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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- Middle East
- Bahrain
- Manama
Manama
First mentioned in Islamic chronicles in the year 1345,
historical Manama is now the capital and largest city of Bahrain,
at the north-eastern tip of the Persian Gulf island state. There is
a strong colonial influence in the area, with Portuguese occupation
in 1521 followed by Persian dominance in 1602. This lovely city is
a great base from which to enjoy the stunning beaches, buildings
and sites in the area. The economy of Manama was traditionally
based on pearling, fishing, boat building and trade, displays of
which can now be seen in local museums. In 1932 the discovery of
petroleum boosted the city's economy, which has recently
diversified into tourism and retail. Declared a free port in 1958,
the facilities of the Mînâ Salmân port, in the al-Qulayah Inlet,
have also aided economic growth and provided more access to
tourists. Open-minded and tolerant of other cultures, Manama is
visited by a large number of foreigners each year. These visitors
can enjoy a vast array of attractions, from souks (markets) and
shopping malls to forts and pearl museums, as well as the friendly
nature of the locals. There is also an active nightlife with many
popular restaurants, bars and clubs to choose from, making this a
splendid vacation destination.
Information & Facts
Climate
Manama experiences extreme climatic conditions, with summer
temperatures up to 118°F (48°C) and winter temperatures as low as
59°F (15°C), with occasional hail. Average summer and winter
temperatures are generally from about 63°F (17°C) to 113°F (45°C).
The most pleasant time to visit Manama is in autumn when warm
temperatures are tempered by a soft breeze.
Language
Arabic is the official language in Bahrain, although
English is widely understood and is used by most
businesses.
Money
The official currency is the Bahraini Dinar (BHD), divided into
1, 000 fils. Notes come in denominations of 20, 10, 5 and 1 dinars
and 500 fils. The Bahraini Dinar is linked to the US Dollar at a
rate of US$1=BD 0.375. Money can be exchanged at the airport,
bureaux de change (which usually offer the best rates), commercial
banks in Manama or at moneychangers operating in the souq. ATMs are
available in the larger towns. Credit cards and travellers cheques
are widely accepted at hotels and the larger retail stores, but
smaller shops generally prefer cash. It is easiest to carry
travellers cheques in US dollars to avoid additional charges. Most
offices, businesses and government departments are closed on
Fridays, as it is a weekly holiday. Banks are usually open 7.30am
to 12pm and 3.30pm to 5.30pm, Saturday to Wednesday, and 7.30am to
11am Thursdays.
Time
Local time in Bahrain is GMT +3.