Manama City
(Manama, Arabic Al-Manāmah, capital and largest city of Bahrain)
Bahrain’s capital Manama has been at the crossroads of desert trade in the Persian Gulf for centuries. Today, it’s a prosperous business and economic center in the Middle East, and offers visitors a shopping paradise with a fantastic dining, arts, and entertainment scene to be explored.
History of Manama City
Welcome to Manama, the dynamic capital and largest city of Bahrain, nestled at the northeast tip of Bahrain island in the picturesque Persian Gulf. Boasting a population comprising approximately one-fifth of the country, Manama serves as a vibrant hub of activity, culture, and commerce.
With a history dating back to Islamic chronicles around 1345 CE, Manama has witnessed various periods of occupation, including by the Portuguese in 1521 and the Persians in 1602. Since 1783, it has predominantly been under the rule of the esteemed Āl Khalīfah dynasty, marking a legacy of governance with brief interruptions.
Historically renowned as a vital commercial center in the northern Persian Gulf, Manama’s traditional economy was rooted in pearling, fishing, boatbuilding, and trade. However, the city’s fortunes were transformed with the discovery of petroleum on Bahrain in 1932, leading to a significant evolution in its economic landscape and urban development. Modern skyscrapers began to adorn the skyline, reflecting its newfound status as a thriving trade, financial, and commercial center.
While the headquarters of the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) are located in ʿAwālī at the center of Bahrain island, Manama remains a focal point for banking and commerce. In 1958, it was designated a free port, paving the way for enhanced trade opportunities. The establishment of the deepwater port facilities at Mīnāʾ Salmān in 1962 further solidified Manama’s position as a key player in the global maritime industry. Equipped with state-of-the-art storage, refrigeration facilities, and docking capabilities for large vessels, Mīnāʾ Salmān has become one of the Persian Gulf’s premier ports.
Linked by a causeway, the neighboring island and town of Al-Muḥarraq, Bahrain’s second-largest community, offers a seamless connection to Manama’s bustling urban landscape.
