Local Insights
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Sophisticated, modern and cosmopolitan, Manama, the capital of Bahrain, a kingdom of 33 islands in the Arabian Gulf, is prosperous and stable, and boasts excellent hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and an intriguing souq, as well as the remnants of more than 5,000 years of civilisation.
Getting there
One of the premier hubs in the Middle East, Bahrain International Airport (973 1733 9339; www.bahrainairport.com) is about six kilometres north of the capital, Manama. The exclusive and speedy premium check-in area for first and business class passengers contains its own immigration and security desks. Bahrain is linked to Saudi Arabia by the King Fahed Causeway; its port is still primarily used by cargo vessels rather than cruise lines, though ferries do operate to Iran. Electronic visa details are at www.e.gov.bh.
Weather
From June to October Bahrain is hot and humid, with the thermometer climbing as high as 42ºC. It is milder between December and April, with temperatures between 10ºC and 21ºC. Throughout the year, rainfall is slight and occurs mainly in winter.
Important Numbers
| Fire | 999 |
| Police | 999 |
| Ambulance | 999 |
| Tourist Information Hotline | 973 1771 7212 |
Transportation/Getting Around
| Taxi |
Hire Car |
Bus |
Dhow cruise | |
| Hotlines | Orange coloured taxis are found all over Manama. Insist on using the meter. Airport Taxis 973 17260 208 Speedy Motors 973 1726 0211 |
Both international and local car hire agencies are prominent in Manama. Al Bader 973 1727 6087 Arados 973 1724 4343 Hanco 1771 4919 |
Manama's bus network is run by the Saudi Bahraini Transport Company, which also has routes to Saudi Arabia. 973 1732 1218 |
Cruising aboard a traditional dhow is the best way to get around the islands. Alfanar Travel 973 1727 7575 |
| Fare range/ destinations |
Flagfall BHD0.8, or BHD1.2 from 10.00 pm – 6.00 am. Airport surcharge BHD1. Hourly charge BHD6-7. |
From BHD12 per day. |
Minimum fare BHD0.5. |
From BHD35 per hour. |
| Operating hours | 24 hours |
24 hours |
6.00 am – 11.30 pm |
9.00 am – 9.00 pm |
Local Language
Learn more about local language from below.
| English | Local language |
| Hello | Marhaba |
| Please | Min fadlik |
| Thank you very much | Shukran jazeelan |
| I do not understand | La afham |
| Do you speak English? | Hal tetakallem al-inglizia? |
| Nice to meet you | Tasharafna |
| Never mind | Laysa muhim |
| Good | Iayyid |
| You're welcome | Afwan |
| Excuse me | Law samaht |
| Where is the toilet? | Aynal-hamam? |
| What is your name? | Ma ismuka (to a male) Ma ismukee (to a female) |
| My name is... | Ismee... |
| How much does this cost? | Bikam hadha? |
| Maybe | Mumkin |
| Do you understand? | Maf hoom? |
| Help! | Musa'ada! |
| Today | Lyoum |
| Yesterday | Ams |
| Yes | Na'am |
| No | Laa. |
Business and Finance
Thanks to well-developed communication and transport facilities, Bahrain is the headquarters for a number of multinationals in the Gulf. Petroleum production and refining account for the bulk of Bahrain's export receipts and government revenues, thus bolstering the country's strong economic growth in recent years. The financial and construction sectors also play a significant role. Bahrain is currently diversifying and privatising its economy to reduce the country's dependence on oil.
The above information is for reference only. They may be provided to HSBC by other persons or compiled by HSBC from information and materials provided by other persons. HSBC does not warrant the truth, reliability, accuracy or adequacy of the above information and HSBC assumes no liability for any reliance on them by you or any other persons. Please contact the relevant merchant, company or organisation for further details.
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