As Bahrain battles to save its business-friendly image, the kingdom is keen to impress the astute corporate traveller.
The exclusive Capital Club, on the top two floors of the East Tower at Bahrain Financial Harbour, is one of the island's marvels and ideal for a meeting, if only for its spectacular views of the country.
Although it is strictly off limits for non-members, it is a popular venue for Bahraini business people trying to dazzle their guests.
Curfews may still be in place that will limit your movements beyond 10pm, depending on the area, but there is still plenty to see and enjoy in Bahrain.
Juffair, a suburban neighbourhood in Manama near the US Fifth Fleet base, has a restaurant and cafe-lined street for a European-inspired evening, which although quieter than normal is mostly open until the early hours.
Then there is the Bahrain National Museum, the oldest in the country. It has three halls devoted to archaeology and the ancient civilisation of the Dilmun, and two more that depict the culture and lifestyle of Bahrain's pre-industrial past.
To sample local art, a visit to galleries such as Al Riwaq Art Space, Albareh Art Gallery and Bin Matar House can be an enjoyable experience. As for that shopping trip, most of the buying and selling in Manama takes place at the Bab al Bahrain souq district where vendors sell souvenirs, crafts, fruits, clothing and a rainbow variety of spices.
While the markets cannot compete with the likes of Damascus or Marrakech, the souq still forms the historic soul of Manama.
fhalime@thenational.ae
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Nepotism is the name of the game
Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad.
Quick%20facts
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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'Spies in Disguise'
Director: Nick Bruno and Troy Quane
Stars: Will Smith, Tom Holland, Karen Gillan and Roshida Jones
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
RESULTS
Welterweight
Tohir Zhuraev (TJK) beat Mostafa Radi (PAL)
(Unanimous points decision)
Catchweight 75kg
Anas Siraj Mounir (MAR) beat Leandro Martins (BRA)
(Second round knockout)
Flyweight (female)
Manon Fiorot (FRA) beat Corinne Laframboise (CAN)
(RSC in third round)
Featherweight
Bogdan Kirilenko (UZB) beat Ahmed Al Darmaki
(Disqualification)
Lightweight
Izzedine Al Derabani (JOR) beat Rey Nacionales (PHI)
(Unanimous points)
Featherweight
Yousef Al Housani (UAE) beat Mohamed Fargan (IND)
(TKO first round)
Catchweight 69kg
Jung Han-gook (KOR) beat Max Lima (BRA)
(First round submission by foot-lock)
Catchweight 71kg
Usman Nurmogamedov (RUS) beat Jerry Kvarnstrom (FIN)
(TKO round 1).
Featherweight title (5 rounds)
Lee Do-gyeom (KOR) v Alexandru Chitoran (ROU)
(TKO round 1).
Lightweight title (5 rounds)
Bruno Machado (BRA) beat Mike Santiago (USA)
(RSC round 2).
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
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