What to do in Manama

If you've been eyeing furniture from West Elm or Pottery Barn, now might be the time to grab a bargain. Williams-Sonoma Inc. is shutting down its stores in Kuwait on December 25, 2025, and they're offering discounts of up to 80% on everything before they close their doors for good. It's not just Kuwait that's affected by the changes, though. The company has already closed its Kout Mall branch earlier this year and is winding down operations in Bahrain, with stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi expected to shut down next month. View this post on Instagram A post shared...

The Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship is set to captivate golf enthusiasts and families alike as it returns to the stunning Royal Golf Club Bahrain from January 30 to February 2, 2025. As a key event on the DP World Tour, this tournament offers fans the chance to witness some of the best players in the game while enjoying an unforgettable mix of entertainment and hospitality. The tournament promises a thrilling showcase of top-tier golfing talent. With free general admission for spectators — though registration via Platinumlist — this event provides an excellent opportunity for fans to watch prominent players including...

ALO, the premium yoga and active wear brand from Los Angeles, has officially arrived in Bahrain with its first and only store now open at Marassi Galleria Mall. Known for combining style, comfort, and performance, ALO has built a global following by inspiring mindful movement, wellness, and community through its versatile collections. With over 130 stores in total, including 31 outside the US, ALO offers a wide range of active wear and everyday clothing that can be mixed and matched with ease. From high-intensity workouts to more relaxed sessions, their pieces are designed to move with you while keeping you...

Bahrain has confirmed a public holiday in observance of Ashura. The announcement was made via an official circular issued by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. All ministries, public institutions, and government departments will be closed on Saturday, July 5, and Sunday, July 6. Since Saturday already falls on a weekend in Bahrain’s Friday-Saturday system, Monday, July 7 will be given as a compensation day. This effectively creates a two-day break for public sector employees. The holiday applies only to government entities. Private sector guidelines will depend on employer discretion, though many businesses may also...

The Ministry of Works in Bahrain has announced upcoming lane closures on two major highways this summer due to ongoing improvement and construction works. The affected roads are Zallaq Highway and Alfatih Highway, and the closures will begin in mid-July. Starting July 11, Zallaq Highway will undergo a two-month closure affecting two lanes near the Al Raffah area. The works are part of a project to build a new junction. While the exact reopening date has not been confirmed, the Ministry noted that it will be announced closer to the time. Check the map of affected area below.     View...

Bahrain has got a major upgrade with the opening of the new Al Jasra Bridge. This newly constructed bridge is designed to handle 57,000 vehicles daily, which will go a long way in easing congestion and improving road safety across areas like Al Jasra, Budaiya, Janabiya, and Salman City. The Al Jasra flyover bridge also provides direct access to the Shaikh Isa bin Salman Highway, making commutes faster for many drivers in the area. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ministry of Works وزارة الاشغال (@bahrain_works) This project is part of Bahrain’s larger Jasra Intersection Development Project,...

Iconic Moroccan coffee brand Bacha Coffee is making its way to Bahrain! While the official opening date hasn’t been confirmed yet, coffee lovers can look forward to enjoying this luxurious café experience at City Centre Mall in the near future. For those unfamiliar, the brand has been serving up premium coffee since 1910. Today, Bacha Coffee has become a global name, with locations in Paris, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, to name just a few. The brand is also opening a new location at Solitaire Mall in Riyadh soon. And now, residents and visitors of Bahrain can experience the brand’s...

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has announced the approval of a new “one-stop” travel system aimed at making cross-border travel easier for citizens of member states. The pilot phase of this system will begin in December 2025, with air travel between the UAE and Bahrain as the first stage. This initiative mirrors the coordination model of the European Union’s Schengen Area, focusing on simplifying travel by reducing the time spent on immigration, customs, and security checks. Under this new system, travelers will undergo all necessary checks at a single checkpoint upon arrival, eliminating the need for multiple inspections. If the...

The University of Bahrain has made a remarkable achievement by entering the prestigious Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the first time. This milestone marks a new chapter in the university’s history since its founding in 1986. The university is now recognized globally, earning a place in the 1001-1200 range, becoming the first national university in Bahrain to join this esteemed list. The university earned 60.8 for Research Quality and 62.2 for International Outlook, reflecting its growing reputation in global academia. View this post on Instagram A post shared by UOB | جامعة البحرين (@uobedubh) The THE Rankings is...

Bahrain Film Festival is returning for its fifth edition, running from October 30 to November 4, 2025. Organised by the Bahrain Cinema Club in cooperation with the Ministry of Information, this year’s event carries the theme: “Short Films, Great Stories.” The festival aims to offer a meaningful space for local and regional filmmakers to demonstrate their work in one of five categories: narratives, documentaries, animations, student films, and Bahraini short films.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bahrain Film Festival (@filmfestivalbh) According to Festival Director Ammar Zainal, the theme this year highlights the depth...