Manama

Also known as al-Manāmah

Manama ( '''', Bahrani pronunciation: ) is the capital and largest city of Bahrain, with an approximate population of 743,066 as of 2025 estimate. Long an important trading center in the Persian Gulf, Manama is home to a diverse population. After periods of Portuguese and Persian control and a short invasion from the ruling dynasty of Saudi Arabia, followed by a longer invasion by Oman, Bahrain established itself as an independent nation in 1971 following a period of British hegemony.

AI overview

Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain, located in the Persian Gulf, with a population of approximately 743,066 as of 2025. It matters as a historically significant trading center that has shaped the region's commerce and culture, and it remains important as the political and economic center of independent Bahrain, which was established in 1971.

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Place details

Locality: المنامة
Region: محافظة العاصمة
Country: البحرين
Population: 147,074
Timezone

Travel guide

Understand

Manama emerged as the capital of independent Bahrain after periods of domination by Portugal and Persians. Today, it is a modern capital with an economy based on the sales promotion industry as crude oil takes a less pronounced role in the economy.

Get in

All roads in Bahrain lead to Manama, so see the main Bahrain article for details.

See

thumb|right|300px|Al-Fateh Mosque at night thumbnail|Archways of Bahrain Fort

Do

Manama is a getaway for Arabs and expats residing in Arab countries where alcohol is banned. Tourists, particularly Saudis and residents of Saudi Arabia, come to Bahrain mainly for the nightlife.

Ice skating The only ring in town is located at the Fun-land centre along the Marina corniche.

Buy

thumb|Shops in downtown Manama

Eat

thumb|Flatbread and hummus at a restaurant in Manama Restaurants in Manama run the gamut from cheap shawarma joints to 5-star restaurants. In addition to the places listed in this section, hotels often have one or several restaurants and bars.

Drink

thumb|Streetside café in the souq Manama has a busy nightlife by Gulf standards. The main districts are Adliya, Hoora, Juffair and Business District. Many places to drink are in hotels (see the Sleep section below).

Stay safe

Manama and Bahrain in general is a quite safe place, but while violent crime is rare, pickpocketing, bag snatching and burglaries aren't unheard of. As of 2024 travel advisories also warn of possible terrorist attacks including bombings in public places.

Visitors are required to respect Islamic customs and laws when it comes to social relations, clothing, behaviour and such. Unlike many other countries in the region, alcohol isn't outlawed - as long as consumption happens on private premises such as nightclubs away from the public eye.

~34 min read

Article

27 sections

Contents

Etymology
History
Pre-modern history
Early modern history
Modern history
Government
Economy
Demographics
Religion
Transport
Road network
Buses
Air transport
Education
Geography
Climate
Culture
Notable people
Twin towns and sister cities
See also
Notes
References
Citations
Bibliography
Primary sources
Secondary sources
External links

Manama has a history spanning several centuries. First mentioned in Islamic texts as early as the 14th century, Manama remained a small trading port until it came under Portuguese control in the early 1500s. In 1602, the Safavid Persians expelled the Portuguese, and Manama became a regional center for commerce and pearling. By the late 19th century, it had grown significantly due to trade and was declared the capital of Bahrain in 1971 when the country gained independence from British protection. Since then, Manama has evolved into a modern financial hub in the Persian Gulf region.