What to do in Manama

If your child has been asking to use WhatsApp, a new feature coming in the next few months may ease the concerns about the safety of the app. WhatsApp introduces parent-managed accounts for kids under 13. The feature lets younger users stay in touch with family and friends while parents keep control over the account’s privacy and communication settings. How Parent-managed WhatsApp Accounts Work With this feature, a parent or guardian can create and supervise the account for a kids under 13. Only adults aged 18 or older can manage the setup. Here's what parents can manage: decide who is...

Tired of doing the same workout on your own? Try a community walk or run in Bahrain this week. Each group meets regularly and welcomes new faces, with no pressure on pace. Not A Cult Runs On April 24 (Friday), Not A Cult is hosting a 40-minute easy run starting from Juffair Square. Be there early, as it starts at 6 AM. RSVP is required to join. The group also meets every Friday for regular runs followed by a hangout. To join, sign up through their Strava club using the link in bio, then RSVP for each event.For all details...

Have you been using Instagram's end-to-end encrypted messaging feature? Well, it’s time to say goodbye. Meta recently announced that it will no longer support this feature starting May 8, 2026. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and receiver can read the content of their messages. So, when this was enabled on Instagram, Meta couldn’t access your conversations. According to Meta spokesperson Dina El-Kassaby Luce, the feature didn’t get enough use, that's why it's being removed. Starting May 8, Instagram will return to its standard encryption model, where the platform can access data if needed. Before this date, Meta will...

Looking for something to do this weekend (April 24-26)? Bahrain offers you plenty of active, creative, and high-energy plans from Friday to Sunday. Head out with friends, plan something with the kids, or just show up on your own and see where the day takes you. 1. Paint and Watch The Devil Wears Prada A casual Friday night with painting and a movie screening. Bring your friends, settle in, and paint while The Devil Wears Prada plays. Save the date: April 24 at 7 PM All details via @passionart.bh 2. Catch an Open Acoustic Music Night An acoustic Saturday night...

Bahrain housing requests now take just one day thanks to a full digital upgrade by Bahrain’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. The allocation request service is now fully online, cutting out manual handling and delays. Here's how it works: after choosing a housing unit or plot, the system moves straight to issuing the electronic contract. No printed forms, no in-person submissions, and no manual approvals. The update also simplified the process: Required documents were cut by 50%, so applicants submit fewer forms and papers Approval steps were reduced by 25%, meaning fewer internal checks before completion Bahrain has recently...

If you’re still making Eid plans, Marassi Galleria just added something new to Bahrain’s holiday calendar. The mall is hosting live music performances, festive entertainment, and for the first time in Bahrain, a light show. Here's the full programme with all details. You have four evenings from May 28 to 31 and three shows each day to enjoy the spectacle at Marassi Galleria during Eid Al Adha: 7 PM 8:30 PM 10 PM If you’re coming to Marassi Galleria for Eid shopping, you’ll also get to enjoy daily live music performances from May 27 until June 6. Afternoon sessions: 3:30...

Looking for a place where the kids can play for hours? Leo & Loona has officially opened at The Avenues Bahrain, bringing one of the region’s best-known indoor family entertainment spots to the Kingdom. Families in Bahrain can now explore this huge indoor playground filled with soft-play zones, interactive attractions, and activity areas. Leo & Loona is an already popular destination in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, especially for family outings, birthday celebrations, and everyday playtime indoors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leo & Loona Kids Park and Restaurant (@leo.loona.bahrain) Whether your kids need a couple of...

If your kids never seem to run out of energy, Big Bounce Arabia might be the perfect place to let them loose. The giant inflatable theme park is heading to Bahrain this June, and it's bringing its huge slides, obstacle courses, ball pits, sports zones, and inflatable worlds. You get to explore 16,000 sqm of pure fun packed with giant slides, inflatable games, jumping zones. The park welcomes both little and big visitors because honestly, there’s no age limit for having fun. Come with your family or gather your friends, then jump, climb, slide, bounce, and crawl through different inflatable...

If you’re already planning your schedule for Ramadan 2026, here’s something important to note. The official working hours for government entities in Bahrain have been announced. Ministries, authorities, and public institutions across the Kingdom will operate from 8 AM to 2 PM throughout the holy month. The exact start date will depend on the crescent moon sighting and is expected around February 17 or 18. Once confirmed, the new working hours will come into effect for the full duration of the month. As for the private sector, no fixed timetable has been officially announced. However, businesses are encouraged to introduce...

Primark is about to make a big splash in the GCC, with plans to expand into two more countries. The brand is officially heading to Bahrain and Qatar, with new stores opening by the end of 2026. From everyday wear to homeware, cosmetics, and seasonal décor, Primark is all about offering quality products at accessible prices. You've probably seen those unpacking videos on social media; well, now those great finds are coming your way! Bahrain will get its first Primark at City Centre Bahrain later this year; and Qatar will open its first store at Doha Festival City by the...