Manama: The Pearl of the Arabian Gulf

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaban]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [na'am]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  ['udhran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'injilizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد رؤية القائمة، من فضلك
  [urid ru'yat alqaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la akl allahm]
• Cheers!صحتين!
  [sahatin!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [urid an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [iatisil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [iatisil bitabib!]
• I'm lostأنا ضائع
  [ana daye']
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [urid an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atafarraj]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam si'ruh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafd alsir?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'a?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alsaa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)الساعة العاشرة والنصف
  [alsaa'ah al'ashirah walnisf]
• Morningصباح
  [sabah]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [ba'd alduhur]
• Eveningمساء
  [masa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaniya]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'a]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين ال...
  [ayn al...]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'anaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk 'an turiyani (ala alkhariata)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata alhafilat altaliat?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)
  [tadhkirat (ila ....)]

Manama, the capital of Bahrain, boasts a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence indicates that the area was inhabited as early as the Dilmun civilization, around 3000 BCE. Dilmun was a prominent trading hub connecting Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley, and its influence is evident in the many ancient burial mounds found throughout Bahrain.

The arrival of Islam in the 7th century CE marked a significant turning point for Manama and the entire Arabian Peninsula. The region came under the control of the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, and later the Qarmatians, who briefly established their own rule. Manama thrived as an important Islamic center during this period.

In the early 16th century, Manama fell under Portuguese control as they sought to dominate the trade routes in the Persian Gulf. The Portuguese fortified the city and used it as a base to safeguard their maritime interests. Their influence lasted until 1602, when the Persian Empire, under the Safavid dynasty, expelled them from Bahrain.

Following the expulsion of the Portuguese, Manama experienced periods of Persian and Omani control. The Persians, under the Safavids, re-established their dominance over the island. By the late 18th century, the Al Khalifa family, originally from the Arabian Peninsula, took control of Bahrain, including Manama, solidifying their rule with British support.

In the 19th century, Bahrain became a British protectorate, which significantly influenced Manama's development. The British established a naval base and initiated various infrastructural projects, including the construction of roads and modern buildings. Manama began to evolve into a cosmopolitan city, attracting traders and expatriates from around the globe.

The discovery of oil in Bahrain in 1932 was a transformative event for Manama. The newfound wealth spurred rapid modernization and urbanization. The city expanded, with new neighborhoods, commercial districts, and public infrastructure projects reshaping its landscape. Manama emerged as a key economic center in the Gulf region.

Bahrain declared independence from British rule in 1971, and Manama became the capital of the newly sovereign state. The city continued to grow, balancing its rich cultural heritage with the demands of modernization. Today, Manama is a bustling metropolis, known for its vibrant souks, modern skyscrapers, and a diverse population that reflects its historical role as a crossroads of trade and culture.

Manama is served by Bahrain International Airport (BAH), located just 7 kilometers northeast of the city center. The airport is well-connected with frequent flights from major cities worldwide. Taxis are readily available at the airport, and it takes about 15 minutes to reach the city center. Alternatively, some hotels offer shuttle services. Ride-sharing options like Uber and Careem are also available.

Manama has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses operated by the Bahrain Public Transport Company. Buses are a cost-effective way to travel, and routes cover major parts of the city. Taxis are plentiful and can be hailed on the street or booked via apps. Car rentals are another option, with several international and local agencies offering services. For short distances, walking is feasible in areas like the Manama Souq and the Diplomatic Area.

The official currency is the Bahraini Dinar (BHD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are abundant and can be found in shopping malls, hotels, and on major streets. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or local markets. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and exchange kiosks in the city.

Manama is generally considered safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid wandering alone late at night in less populated areas. Areas like the Manama Souq are bustling and safe during the day but can be less secure at night. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, so keep an eye on your belongings. Always use registered taxis or ride-sharing services.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police, ambulance, and fire services. Major hospitals like the Bahrain Specialist Hospital and Salmaniya Medical Complex offer emergency medical services. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Embassies and consulates in Manama can also provide assistance to their nationals in distress.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public places and religious sites. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Assalamu Alaikum' (Peace be upon you). A handshake is common among men, but wait for a woman to extend her hand first. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Manama like a local, visit the Manama Souq for traditional goods and spices. Try Bahraini cuisine at local restaurants, such as Machboos and Harees. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss a visit to the Bahrain National Museum for a deeper understanding of the island's heritage. For a unique experience, take a dhow cruise to enjoy the city’s skyline from the water.