Muharraq, Bahrain 🇧🇭
#1766
,
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Muharraq is an island city located in the northeastern part of Bahrain, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | around 200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | 50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Bahraini Dinar (BHD) - 1 BHD ≈ 2.65 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Zain, STC, and Viva offer good mobile connectivity with prepaid options |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Accepted payment types include Visa, MasterCard, and local ATMs widely available |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels, Airbnbs, to long-term rentals on platforms like Property Finder Bahrain |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payment options are accepted widely |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental services are available in the area |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Cheap hostels like the Al Khobar Hotel offer affordable stays |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Muharraq village area, for its historical significance and proximity to sites |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Al Muharraq area is well-suited for digital nomads, with co-working spaces and cafes |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WorkLab Bahrain located in the heart of Muharraq |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Lilou, known for its quiet atmosphere and Wi-Fi availability |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Bahrain Expats Facebook group for local community events |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the most popular ride-hailing app in Bahrain |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Some local rental shops offer bikes for daily rent, but no major scooter-sharing service |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Al Muharraq Beach is accessible and within reach |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Gulf Air, the national carrier, operates frequent regional flights |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Gulf Air offers international direct flights to various destinations |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Located near the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway for easy travel |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bahrain has no train system; public buses are available |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bahrain Bus passes can be purchased for convenient travel |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect to Manama and other cities, with frequent services |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Muharraq Health Center offers good medical services for residents |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Bahrain Wellness Center provides yoga and fitness classes |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First has a branch in Muharraq and offers a range of equipment |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are found throughout the city, such as Laundry Lounge |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat is the most widely used food delivery service in Bahrain |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Machboos, a Bahraini spiced rice dish, is a must-try |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | A number of cafes like 'Beefsteak' offer vegan-friendly menu items |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Fontaine has a variety of desserts and is known for its ambiance |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Muharraq Souq offers local markets with affordable food options |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Noon and Carrefour Bahrain have extensive online shopping options |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | App-based grocery services like Monki can deliver groceries right to your door |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Although quieter than Manama, some bars like the 'Monkey Lounge' cater to nightlife |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bahrain doesn't have a local brewery tradition due to Islamic laws |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Quality Wine Boutique offers wine tasting events |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls in the Old Muharraq Souq offer local snacks |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Al-Hisn Restaurant serves excellent Indian and Pakistani cuisine |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Bahrain Fort and the Qal'at al-Bahrain site are historical UNESCO World Heritage sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Bahrain National Museum showcases the island's history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Arad Fort is a notable historical site to explore in the area. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Al Khamis Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Bahrain. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Bahrain International Music Festival is a celebrated annual event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Muharraq Cultural District hosts several museums and traditional buildings. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Bahrain National Theater in Manama hosts performances regularly. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Souq in Muharraq offers an authentic shopping experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues often showcase traditional music and international acts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Grafitti murals around the Muharraq neighborhoods depict local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes on Bahraini cuisine can be found at various cultural centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Modern Art Gallery often showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many traditional Bahrain houses reflect the island's architectural heritage. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The pearl diving heritage is a significant cultural symbol in the region. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Hawar Islands offer stunning natural landscapes and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Al Areen Wildlife Park is a local nature reserve worth visiting. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Bahrain Waterfront promises scenic views for walkers and cyclists. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Mulqat bridge offers stunning sea views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Northern Governorate is home to various migratory bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the Arabian Gulf Coast allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex provide reliable shipping services in Bahrain. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Many local shops offer tech repair, such as iFix in Manama. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers offer facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | There are a few language schools offering Arabic classes in Muharraq. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Bahrain National Library is a great place for quiet study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various activities for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | No dedicated gaming lounges; however, some cafes have gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is illegal in Bahrain. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BHD 600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BHD 24,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BHD 400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BHD 16,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BHD 500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BHD 30,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BHD 350 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BHD 21,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BHD 450 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BHD 36,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BHD 300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BHD 24,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 0% - Bahrain has no corporate tax for most sectors. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% - No tax on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | No income tax levied on individuals. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0% - Bahrain does not impose income tax. |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% - Standard Value Added Tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules exist. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax system in Bahrain. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No fees typically charged for property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on worldwide income makes it favorable for digital nomads. |