The New Travel Attractions in Bahrain You Just Cannot Miss

Bahrain, on the southwestern coast of the Arabian Gulf, has seen a fresh, new range of hotels, experiences, and restaurants open in the last few months. From over 20 new luxury accommodations in the last few years to exciting cultural expeditions, these upcoming additions offer visitors limitless opportunities to enjoy an unforgettable journey through the country. Bahrain is an archipelago surrounded by shallow, crystal clear waters and comprising 33 islands. Bursting with culture, history, art, vibrant natural scenery and delicious food, the kingdom invites visitors to experience the endless possibilities of island life.

New Hotels

Over 20 hotels have opened in the last 12 months offering visitors even more choice of stunning, luxurious accommodation options. Some of the most exciting new openings include:

Raffles Al Areen Palace – Opened in December 2023: The first of its kind in Bahrain, Raffles Al Areen Palace is an all-villa property set beside a wildlife reserve and close to the Bahrain International F1 circuit. Comprised of 78 private pool villas, Raffles takes opulence to the next level, with each villa adorned with all neutral tones with pops of green and gold and elaborate arches inspired by Islamic architecture.

Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbour – Opened in January 2024: Conrad Hotels and Resorts have expanded their offer launching their first property in Bahrain in January 2024. As part of the renowned Hilton group, Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbour is a 30-story property located right on the waterfront, offering guests an unobstructed view of Bahrain Bay. It features 98 suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and a rooftop pool with a panoramic view of the city.

Hawar Resort by Mantis – Opening Q3 2024: Mantis will make its Bahrain debut with Hawar Resort by Mantis, a new luxury resort located on the west coast of Hawar Island, which is a 30-minute boat ride from Bahrain’s main island and enjoys UNESCO recognition for its natural history. Standing as one of the first environmentally focused projects of its kind in the Middle East, the new development will aid the island’s transformation into an eco-tourism hub, with aims to showcase local wildlife. Guests visiting the island will encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including sand gazelles, vibrant coral reefs and endangered dugongs (cousins of manatees with a dolphin fluke-like tail). The resort will feature 102 luxury accommodations, five distinctive dining venues, extensive sports and leisure facilities and separate areas for relaxation and adventure. The new development is set to be unveiled in Q3 2024.

New Restaurants

Byblos – Opened in January 2024: Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay has introduced a new and captivating gastronomy journey through Lebanese cuisine with its new restaurant, Byblos. The new eatery, by Oriental Specialty Chef Tony El Khoury, approaches Lebanese food from a modern angle, featuring vibrant mezze platters such as pesto hummus and beetroot carpaccio salad. The restaurant itself, nestled along the hotel’s white sand beach, is reminiscent of the Mediterranean Sea, designed with turquoise and white tones and is complete with outdoor seating overlooking the shore.

Roka Bahrain – Opened April 2024: After celebrating its 20th anniversary earlier this year, Roka launched its first location in Bahrain last month. Found on the eighth-floor rooftop of Pearl House in Bahrain Bay, this sleek, award-winning sushi restaurant showcases a contemporary take on traditional Japanese cuisine. Designed with an alfresco terrace and Japanese paper cherry blossom hues, diners will also have front-row seats to the flaming theatrics of robatayaki grill.

Time Out Market – to open this year: Known for its expertly curated food and culture fairs across the globe, Time Out Market will make its debut in Bahrain later this year. Spanning over 35,000 sq ft on the top floor of City Centre Bahrain, the culinary hotspot will house 11 diverse kitchens, two bars, an outdoor rooftop and over 900 seats on two levels. With an exhibition space and stage, the market will also be a hub for home-grown talents and artists.

SUSHISAMBA – Opened December 2023: Blending Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, SUSHISAMBA offers an interesting menu combining traditional and contemporary flavours. Established in 1999, SUSHISAMBA is known for its creative dishes and stunning presentations, providing an immersive dining experience with bold decor and lively music. With its latest location on top of Conrad Bahrain, foodies can feast on sushi, sashimi, ceviche and specialty rolls and enjoy stunning views of the Manama seafront and Bahrain Bay.

Cipriani Bahrain – Opened November 2023: Located in the prestigious Marasi Beach residential complex, world-renowned restaurant brand, Cipriani, has recently started bringing its elegant Italian cuisine to Manama locals and visitors. Guests can enjoy iconic dishes like Carpaccio al la Cipriani and Baked Tagliolini, paired with a great selection of wines and cocktails, in an intimate setting that combines classic and modern elements. The restaurant also features a pool and beach area and spacious outdoor terrace with privileged views of Manama’s skyline.

EVENTS

Bahrain Toy Festival (July 2024): As the first and largest festival of its kind, the Bahrain Toy Festival will be part of the Bahrain Summer Festival 2024. It is scheduled to run from 1st July, lasting for five weeks, featuring top international toys brands and a variety of activities and events. The festival will also feature entertainment corners inspired by major brands such as Blebby, Blueway, Hot Wheels, Cocomelon, Disney Princesses, Happy Cappy, Marvel and Miraculous, among others.

Bahrain International Airshow (13 November 2024): Held once every two years, the highly anticipated Bahrain International Airshow will be returning this year. The prestigious convention is a platform to showcase the latest innovations and trends in the aviation industry. Over 180 companies will in attendance and 100 aircrafts on static, the event will host insightful seminars, conferences and workshops covering topics such as market analysis and technological advancements.

Celebrate Bahrain Season (1-31 December 2024): The Celebrate Bahrain Season is an annual event that takes place during the month of December, as part of Bahrain’s National Day festivities. The jam-packed festival programme includes a wide variety of activities such as music concerts, live shows, games, carnivals and, of course, colourful firework displays – not to be missed in any important celebration. A selection of hotels and shopping centres will also offer special discounts and exciting prizes for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a family looking for fun, or someone who enjoys live performances, there’s something for everyone at Celebrate Bahrain Season.

Autumn Fair (January 2025): Bahrain Autumn Fair is an annual shopping extravaganza, presenting a diverse array of products from local and international businesses. The consumer exhibition is set to showcase a diverse array of products, from fashion and accessories to home décor and electronics. Visitors can also indulge in treats from food stalls, enjoy live performances and participate in interactive activities throughout the event.

Other Attractions

New shops at the Marassi Galleria: Even though the Marassi Galleria opened its doors in February 2024, this popular shopping centre in Manama has been expanding its retail offering ever since. French fashion brand, Hermès; Italian luxury house, Etro; and French luxury jewellery brand, Boucheron, are some of the latest shops that have opened at the Marassi Galleria, joining others like Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Loewe and Jimmy Choo. Located by the waterfront, Marassi Galleria is home to a mixture of luxury and high street shops, as well as restaurants, a cinema and even an underwater zoo.

The Pearl Museum at Siyadi Majlis: Recently awarded the Best New Museum at the Monocle Magazine’ Design Awards 2024, The Peal Museum at Siyadi Majlis is dedicated to showcasing one of the most notable aspects of Bahrain’s cultural heritage. Once the home of Bahrain’s grand pearl merchant families, the museum sits on the Pearling Path, a trail listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where visitors can be immersed in the history of the region’s pearling legacy.

Bahrain is a small island nation located in the Arabian Gulf. It is an archipelago made up of 50 natural islands and an additional 33 artificial islands. The country’s rich cultural heritage dates back over 5,000 years, making it a fascinating destination.