Top hotels in Manama

Manama is the capital of Bahrain, a compact island nation in the Persian Gulf. It’s located a short distance from the shores of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and is the country’s largest city and economic centre. Heavy industry and finance form the backbone of the city's economy, its skyline dominated by a series of uniquely shaped skyscrapers. Book a hotel in Manama and enjoy a city that was voted the capital of Arab culture in 2012, its modern economy and cultural identity continuing to evolve.

What defines this city in relation to its neighbours?

The island of Bahrain's flat, relatively small size is advantageous to city design, and Manama has been constructed with precision. Its compact centre faces the shores of the Persian Gulf, while its roads are easily navigable. Visitors will be struck by the geometric skyscrapers in the downtown area. The range of historic sites in the city include the Grand Al-Fateh Mosque. Manama's Diplomatic Area in the north-east houses many of the main businesses, stores and upmarket hotels. The island's position in the Persian Gulf makes trade with other nations easy, as well as being an attractive destination for visitors.

What about the business activities in town?

Manama’s economy is diverse, and its high output makes it one of the world’s best-performing financial centres. Oil production remains its core export. Plastics and metal manufacturing are also key, as are food production and more modern industries such as finance. Business expos with a focus on oil, energy and finance are naturally the mainstays here. These include the Middle East Oil & Gas Show & Conference and the Annual World Islamic Banking Conference.

Where else is interesting for visitors booking hotels in Manama?

In the convenient Diplomatic Area you can find great Manama hotels with exposition spaces, many corporate headquarters and the best shopping and culture in town. It’s here that you can visit the House of Quran, a museum dedicated to preserving and displaying rare and precious manuscripts of Islam’s holy book. Also in this zone is the Manama Souq, a fascinating open-air market split into old and new halves. Both are worth visiting to amble around and check out a range of local goods, including spices and natural pearls.