What to do in Manama

Bahrain has officially announced that Thursday, June 26, 2025, will be a public holiday for the 1447 Hijri New Year, also known as Islamic New Year. The closure applies to all ministries and public institutions, as confirmed in a circular issued by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The Islamic New Year marks the first day of Muharram, the opening month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It commemorates the Hijra, or migration, of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE — a defining moment in...

Bahrain, it’s happening! The sensational Andre Soueid is bringing his electrifying violin performance to Azul Beach on Thursday, May 2, and it’s going to be a night full of rhythm, energy, and unforgettable vibes by the sea. Known for fusing oriental melodies with deep house and electronic beats, Andre has redefined what a violinist can do. His performances are full of emotion, movement, and moments that stick with you long after the music fades. Whether you’ve seen him live before or only caught his viral videos online, this is your chance to feel that energy in person.   View this...

Manama, get ready to rewrite your Friday night! On September 12, the legendary party series Vortex returns to Toxic Club at The Mark Hotel, Juffair, and this time they’re bringing us the Berlin-based, Greek-origin DJ KTK. If you're into fast-paced techno, hypnotic rhythms, and psytrance-infused beats, this one’s tailor-made for you. KTK is rapidly becoming a game-changer in the electronic music scene, think driving energy, mind-bending soundscapes, and a debut EP that underscores her fearless creativity. Her signature blend of high-voltage techno and immersive vibes has sparked crowds around the globe, and now it's Manama’s turn to dance. Supporting KTK...

You probably know how easy it is to visit Thailand. Travellers from most countries, including GCC nations, can enter Thailand visa-free for tourism. However, the allowed stay period is now changing. The country remains visa-free, but your holiday can now last up to 30 days. Most visitors probably won’t even feel the difference, but the change is still worth knowing if you're planning a longer stay. Thailand introduced a 60-day visa-free stay in 2024, and the country is now replacing it with a stay period that’s twice shorter. All extensions will require approval from Thai immigration authorities. The new rule...

Paying for apps usually comes down to two choices. Pay for a full year upfront and save, or pay monthly and spend more over time. Apple makes that choice easier with a new option that splits a yearly plan into monthly payments, with the same annual price. Annual subscriptions usually come with better pricing, but paying for a full year in one go isn’t always easy, especially for expensive apps. Monthly plans solve that problem, but they cost more. Here’s how the new option from Apple works: You sign up for a yearly subscription The total is divided into 12...

Shakira is officially back in her FIFA World Cup era, and football fans already know what that means for summer playlists. The Colombian superstar just teased fans on Instagram with a brand-new anthem called Dai Dai. The track dropped on May 14 ahead of the tournament and features Nigerian singer Burna Boy. The catchy chant already feels impossible to get out of your head before the tournament even begins. For a lot of people, Shakira’s music and the World Cup practically go hand in hand at this point. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) became one of football’s most recognizable...

If you’ve ever wanted to be part of a worldwide running event, this is your chance. And no long-haul travel required. On May 23, 2026, thousands of runners across the globe will hit the streets at the same time in one of the biggest synchronized races in the world: One Run. This year, the scale is huge: 110+ cities already joined, 15 time zones, and 250,000+ participants expected. Whether you're running through streets in the GCC or along scenic routes in Asia, you can be part of a global movement happening in real time. The event brings together participants in...

If you’ve ever hesitated before asking an AI assistant something personal, WhatsApp is about to release a new feature that might make those chats feel a lot more comfortable. Incognito Chat is a new private mode for AI conversations on WhatsApp and Meta AI app. The feature focuses on privacy, especially for people using AI for sensitive topics like finances, health questions, work issues, or personal decisions. According to Meta, conversations inside Incognito Chat stay completely private. The company says nobody else can view the chats, including the company itself. Messages are not stored, and chats disappear automatically by default....

Three of Meta's biggest apps are getting upgrades. Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp now have Plus subscription plans with extra features and customisation options. Let's take a look at what each plan offers and how much it costs. Instagram Plus and Facebook Plus: Features and Price Instagram remains one of Meta's most popular apps, and the company is putting most of the new features there. So, what do you get if you decide to upgrade your account? Story rewatch statistics Stories that stay up longer than 24 hours Posting to profiles and highlights without appearing in followers' feeds Super Heart animated...

Thinking about a beach holiday, train rides through tea hills, or a tropical escape? Here’s a summer gift from Sri Lanka: tourist ETA is now free for visitors from 40 countries, including GCC nations and India. The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) allows to stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days. Tourists can also enter the country twice within the same 30-day validity period starting from the first arrival date. Anyone planning to stay longer can apply for a visa extension after arrival. All ETA fees paid before May 25 are non-refundable. Countries included in the free Sri Lanka...