What hotels in Manama have nice views? Open left menu manama Where is manama

The name of the city Manama means “City of Dreams” in Arabic. And if in the past the name implied a dream about the future happiness of Manama, today there is a high standard of living, excellent living conditions and unique architecture, albeit a little eclectic, but which has given the city a unique, memorable appearance.
Manama is the capital, main seaport and largest city of the Kingdom, an island state on the archipelago of the same name in the Persian Gulf in South-West Asia - the smallest of the Arab states.
The first settlements in the Manama area appeared in the Bronze Age.
The most mysterious page in the history of Manama is everything connected with the Dilmun civilization, traces of which are preserved in the urban area of ​​Qalat Al Bahrain. Here, on the northern coast of modern Bahrain, a large urban settlement was excavated, in which thousands of people lived. This settlement was built and increased in size in several stages during the period around 2800-1800. BC e. Dilmun was first mentioned in Sumerian mythology and the heroic epic of Gilgamesh, as well as in trade inscriptions of the Sumerian city-states of the 3rd millennium BC. e. Dilmun not only acted as an intermediary in the trade of Sumer and the Indus Valley civilization, but in the minds of the Sumerians it was the birthplace of humanity and the cradle of civilization in general and the Sumerian people in particular. Copper, precious stones, and pearls were imported into Sumer through Dilmun, and grain and fruits were exported from Mesopotamia. Numerous burial mounds, some of which are 5 thousand years old, remain evidence of the spread of the Dilmun civilization.
The Dilmun civilization mysteriously disappeared and was replaced by the Assyrians in the 8th century. BC e.
Until the time when the entire local population was Islamized, this land was owned by all known peoples who had sufficient military strength to capture such a profitable trading point: the Babylonians, the Persian Achmenid dynasty, the ancient Greeks (during the era of the conquests of Alexander the Great), the Parthian Empire and the state Sassanids.
Islam took hold in this part of the island of Bahrain in the middle of the 7th century: the oldest mosque in the city and kingdom of Al-Khamis dates back to this period.
The first written mention of Manama dates back to 1345. At that time, there was a center for training ulema, who were also involved in financing the search for pearls and growing grain crops.
In 1521, Manama was captured by the Portuguese. This was the heyday of the Portuguese colonial empire; the Qalat Al-Bahrain fort remained an impressive evidence of the presence of the Portuguese here. At the beginning of the 18th century. The Portuguese were forced to leave Manama: they no longer had the strength to defend so many colonies. Manama found itself under the rule of the then stronger Persia, which did not prevent the city from growing rich through trade in wheat, rye, pearls, dates, and even such delicate goods as orchids.
Persian influence also soon weakened, and the city was captured by the Arab Al-Khalifa dynasty in 1783, which still rules here in modern times in the person of the current head of the dynasty, Hamadibn Isa al-Khalifa (b. 1950).
Manama occupies the northeastern tip of the island of Bahrain (), a highway built along a dam connects the capital of the kingdom with the city of Muharraq and the airport.
The architecture and lifestyle of the townspeople are heavily influenced by traditions from the time when Manama was the center of British commercial activity in the Persian Gulf.
Manama is a rapidly developing financial centre, transport hub and satellite telecommunications centre. It was possible to develop all these areas of the economy and build a modern city solely thanks to the enormous income from oil trading in the 1950-1960s. An oil refinery and petrochemical plants (owned by the United States) were built, located south of Manama. Oil comes here from the oil fields of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Although Manama's deposits are already fairly depleted, the city prospers due to loans and financing of large projects, and has a developed aluminum and ship repair industry.
Since 1958, Manama has the status of a free port (porto-franco), enjoying the right of duty-free import and export of goods, due to which the city’s income has increased many times over.
Not far from the city there is an international airport on the island of Muharraq, with which Manama is connected by a highway laid along a specially built dam.
Additional income, quite significant, is brought to Manama by the construction of single-masted Arabian coasters "dhows" with triangular sails. These light but strong vessels, assembled in the shipyards of Manama, are in great demand along the Indian Ocean coast - from Mozambique to India.
The diverse industry requires a huge number of workers, and they come to Manama from all over the Indian Ocean region. Therefore, ethnically, Manama is considered a cosmopolitan city. Two thirds of the city's population are from Saudi Arabia and Iran, the rest are Europeans and Southeast Asians, and only about 8% are indigenous.
For centuries, both main directions in Islam - Sunnism and Shiism - coexist in Manama: the Shiites are the local Bahraini Arabs, the Sunnis are the Bedouin tribes who migrated to these places back in the 18th century. together with the Arab tribe Bani Utba. Members of the royal family also belong to the Sunni minority. Since Portuguese times, a group of Bahraini Christians (there are no more than a thousand people left) and a very small Jewish community have survived on the island.
Anyone who has visited Manama will immediately be struck by its difference from traditional Arab cities. The influence of British culture (and not only colonial) is noticeable here as in no other Arab city, especially the capital of the country. Even local taxis are exact copies of London cabs, and the floors of buildings are numbered according to the English model, and the floor count starts from the second.
One of the most expensive bridges in the world was built in Manama - the King Fahd Causeway, worth $36 billion and 25 km long, connecting Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and crossing the island of Umm an-Naasan, on the territory of which there is a small nature reserve.
However, Bahrain did not deviate from the Muslim traditions of urban planning, and the largest building in the kingdom became the Ap Fatih Mosque. It can simultaneously accommodate up to 7 thousand people. But there is also a modern element in the mosque: a huge dome made of transparent fiberglass weighing more than 60 tons.

general information

Location: northeast of Bahrain island.

Administrative status: capital and province of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Administrative division: 2 municipalities.

Languages: Arabic, Bahraini Arabic.

Ethnic composition: Bahraini Arabs, Bedouins, representatives of the countries of the Indian Ocean.

Religions: Islam (Sunni and Shi'ism), Catholicism, Hinduism, Judaism.

Currency unit: euro.

Airport: Bahrain International Airport.

Numbers

Area: 30 km2.

Population: 157,474 people. (2010).
Population density: 5249.1 people/km 2 .

First written mention: 1345

Highest point: Mount Jebel al-Dukhan (134 m).

Climate and weather

Transitional from dry tropical to subtropical.

Average January temperature: +16°C.

Average temperature in July: +31°С.
Average annual precipitation: 90 mm.

Relative humidity: 60-70%.

Droughts and dust storms.

Economy

Industry: oil refining, petrochemical, aluminum, ship repair, food.

Seaport (Mina Salman, cargo turnover 2.5 million tons/year).
Agriculture: crop farming (dates, bananas, lemons, pomegranates, mangoes, rued, bugbear herbs), livestock farming (sheep farming).

Banking and finance.

Marine fishing.

Extraction of pearls and mother-of-pearl.

Service sector: tourism, transport, trade.

Attractions

■ Natural: Manama and Marina lagoons, Ras Al Qalaa Bay, Mount Jebel ad Dukhan (134 m).
■ Historical: ruins of the Barbar temple (III-II millennium BC), ruins of cities (2000-3000 BC), forts of the 16th century. Qalat Al-Bahrain, Arad, Riffa and Salman bin Ahmet al-Fateh, Al-Jasra House (birthplace of the reigning monarch), Royal Tombs archaeological complex, National Charter Monument.
■ Architectural: Seyyadi House (19th century), Bab Al Bahrain (Bahrain Gate, 1945), King Fahd Causeway (1986), Almoayed Tower (2004, 172 m), Bahrain World Trade Center ( 2004-2008, 240 m), Bahrain Financial Center (2009, 260 m), Headquarters of the Gulf Information Agency (Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia), Fountain Square, sculpture park, King Faceup embankment.
■ Cult: Al-Khamis mosque (642), Friday, Al-Fatih (Al-Fatih Islamic Center), St. Christopher Cathedral (1953).
■ Cultural: National Museum, Pearl Museum, Oil Museum, Koran Museum.

Curious facts

■ About 20 million passengers cross the King Fahd Causeway Bridge every year. More than 52 thousand vehicles cross it every week.
■ Manama pearls are considered one of the best in the Arabian East: the largest variety of pearl mussel in the world is found in the Persian Gulf.
■ To highlight Manama's antiquity, the city's National Museum has a diorama showing life during the Dilmun civilization (4000 BC).
■ The two towers of the Bahrain World Trade Center are connected by three bridges, each of which is equipped with a wind generator with a total capacity of 675 kW. Each of these turbines with a diameter of 29 m is oriented to the north: it is from there, from the Persian Gulf, that the wind blows the maximum number of days a year. The shopping center looks like a ship with fluttering sails.
■ The total number of surviving burial mounds around Manama reaches 85 thousand.
■ The National Charter Monument in Manama was opened in 2010 in the Sakhir district, combining a cultural center, monument and museum. The monument was created in honor of the country's new constitution in 2001, adopted with the support of about 98% of the population. As a result of its adoption, Bahrain moved from monarchical to constitutional rule and became one of the most liberal countries in the Persian Gulf region.

Manama is an important trade and financial center in the Middle East in the heart of the Persian Gulf. This is a multinational, actively developing city. From enchanting mosques to vibrant food markets and historic landmarks to a state-of-the-art financial district, Manama embodies the history and modernity of Bahrain.

There are many popular attractions here, such as the Al Fateh Mosque, which is one of the largest mosques in the world, accommodating more than 7,000 worshipers at a time. Stroll along the promenade, Al Fateh Corniche, admiring views of the city's skyscrapers - Bahrain International Trade Center and Bahrain International Airport, located 6 km from the city center.

For lovers of art and history, it is recommended to visit one of the first museums - the National Museum of Bahrain, which contains an exhibition of antiquities and historical documents. The exhibitions are accompanied by information in English and Arabic, offering travelers a closer look at traditional life in Bahrain.

The Bab Al Bahrain market area is a paradise for gourmets and shopping lovers, here you can buy handicrafts, fruits, spices and clothes. Manama has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars, pubs and restaurants offering a choice of local, international and European food and drink.

Travelers can attend a local football match at Al Ahly Stadium. Daytime excursions are available for all ages at Adhari Park, an amusement park in the Zinj area. It features 38 exciting indoor and outdoor slides, as well as an entertainment center.

Take an unforgettable drive across the Bahrain Gulf on the King Fahd Bridge, which links Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

The site features over 100 accommodation options, from apartments to resorts in Manama, many of which are located in the Juffair and Al Fateh areas.

Manama (Al-Manāmah) is the capital and main economic center of Bahrain. Located on the northern shore of the island of Bahrain in the Persian Gulf. Population – 157,474 people (2010).

This is a fairly small but very picturesque city, famous for its mosques, historical sites, markets and ultra-modern architecture.

The basis of the economy of Manama - as well as the whole of Bahrain - is the financial market, the construction of coastal ships - dhows, fishing and pearling.

Manama is heavily influenced by Western culture, especially British. City taxi cars are exact copies of London cabs, floor numbering follows the British system, and many popular bars are decorated in the style of Irish pubs. You can easily purchase alcohol in specialized stores; there are a large number of nightclubs and modern cinemas.

Largely thanks to this, as well as a wide network of shopping and entertainment complexes, Manama is gradually strengthening its position as a regional tourist center among the Gulf countries.

Last changes: 05/26/2013

Story

According to scientists, the first human settlements on this site date back to the 4th millennium BC.

The first mention of the city is found in Islamic chronicles in 1345.

In 1521 the city was captured by the Portuguese, and in 1602 by the Persians.

In 1783, the reign of the al-Khalifa dynasty began.

Manama was declared a free port in 1958, and in 1971 it became the capital of independent Bahrain.

The rapid development of Manama began only with the beginning of the “oil boom” in the middle of the 20th century.

Climate

The average temperature in January is +17 °C, in July +38 °C. Most precipitation falls from December to February. There are frequent droughts and dust storms.

The best time to travel to Manama is from October to March.

Last changes: 03/31/2011

Shopping

For shopping in Manama, it is best to go to one of the markets:

At the Golden Souk market you can buy both jewelry from famous European houses and inexpensive gold rings, earrings, etc., brought from India and the Gulf countries. In addition, you can buy pearls here.

Various fabrics can be bought at the Clos Souk textile market, and at the Central Market you will find fruits, vegetables, various herbs and spices.

You can also go shopping in one of the city's many shopping centers, for example, Seef Mall.

Last changes: 03/31/2011

Taxi

Finding a taxi in Manama is not difficult. There are parking lots near almost all hotels. The cars have meters, but not all taxi drivers use them. The fare is 800 fils for the first 2 kilometers and 150 fils for each subsequent kilometer. In the period from 22:00 to 6:00, tariffs increase by 50%.

Last changes: 03/31/2011

Sights of Manama

Fort Qalat Al Bahrain(Qulat Al Bahrain)- one of the largest forts in the country, located on the northern coast, was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. In ancient times, this place was the site of a large trading port of the ancient civilization of Dilmun. The ruins of ancient cities built 4000-5000 years ago were found on the territory. The fort is listed as a UNESCO historical heritage.

In the forts Riffa And Salman bin Ahmet al-Fateh There is a small historical museum. Arabic also deserves attention 16th century Arad fort.

King Fahd Causeway Bridge (King Fahad Causeway)- one of the most expensive islands in the world, opened in 1986, its length is 25 km and it connects Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. There are also many restaurants here that offer beautiful views of the bay. The bridge crosses Umm an Naasan island, on whose territory it is located small nature reserve.

Al Fateh Mosque (AL Fateh Grand Mosque) - the first mosque in the region that was open to tourists. The largest on the island, it can accommodate up to 7,000 people at a time. The huge dome of the mosque is made of pure fiberglass and weighs more than 60 tons.

Al Khamis Mosque (Al Khamis Mosque)- presumably 625 AD e. or XI century. n. e. - one of the oldest Islamic buildings in the region.

Al-Bander Nautical Club- here guests can enjoy a swimming pool with heated sea water, restaurants, children's playgrounds and other entertainment facilities.

National Museum- one of the richest in the Persian Gulf. It features exhibits covering 7,000 years of Bahrain's history, as well as works by contemporary Bahraini artists, sculpture and ceramics from all eras, and a diorama showing life during the Dilmun civilization (4000 BC). In addition, there is a restored burial mound, sections of Arabic, calligraphy, the Koran and folk crafts. Many traditional buildings and ships can be seen at the open-air exhibition.

Pearl Museum- located in the building of the country's first Supreme Court. Local pearls were considered one of the best in the East - the centuries-old history of this process is reflected in the museum's exhibitions.

Oil Museum- located near “well number 1”, it represents the history of the country’s oil industry: many samples of equipment, documents, old photographs and even a working model of an oil platform.

House of the Qur'an (Beit Al Qur'an)- a museum that houses a collection of manuscripts, editions of the Koran, as well as unique examples of wood carvings.

MANAMA is the capital of the state of Bahrain, located in the northwestern part of the Persian Gulf. Manama is located in the northeastern part of the island of the same name near the coast of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. This is a rather small but very picturesque city, famous for its historical sights, numerous mosques, markets and ultra-modern architecture.
According to scientists, the first human settlements on this site date back to the 4th millennium BC. However, the rapid development of Manama began only with the beginning of the “oil boom” in the middle of the 20th century.

How to get there

Distances

• airport Distance from the airport to the center of Manama - 13 km

Transport

• plane There is no direct air service between Bahrain and Moscow, transit through Dubai, Sharjah, Damascus, Amman, Istanbul, Larnaca, Beirut, Kuwait. There are no railway or sea connections.

Nature

The main advantage of Bahrain is the bright sun 360 days a year and the warm, clean sea. Almost the entire coast is one giant beach, intensively built up by resort complexes. The development of tourism in the country is included in the category of government programs, and therefore is proceeding extremely quickly.

Reservoirs and beaches

• the water is clean
• sandy beach
• the beaches are clean
• rich underwater world

Infrastructure

Architectural monuments: the residence of the sheikh, buildings of administrative and commercial institutions, banks.
Attracting attention is the huge mosque (not counting many small ones), the Al Bander marine club with a large Jacuzzi pool with sea water heated to 30-35 degrees Celsius, allowing outdoor swimming even in December-January, Emir beach with the emir's residence in the middle, numerous oriental bazaars. A particularly exotic type of recreation is “live” fishing for shrimp and fish, and sponge mining. There are very interesting museums in Manama:
The National Museum, which houses a huge number of exhibitions, and the Pearl Museum, dedicated to the history of Bahrain and pearl mining.
Al Bander Nautical Club boasts a large heated seawater swimming pool, many playgrounds, several restaurants and a variety of other entertainment facilities, and is considered one of the best facilities of its kind in the Gulf countries. The Arabs' love for equestrian sports is well known. In Manama there is a hippodrome with a grandstand for 10,000 spectators. Competitions are held here every Friday from October to March, but betting is prohibited.
Manama also has a first-class football stadium, built to Olympic standards, and the Reef Golf Club, built to professional Golf Association standards.
This is one of the first establishments of its kind in the country, spread over an area of ​​64 hectares in a dramatically beautiful landscape with four lakes.

The shops

• clothing markets
• large shopping centers
• clothing stores
• souvenir shops
• branded boutiques

• international cuisine
• grocery stores
• restaurants

Entertainment in the evening

• evening shows
• discos
• casino

Entertainment during the day

• water activities

Entertainment at night

• night bars

• water sports

Basic information

A particularly exotic type of recreation is “live” fishing for shrimp and fish, and sponge mining. For centuries, Bahrain has been a major center for pearl fishing, with numerous pearl farms and pearl auctions now open to the public. Unlike other nearby countries, alcohol is sold in Bahrain, and drinking it is not prohibited, but it is not customary to do so openly.

• Summer time (validity period) In summer there is no time difference.
• Religion The dominant religion of Bahrain is Islam, which in a larger proportion (75%) is Shiite, the rest includes Sunnis and other Asian religions.
• Telephone code There is virtually no public transport.
• Time zone (+00:00 GMT) +03:00
• Power supply (voltage, socket type) Mains voltage 230 V, 50 Hz, in some places - 110 V, 60 Hz. The sockets are standard European.
• Language (official and spoken) Arabic.

Who is the resort aimed at?

• on the company
• for youth
• for families with children

National composition

• mixed

• Clothing: Traditional Islamic rules regarding dress and behavior for women in public apply, but are not as strict as in other Arab countries.
• Rules of conduct: Of all the Islamic countries in the region, Bahrain is perhaps the most liberal. Here, unlike neighboring states, the sale of alcohol is allowed. But you cannot carry alcohol on the street openly, without packaging. Moreover, you should not drink alcohol in public places. You should not take photographs of the Emir's residence, and photography is also prohibited in most mosques. When photographing local residents, be sure to ask permission.
• Tips: most often are already included in the bill (in good restaurants about 10%), but a little extra gratitude to the service staff is welcome. In small establishments, tips are not expected, but it should be noted that the service staff receives a fairly small salary, so tips serve as a significant increase in their salary. Taxi drivers usually expect a 10% tip, but it's much easier to just negotiate the price of the ride in advance. Doormen and porters expect 100 fils for each piece of luggage.

Resort type

• TOP Popular tourist places
• beach
• sightseeing

Published Fly Hunt Tue, 10/12/2013 - 02:02

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In Manama you can purchase alcohol without the difficulties usually inherent in other Arab countries. True, alcoholic beverages in the country are purchased only in special stores. The city has many different modern cinemas, and nightclubs are also widely represented. Thanks to the presence of a large network of shopping and entertainment complexes, as well as all kinds of recreational facilities, Manama has gradually become a real regional tourism center, along with some other Gulf countries.

Sights of Manama

Among the attractions of Manama, it is worth noting the Al Jasra House, where the reigning monarch of Bahrain was born. The Seyyadi House, built in the 19th century, is also of interest. The Seyyadi House has preserved amazingly beautiful decoration and magnificent architecture. You should definitely visit the Salman bin Ahmet al-Fateh Forts, as well as the Riffa Fort. In Fort Salman bin Ahmet al-Fateh you can see an amazing historical Museum. In addition, in the 16th century, the huge Arab Fort Arad was built in Manama, which is also worth seeing.

Walking around the city, you can come across the beautiful St. Christopher's Cathedral, built in 1953 on Muthannabi Avenue. Also in Manama there is the building of the Anglican Church of Avali, and here you can visit the Sacred Heart Church. Particularly worth noting is the Bahrain Exhibition Center, which often hosts all kinds of exhibitions, which attract guests from all over the world.

The Ritz-Carlton is rightfully considered the best hotel complex. In Manama, this hotel is the only place that has its own beach, however, if you came to Manama not for a beach holiday, then other hotels in Manama will be just as chic. You should definitely go to the so-called Luxury Market, otherwise known simply as “ Bitch" The market is located slightly south of Government Avenue.

Photos of Manama

Manama Oil Museum

In Manama, it is worth visiting the Oil Museum, which is located very close to the " Well No. 1" The Manama Oil Museum opened not so long ago - on June 2, 1992. The museum was opened in honor of the sixtieth anniversary of the start of oil well development. The Oil Museum houses original exhibits on the history of the oil industry and also hosts numerous exhibitions.

Here you can find a huge amount of all kinds of equipment, including those that have gone down in history, historical documents are presented, as well as many photographs of the 20th century. The Museum even houses a fully working model of an oil platform.

It is curious that the Museum " Well No. 1"is located at the very foot of Mount Jebel ad-Dukhan, or translated as " Mountain of smoke" This mountain is the highest point in the country of Bahrain; it reaches a height of about 122 meters. By the way, around Mount Jebel ad-Dukhan, more than a dozen working oil rigs still stand today.

About two kilometers from the mountain, there is a huge desert where a unique acacia tree grows, otherwise known throughout the world as “ The tree of Life" Acacia provides a striking example where nature can create plants that can adapt to the harshest environmental conditions.

By the way, it is still completely unknown where this plant gets water for its nutrition. It is for this reason that the tree has long been considered by local residents as a kind of mystical symbol. " The tree of Life"represents firmness of spirit and an irresistible thirst for life.

King Fahd Causeway Bridge

You should definitely see the unique King Fahd Causeway Bridge, opened in 1986, which connected Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The length of the bridge is more than twenty-five kilometers, and is also one of the most expensive bridges in the whole world. The estimated cost of the King Fahd Causeway Bridge was around $36 billion!

Walking along the Bridge, your attention will probably be attracted by a small cozy restaurant, where there is an observation deck with an amazing panoramic view. The King Fahd Causeway Bridge crossed the small Island of Umm an Naasan. It is worth noting that on Umm an-Naasan Island there is a small protected area that is also worth a visit.