The abaya is a traditional garment worn by women in many Middle Eastern countries. It is a long, loose-fitting robe that covers the entire body, except for the hands, feet, and face. The abaya has a rich history that is intertwined with the cultural and religious traditions of the region. In this blog post, we will explore the history of the abaya and how it relates to laundry.
Manama is a majestic city and the capital of Bahrain. The name translates to ‘place of dreams’. With its attractions, views and buildings, it certainly is a dreamy city to visit. The capital has something for everyone; whether you’re solo travelling or going on family trips. To help you plan the trip better, here are things to do in Manama.
Bahrain is a wonderful country that is enriched with culture, architecture, history, and delicious food. Because it is an island country with no land borders, Bahrain is a hidden gem that is worth exploring! If you are thinking of visiting, here are the key Bahrain travel tips for you!
The past two years have seen some unprecedented times in our lifetime. Plans are constantly changing. To be on the safe side, frequently check the UK and Bahrani government websites to see the latest updates on travel restrictions, requirements etc. Finding out the country’s rules on masks and social distancing should be at the top of your priorities.
Bahrain has a very hot climate. If you’re not so keen on the heat, visit between November to March. While the weather still will be hot, it won’t be as high as the other periods of the year.
If you do love Formula 1 and want to visit for the Bahrain Grand Prix, March and April will be the time to visit but make sure you stay hydrated, it will be very hot!
If you are on a budget, we recommend visiting Bahrain in January as that’s generally the cheapest time to fly.
It’s compulsory for anyone travelling with a UK passport to get a valid Bahrain visa. You may think this will be time-consuming but worry not, Bahrain now uses an electronic visa system known as the Evisa! The best thing about Evisa is that you can apply online – through your laptop or phone – which saves you the hassle of going to the Embassy. Just make sure you apply 3 days before your trip.
Bahrain uses the Bahraini Dinar (BHD). To get a brief idea of how this compares with the British Pound Sterling, one Bahraini Dinar equals 2.26 pounds. This is an important Bahraini travel tip as currency information helps you to plan your trip better!
A tourist’s worst nightmare is going to a country and not having the correct adaptor to charge their low-battery phone.
This is why out of all the Bahrain travel tips, knowing what adaptor to use is essential.
Some go to Bahrain for a holiday while others visit for business reasons. If you are the latter, getting the right adaptor is fundamental in case you need to use your work laptop.
Bahrain currently uses the plug type G; this has three rectangular pins, and it operates on 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Taxis are usually the best way to get around in Bahrain. They are quick, convenient, and efficient with their service. Taxi drivers usually have a meter inside their car so keep an eye on it as you are being transferred to your location.
Bahrain also has a steady network of public buses that run from 6 am to 9 pm.
If you are staying for a while and the laundry is piling up, here is a travel tip; just book a laundry service that does the laundry work for you!
Yes, that’s right – Laundryheap is available to book in Bahrain! If you need your laundry to be done, just get in touch with us and we’ll clean your clothes and return them back to your hotel within 24 hours!
We hope these Bahrain travel tips will make you even more prepared and excited to visit! It’s a truly remarkable place to visit and you’ll no doubt have a great time!
To learn more about Laundryheap, visit our website or download the free app on iOS or Android.
Bahrain is a country located in Western Asia and a major tourist attraction for many due to its rich history. In a country that is known for its architecture, culture and museums, visitors have plenty of things to do. Here are the amazing sights to see in Bahrain.
One of the sights to see in Bahrain is Muharraq. If you are visiting Bahrain to explore its history further, we recommend Muharraq because it dates back to the Dilmun Civilisation and used to be the capital. The most iconic place to see in Muharraq is the Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research. A place that is enriched with heritage.
Muharraq isn’t just known for its historical attractions, however. If you love football, you can visit the local team’s stadium too.
For a proper dive into Bahrain’s history, we recommend visiting the national museum in Bahrain. You’ll marvel at the architecture around it as you are walking toward the museum. There is so much more to offer when you go inside the museum.
Bahrain’s national theatre is a must-see sight in Bahrain due to its majestic presence and iconic status in the Arab world. Currently, it is the third-largest theatre in the Arab world with a seating capacity of 1,001! If you love entertainment, you’ll love this theatre for its charm!
The Bahrain International Circuit is one of the best sporting sights to see in Bahrain. The circuit has become a big attraction among Formula One fans and traditionally hosts the Grand Prix. Not only was this circuit the first in the Middle East to host a Formula One Grand Prix but it was also awarded the best ‘Organised Grand Prix’. If you really love cars, you can hop on a race car and ride along the F-1 track!
If you’re travelling with family, the Wahooo! Water park is a beautiful sight to see in Bahrain. The waterpark is packed with rides, games, and pools to relax in. You and your family will have a great day out in this water park, especially if you go on super fun rides like Master Blaster, Matt Racer, Wave Pool etc.
Your clothes will get wet but you can always contact us to help you get them cleaned and ironed!
The water park is in the city centre that is home to the malls and restaurants. Once your family have experienced the water park, you can go look around the shops in Bahrain or go for a nearby meal.
The sights in Bahrain are breathtaking with the perfect mixture of historical and modern attractions. If you are planning to visit, we wish you a great trip to a great country!
If you are staying for a week, consider booking a service with Laundryheap! We can handle your laundry for you while you enjoy your trip with no laundry hassle!
To learn more about Laundryheap, visit our website or download the free app on iOS or Android.
Manama is bursting with exquisite cuisine, nightlife, and culture, making it the perfect holiday destination.
Manama has a desert climate, with the average yearly temperature reaching 26 degrees Celsius. The summer months are particularly brutal, as temperatures can reach as high as 50 degrees Celsius. In the winter, the temperature is considerably cooler, with temperatures ranging between 14 and 20 degrees. The spring and autumn months are more pleasant with temperatures averaging between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.
If you are travelling to Manama as a United Arab Emirates national, you will not need a visa, but you will need to have your National ID Card.
It’s best to check with your respective embassy whether you need a visa before visiting Manama.
To reach Manama, you can fly in to Bahrain International Airport. The airport is directly connected to major international destinations, such as New York, Mumbai, London, and Singapore.
If you can’t fly into Bahrain International Airport, the King Fahd International Apirport is 53mks from Manama.
Once you have landed, there are a number of taxi services available to take you into the city. Taxis can be expensive, so if you are looking for a cheaper option, the Saudi-Bharani Transport company run 8 buses daily into central Manama. Alternatively, if you have an international driving permit, you can hire a car and drive yourself into, and around, the city.
Adliya is the central neighbourhood in Manama. It is where you will find the best restaurants and bars, so if you are looking for nightlife, it is the best place to start.
Alternatively, Seef District, is located near the water front of Manama. There are an array of excelled restaurants to be found in the area, as well as Seef Mall and other shopping complexes.
Amwaj Island sits in the Persian Gulf. It is a man-made island that comes complete with a water park and several shopping malls. It is the perfect neighbourhood for those on a family holiday.
The local currency in Manama is Bahraini Dinars (BD). You can find BD in the form of 1,5,10, and 20 Dinar notes, or 5,10, 25, and 50 fils.
Credit cards are widely used in Manama, however the local souq will only accept cash, so it is advised to buy Dinars beforehand.
There are an abundance of incredible things to see and do in Manama, one of which is to visit the Manama Souk. It is a famous flea market, and the best place to buy gold, clothes, jewellery, and souvenirs.
To get a better understanding of Bahrain and it’s culture, head to the heritage centre and explore its collection of traditional clothes and photographs.
For the animal lovers, Bahrain’s Royal Camel Farm is a must-see. At the farm you will see, feed, and pet thousands of camels.
If you are a thrill-seeker, visit Coral Bay. There, you can try a variety of water sports, from jet skiing to water skiing. Alternatively, you can take a relaxing boat trip across the Bay to soak in the sun and sea.
You can find a smorgasbord of delicacies in Manama, including kaboo, hot bread, and bharat, a mixture of local spices that is heavily used in many Manama dishes. The local fish include halibut, chimaera, mackerel, and bream. For those who are vegetarian, you can enjoy balls of falafel, hummus, and baba ghanoush.
The best place to shop in Manama is the Bab Al Bahrain souk district. You can find hundreds of stalls here, selling everything you would ever want. From flowers to spices, carpets to fruits, there is a vast array of souvenirs that can be found within the souk.
If you are looking for gold, head to the Gold Souk. Here you will find jewellery, diamonds, watches, and, of course, gold. You can even trade in your old gold items for new ones.
Moda Mall is where you will find all the best designer shops. Located on the ground floor of the World Trade Centre, you will find 160 international designer stores, including Armani, Versace, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Dior. Once you’ve finished shopping, you can relax and refuel at one of the many restaurants located within the mall.
Manama has a very vibrant nightlife. Whether you are looking to relax in a bar after a long day of sight-seeing, or are eager to party the night away at a club, you will find both within the city.
There are several bars within Manama, the most popular of which offer outdoor seating. For the best bars, head to Block 338 in Adlliya. If you are looking for a quite drink, be warned that a lot of bars will turn up their music for more of a party vibe after 11pm.
If a party vibe is what you are looking for, Manama has plenty of nightclubs to be enjoyed. Whether you want to listen to Western music, such as dance, pop, and hip hop, or Arabic music, there is something for all demographics.
Manama is a city that should be enjoyed to its fullest, which is why, whilst you are exploring, we will take care of your laundry.
To book your Laundryheap service, head to the Laundryheap website or download the free Laundryheap app.
Bahrain is a sovereign state in the Persian Gulf. Here are 10 fun facts about the country.
Bahrain is the third smallest country in Asia, and the smallest sovereign state in the Middle East. The only two Asian countries that are smaller are Singapore and the Maldives.
As of October 2020, the population of Bahrain was 1,701,575. Most of the population live in Manama and Al Muharraq, the two main cities of Bahrain.
The Bahraini dinar is the official currency of Bahrain. It was introduced in 1965 to replace the Gulf rupee. It is the worlds second most valuable currency after the Kuwait dinar.
The Bahrain World Trade Center was the world’s first skyscraper to integrate wind turbines in its design. Standing 240 meters tall, it is a twin-tower complex that can be found in Manama. The towers are connected by three sky bridges, each holding 225 kW wind turbines. They are estimated to provide 11-15% of the tower’s total power consumption.
In 2004 Bahrain staged the Middle East’s first Formula 1 Grand Prix. The first race took place at the Bahrain International Circuit on 4th April 2004. The event was such a success that it was given the award for “Best Organised Grand Prix” by the FIA.
Per-capita, Bahrain is the biggest consumer of electricity in Asia and the third largest in the world. The only two countries that use more electricity are Iceland and Norway.
Al-Fateh Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world. Built in 1987, it takes up 6,500 square meters and can hold over 7,000 worshippers at one time. In 2006, Al-Fateh Mosque became the site of the National Library of Bahrain.
The Tree of Life is a single mesquite tree that was planted in the southern desert around 1583. Despite there being a severe lack of rain in Bahrain, and no obvious water source close to the tree, it continues to flourish. It has become somewhat of a tourist attraction and is visited by approximately 65,000 people per year.
Chicken Machboos is Bahrain’s national dish. Consisting of tender chicken and rice flavoured with a blend of spices and dried loomi (dried and brined limes).
The Al Khalifa family began ruling over Bahrain in 1782. Interestingly, the family are still in power today. As of 2010 roughly half of the cabinet ministers of Bahrain are members of the Al Khalifa family, as is the country’s prime minister.
If you are living or travelling in Bahrain make sure to use Laundryheap. We will pick up, dry clean, and re-deliver your clothes to you. To book your Laundryheap service head to the Laundryheap website or download the free Laundryheap app.
