Riffa, Bahrain 🇧🇭
#1947
26.131526, 50.550343
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Riffa is a city located in the Southern Governorate of Bahrain, known for its residential areas and mix of modern and traditional culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Bahraini Dinar (BHD); 1 BHD ≈ 2.65 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Viva, Zain, and Batelco are popular mobile providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Several banks catering to expats include HSBC, and Standard Chartered; international cards are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include apartments, villas, and serviced accommodations; long-term rentals available via websites like Property Finder. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer short-term accommodations. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Local hostels and guesthouses like The Royal Orient Hotel offer affordable stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Bahrain provides a vibrant coworking environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Lilou is popular among remote workers for its cozy atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups and networking events can be found on platforms like Meetup.com and Eventbrite. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Groups like 'Bahrain Expats' on Facebook offer social and community activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the preferred ride-hailing app in Bahrain. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are limited, but some local gyms offer cycle classes. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Al Dar Islands Beach is about 30 minutes from Riffa. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Gulf Air is the main regional airline. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major international carriers include Emirates and Qatar Airways. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Riffa is well-connected via the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service in Bahrain; public buses serve the city. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | N/A; public transport is mainly bus-based and pay-per-ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Riffa to other cities, including Manama and Muharraq. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Bahrain Defence Force Hospital is the top healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House offers classes suitable for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Gold's Gym have franchises in Riffa. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats like Riffa Laundry Service offer pocket-friendly cleaning options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and Carriage are popular food delivery apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Machboos, a spiced rice dish with meat or fish, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Bhuna Cafe in Riffa offers a great vegan menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Scones Cafe is famous for its desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Riffa Market has affordable local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.ae delivers to Bahrain and has a wide variety of products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarket offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Riffa has limited nightlife; nearby Manama has more bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is available only in licensed hotels and supermarkets; no local brewery tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Diplomat Radisson Blu has a great wine bar. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Riffa's markets offer authentic Bahraini snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Riffa has diverse options including Indian, Lebanese, and Chinese restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Qalat al Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Bahrain National Museum showcases the island's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Riffa Fort is a significant historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Sheikh Isaac Mosque reflects local architecture and culture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Bahrain International Music Festival is a cultural highlight annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Manama Souk offers a glimpse of Bahrain’s rich culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Bahrain National Theater hosts various cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Riffa Market is a bustling spot for local goods and experiences. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Eagle Nightclub is a popular spot for live music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local murals can be found throughout Riffa's streets. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes are offered by various community centers that focus on Bahraini cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Arab Museum of Modern Art is nearby and showcases contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Riffa Fort is an iconic historic building offering panoramic views. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The local heritage is represented through traditional crafts and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sakhir Desert offers a unique desert experience. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Al Areen Wildlife Park is a nearby attraction for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Riffa has well-maintained paths suitable for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Riffa viewpoint provides stunning views over the area. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Southern Governorate has several good spots for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in the Sakhir desert are bonfire-friendly. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix and other local tech repair shops offer services throughout Riffa. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks offer table tennis tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Manama provide Arabic and English classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Bahrain National Library is a good local option for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Southern Governorate Community Center offers various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafes are available in Manama, a short drive from Riffa. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is prohibited in Bahrain, but gaming lounges are available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BHD 30,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BHD 1,200,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BHD 20,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BHD 800,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BHD 25,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BHD 1,500,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BHD 18,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BHD 1,080,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BHD 22,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BHD 1,760,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BHD 15,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BHD 1,200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 0%, Bahrain has no corporate tax. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0%, no withholding tax for dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | There is no income tax in Bahrain, but a 5% VAT is applicable. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0%, no personal income tax. |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% VAT is applicable. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific CFC rules in Bahrain. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No property tax applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No direct property transaction tax, but registration fees apply. |