Built by the British in 1945, Bab Al Bahrain, the ‘Gateway to Bahrain’ and the entrance to Manama Souq , was originally designed by Sir Charles Belgrave. It was redesigned in 1986 to give it more of an ‘Islamic’ flavour. The small square in front of the bab (gate) was once the terminus of the customs pier – an indication of the extent of land reclamation of the past two decades.
Despite having been moved back from the water’s edge, the gateway is still aptly named, as goods of various description, people of all nationalities, street vendors, shoppers and workers pass under its arches in a constant pageant of activity in this, the heart of Manama.
The building now houses the Tourist Department on the 1st floor; staff may be able to help out with a map, but little else.
