An island capital shaped by pearls and trade
Manama is the capital of Bahrain, an island kingdom that was a trading centre in the ancient Dilmun civilisation. Qal'at al-Bahrain, a fort on a tell occupied for over four thousand years, is a UNESCO site, as is the Pearling Path in nearby Muharraq, which links the houses and shops of the pearl trade. The Bab al-Bahrain gateway leads into the souk, the Bahrain National Museum covers Dilmun, and the Al Fateh Grand Mosque welcomes visitors.