Minimal registration fees apply. |