Fusing age-old traditions with high-octane attractions in Bahrain

I’m here with a mixed group of agents and product managers on a fam trip showcasing Bahrain’s highlights. Following our horseback excursion, we learn that the kingdom’s 30-plus islands are connected by bridges (including one to Saudi Arabia), which makes for easy and enjoyable island hopping.

First on our agenda is Muharraq, where we spend an atmospheric few hours exploring the ancient, sun-baked streets of what was once the Bahraini capital. The discovery of oil in the 1930s saw the inhabitants abandon the old town in favour of new opportunities nearer the oilfields. The Ministry of Culture has since renovated many decaying buildings to breathe new life into this characterful quarter. Several, including merchants’ houses, shops and a mosque have been incorporated into the Bahrain Pearl Trail, a self-guided route that constitutes a pleasant stroll into history.

We pop into Sheikh Isa bin Ali House – a 19th-century fortified home and one of Muharraq’s oldest buildings – to discover traditional architecture executed in mud brick, coral stone and palm. Its wind tower and thick walls were designed for comfortable living in a harsh desert climate long before the advent of air-conditioning. We also visit a modern-day souq to discover halwa (a traditional sweet treat) and exotic agar-wood, whose fragrant oil is a highly prized perfume.

Heading over a causeway, we move on to Bahrain’s contemporary capital, Manama. Its high-rise financial district stands tall on land reclaimed from the sea; but we find authentic charm nearby at Haji’s Cafe, tucked away on a shaded side-street. Here among the bustle, we find a table and mimic the locals by ordering a typical Bahraini brunch. Our table soon heaves with dishes of dahl, omelette, curries and salads, all of which we eagerly mop up with fresh-from-the-oven Arabic bread. It’s tasty, filling and absurdly good value at just £4pp.

Equally charismatic is Block 338 in Manama’s Adliya district, where we venture out for dinner later that night. Like everywhere else in the city, this friendly and upbeat area is essentially crime-free and feels very safe to walk around after dark. Its streets are decorated with colourful graffiti and fairy lights, and its open air bars and restaurants attract a diverse crowd of visitors, expats and locals in traditional robes. Lured by its huge rooftop terrace, we opt for Attic and indulge in an epic feast of Greek meze enhanced by skyline views and a pleasant breeze.