What to do in Manama

Public sector employees in Bahrain can start planning for a long Eid Al Adha 2026 break. HRH Prince Salman officially announced the holiday dates for ministries and public institutions. The Eid Al Adha holiday in Bahrain will begin on Tuesday, May 26 and continue until Friday, May 29. Since Friday falls during the holiday period, Sunday, May 31 will also be given as a compensation day off. It means a six-day long weekend during the Eid holiday period. If you’re looking for festive ideas and things to do during the long weekend, check out best places to visit during Eid...

The FIFA World Cup always takes over everything else happening that year. Now the 2026 edition has a huge surprise for music fans too. Nobody knows yet which national teams will battle for the trophy in the final, but FIFA has just revealed who’s taking the stage for the halftime show and the lineup is massive. BTS, Madonna, and Shakira will co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show on July 19 at New York-New Jersey Stadium. Shakira is also returning to the World Cup with brand-new music. The singer released a new FIFA anthem called Dai Dai on...

Bahrain has been selected by FIBA (International Basketball Federation) to host the 14th 3x3 Basketball World Tour Final. This exciting event will take place on November 21-22, 2025, in Manama. It’s the grand finale of a global tour that will visit 15 cities across three continents before wrapping up in Bahrain. Bahrain has successfully hosted this tournament for the past two years, earning recognition as a trusted destination for international sports events. Alaa Madar, President of the Bahrain Basketball Federation, highlighted that this achievement shows the country’s growing role in global sports. He also acknowledged the efforts of Sheikh Khalid...

If you use WhatsApp and want better visuals and a few extra features, you might get that soon. It looks like a premium version called WhatsApp Plus is now in testing. The feature has been spotted in the Android beta version of the app, where a limited number of users can already try it. Right now, it's only available to a small group of Android beta users. There’s no iOS version yet, and no confirmed date for a wider release. Here’s what’s currently included in this version: Premium stickers Custom themes Custom app icons More pinned chats Premium ringtones Extra...

Bahrain has officially confirmed the public holiday for Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (PBUH) on Thursday, September 4, giving everyone an extended long weekend. According to a recent circular from HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, all ministries, state departments, and public institutions will be closed. Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (PBUH) is a significant occasion for Muslims around the world and always falls on the 12th day of Rabi’ Al-Awwal, marking a key moment of reflection and celebration. As you plan for the long weekend, be sure to check out all the fun things to do in Bahrain this week. And looking...

Summer is heating up in Bahrain, which means the annual midday break for outdoor workers is returning soon. The Ministry of Labour has confirmed the details of the outdoor work ban for summer 2026: Dates: June 15 to August 31 Hours: 12 PM to 4 PM daily During this period, work under direct sunlight is forbidden. The measure helps protect workers from heat stress, sunstroke, and other health risks linked to high summer temperatures. Employers who do not comply with the regulations may face fines or imprisonment. The Ministry of Labour has also urged members of the public to report...

Bahrain has introduced a new water taxi system, offering a traffic-free way to travel across parts of the island by sea. This eco-friendly transportation option allows passengers to move between six stations across Manama and Muharraq with one-way or round-trip service. Operated by Masar Group, this service is available daily and offers a new way for both locals and tourists to commute while enjoying coastal views.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Water Taxi (@watertaxibh) Each water taxi carries up to 28 passengers (20 standard and 8 VIP seats) and is fully air-conditioned. Free...

Over the weekend, some lanes on the Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway in Bahrain will be closed, especially if you're driving from A’ali towards Manama. The Ministry of Works has announced that from Friday, January 31, starting at 1 AM until Sunday, February 2, at 5 AM, lanes will be closed in stages. First, one lane will be shut down, then eventually two lanes will be blocked off. This inconvenience is just a part of the highway's expansion project, so it will only be temporary. If you usually take this route, it's a good idea to plan ahead to avoid...

Get ready for an incredible two-week journey through sound, culture, and tradition as Bahrain International Music Festival 2025 kicks off this October! Celebrating International Music Day, this annual festival brings together an impressive line-up of both local and international artists. Whether you're a fan of jazz, classical, folk, or world music, there’s something to hit every note. Running from October 3 to October 16, the festival celebrates the power of music as a bridge across cultures. From iconic Bahraini artists to globally renowned musicians, this is an event you won't want to miss. Bahrain International Music Festival 2025: Shows of...

Mark your calendars for an enriching experience at the Ritz Farmers Market, happening every Friday: January 24 & 31, and February 7 & 14, 2025. Stroll through the market to find a variety of fresh produce, handmade Bahraini crafts, and unique products from local farmers and artisans. It's a great opportunity to support local talent and discover the story behind every product. Located on the Croquet Lawn of The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, this event runs from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM and promises a delightful way to spend your Friday. You can also meet experts in farming and craftsmanship, learning firsthand...