What to do in Manama

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Moda Expo, Bahrain’s much-anticipated pre-Ramadan shopping event, is back from February 27 to March 1, 2025, at the Gulf Hotel Convention Centre. With over 80 brands from Bahrain and across the region, the event brings a diverse collection of fashion, jewelry, perfumes, skincare, and home accessories — all in one place. This annual pop-up is a perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe, find unique gifts, and discover handcrafted pieces just in time for Ramadan. Whether you’re looking for elegant abayas, statement jewelry, or luxury fragrances, you won't be leaving Moda Expo empty-handed.     View this post on Instagram  ...

Bahrain has officially announced the dates for the 2025 National Day holiday. The Kingdom will enjoy a two-day break on December 16 and 17 to celebrate National Day and the anniversary of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s accession to the throne. During this period, all government ministries, public institutions, and agencies will be closed. If you have any government-related tasks, now’s the time to plan ahead. Some essential services may adjust their schedules, so it’s a good idea to check with the relevant authorities for any changes. As the National Day gets closer, there’s plenty of celebrations to look...

On the evening of September 7, 2025, Bahrain’s skies will get an impressive celestial event: a total lunar eclipse. This type of eclipse happens when the Earth’s shadow completely covers the Moon, giving it a deep red glow during the central phase — a striking phenomenon sometimes called a "Blood Moon". In total, it will last 1 hour and 22 minutes. The eclipse will be clearly visible to the naked eye. No special equipment is needed, although binoculars or a telescope can enhance the view. This means Bahrain-based observers will be able to watch the entire eclipse from start to...

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...

Carrefour has officially closed its doors in Bahrain and Kuwait, bringing an end to decades of service in these countries. The French retail giant thanked customers for their loyalty and support over the years, celebrating the many memories made along the way. This isn’t the first time Carrefour has exited a Gulf market – earlier this year, it also stopped operations in Oman. However, in Oman, the closure paved the way for something new: Dubai’s Majid Al Futtaim Group, which owned and managed Carrefour there, launched a new grocery brand called HyperMax. Carrefour continues to be a firm favourite in...