Bab Al Bahrain, the Gateway to Bahrain, is a white arched building in Customs Square, Manama, and the main entrance to the Manama Souq. It dates from the 1940s and once stood on the waterfront, though land reclamation has left it inland. Its arches and geometric detail combine Islamic design with British colonial influence. Photograph the gate and the fountain in front of it, then walk into the souq for spices, perfumes, scarves, handicrafts and gold. A tourist information office on the square hands out maps before you head into the lanes.
The gate and Customs Square
Bab Al Bahrain means Gateway to Bahrain. The building stands in Customs Square, in what was Manama's central business district, and the square is thought to have been the region's first formal public space. It dates from the 1940s. When it was built it faced the harbour. Land reclamation has since pushed the coast away, and today the water is hard to see from the gate.
The building first housed government offices. Over time it became better known as the entrance to the Manama Souq. A redesign in 1986 gave it a more Islamic character. A tourist information office is inside, and it is useful to visit before you enter the souq, because it gives out maps and suggestions.
The road runs beneath the large central arch. In front of the gate a fountain sits in the open space, and a sculpture reading "I Love BH" stands nearby. A curtain of hanging coins is another spot where visitors take photographs.
Architecture and the old quarter
The walls are white, and the central arch is wide and plain in outline, with geometric detail around it. The design draws on Islamic forms and shows British colonial influence from the period when it was built. Some visitors expect something more elaborate, but the gate is best read as a threshold: a clear marker where the modern city ends and the old market begins.
The streets around it belong to Manama's historic trading quarter. This includes the souq, merchant houses, shops and public buildings such as the customs house and the old court. Many buildings show influences from elsewhere. The wooden porches on many older houses are of Persian origin, and later buildings carry British colonial features. Manama's long history as a trade hub brought together many cultures, and the city is known for peaceful religious coexistence.
Walking into the Manama Souq
Bab Al Bahrain and the Manama Souq are not the same thing. The gate is the building. The souq is the network of narrow streets and alleys behind it, and it is the traditional market of the old city.
Stalls and shops sell spices, perfumes, incense, scarves, textiles, handicrafts and small gifts. Gold and pearls have a long place in the trade here. You will also find traditional sweets, clothing and handmade items. The market is multi-ethnic, with goods from Nepal, India and Sri Lanka alongside Arabian products. Walking and looking is an experience in itself, even if you do not buy anything.
The lanes get narrower and more confusing the deeper you go, so a local companion helps if you plan a long browse. Signs guide you through the main market, and shopkeepers are generally helpful if you need to find your way back to the gate.
Bargaining is expected. Treat it as a conversation and keep it polite. If you plan to buy oud or bakhoor, ask to try them first.
Food and getting there
The souq has cafes and restaurants, including Nepalese and South Indian places that serve quick meals. Sweet shops sell Arabian sweets, which makes the area workable for a family outing. The entrance is wheelchair accessible, and the site is good for children.
A taxi waiting area sits outside the gate. Paid parking is available in a lot and on the street nearby. Restaurants, public transport and other city landmarks are close.
On a weekday afternoon some stalls may still be shut, as one visitor found in mid-afternoon on a Tuesday. If you want the souq at its fullest, go later in the day.
FAQ
What is Bab Al Bahrain?
It is a historic gateway building in Customs Square, Manama, dating from the 1940s. It once housed government offices and now serves as the main entrance to the Manama Souq.
Are Bab Al Bahrain and Manama Souq the same place?
No. Bab Al Bahrain is the arched building. The Manama Souq is the old market of narrow streets and alleys behind it.
How long do you need at Bab Al Bahrain?
The gate itself takes a short time for photos and a stop at the information office. Allow one to two hours if you also walk through the souq, and more if you plan to shop.
Is Bab Al Bahrain suitable for children and wheelchair users?
It is good for children, and the entrance is wheelchair accessible. The souq lanes behind it are narrow.
Is there parking near Bab Al Bahrain?
Yes. There is a paid parking lot and paid street parking nearby, and a taxi waiting area stands outside the gate.
Do you bargain in the souq?
Yes, bargaining is common. Negotiate politely, as some prices are aimed at tourists and a courteous exchange usually leads to a fair price.
