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Malls... |
When it comes to land size, Bahrain may be small, but that’s certainly not a term you can use to describe its shopping scene, which is – BIG!
There exists a certain freedom in Bahrain, which attracts especially female shoppers from other Gulf states but other expatriates as well. This, coupled with a steady stream of international business visitors, tourists and, increasingly, motor sports fans, means the malls and suqs are invariably packed with shoppers.
Whether you are a visitor or a new resident, you do need to know where to find the best shopping at the right price. And over the course of the next few pages, that’s exactly what I’ll help you to do.
The proximity of the main shopping malls and areas means you can get done in a few hours what might otherwise have taken days… assuming you can choose from all there is to offer. For modern-style shopping, there are four main malls – each individual in terms of design and atmosphere. Al A’ali Shopping Complex and Seef Mall are located in Seef district, while Bahrain Mall and Dana Mall are in the adjacent Sanabis area.
There are other popular malls, smaller only in comparison to the big four complexes, which offer an excellent variety of goods. These include the Yateem Centre (which has the advantage of being in the heart of Manama suq), Marina Mall, Lulu Mall (great for fabrics), Gosi Centre (lots of telecommunications products here) and Bahrain Commercial Complex, better known to residents as Sheraton Complex for its proximity to the international hotel.
Thankfully, all the shopping malls are air-conditioned and are equipped with splendid food courts so you can enjoy a meal during a break in shopping. |
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Bahrain Souks... |
The Arabic word 'souk, souq' simply means market or shopping centre, but it is generally used to refer specifically to the more traditional markets.
The souk in Manama is more modern than those you will find in many Arab countries and even in other parts of Bahrain, but nevertheless is a colourful, bustling fascinating place. Goods on offer include local crafts, rugs, cotton and silk fabrics, gold and of course pearls, as Bahrain has long been a centre for the pearl trade. Although a lot of the shops in the Manama souk sell cheap clothing and electrical goods, you will be able to find virtually anything you are likely to want to buy hidden away in some corner or other, but this is not somewhere to go shopping if you are in a hurry, more a place to browse and bargain.
No visit to Bahrain will be complete without a visit to the Souk, just ask any cab driver to take you there - you will not be disappointed. An early morning visit is not only cooler, but you will see the hustle and bustle of the tradesmen going about their business. Everything from beautiful fabrics to spices and nuts are sold. Pass by the tobacco stalls where leaf tobacco is sold and look out for stalls where the traditional herbal remedies can be purchased - the vendors will quite happily explain the medical use of their herbs. If you are looking for souvenirs the choices are endless, from the beautiful Bahrain National Costumes which can be bought in children's sizes to frankincense & myrrh. An all time favourite is the wonderful variety of nuts, dates, spices, and Arabic sweets. |
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Shopping Hours... |
Saturday-Thursday. 0800-1230 and 1530-1930 hrs. Some supermarkets stay open later than these hours. Cold Stores are open until midnight and some stay open 24 hours. |
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