Bahrain: Hawa Al Manama Festival Returns, Celebrating Manama’s Heritage and Culture

Bahrain: Hawa Al Manama Festival Returns, Celebrating Manama’s Heritage and Culture-

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa attended the official launch of the second edition of the Hawa Al Manama festival, one of the flagship events of the Celebrate Bahrain season. Running until 15 January 2026, the festival celebrates the rich heritage of Manama Souq and highlights the cultural heartbeat of the Kingdom’s capital.

HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman emphasised that events such as Hawa Al Manama play a vital role in sustaining Bahrain’s tourism sector and enhancing its impact across key development areas. He noted that the festival aligns with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Her Excellency Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism and Chairperson of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), said the festival offers immersive entertainment, diverse retail experiences, and authentic Bahraini hospitality. She added that it supports the national tourism strategy by diversifying offerings, increasing overnight stays, and strengthening Bahrain’s position as a leading family-friendly destination.

Al Sairafi noted that this year’s edition is designed to attract families from the GCC, Asia, and Europe, with tailored campaigns and accessible cultural programmes that allow visitors to explore Bahrain’s unique attractions.

Largest Edition to Date-

Running from 25 December 2025 to 15 January 2026, this year’s festival is the largest to date. It features 200 Bahraini businesses, more than 300 retail outlets, and over 90 curated experiences, brought to life by the efforts of more than 250 young Bahrainis.

Multiple Iconic Locations-

The festival spans several landmark locations across Manama, including Al Khalifa Avenue and the Halwa Museum; the Batelco Building, which hosts museums, a cultural library, an escape room, and a laser adventure; and Al Tawawish Square, featuring handicrafts, henna art, and carnival games.

Other highlights include the Yateem Complex, home to a classic car exhibition and a rooftop fine-dining restaurant; Al Marsah Square with a vintage photography museum; and the Oriental Neighborhood, celebrating the souq’s aromatic heritage through galleries, perfume and spice markets, and Eastern cuisine.

Al Fadhel Square offers modern dining options and sports courts, while Darb Al Manama, a restored heritage building, features a Bahraini café and unique cultural experiences. The Oriental Hotel also joins the festival this year, hosting an upscale Italian restaurant.

For the first time, visitors can enjoy classic 3×3 basketball with a nostalgic twist at Al Fadhel Square. Bahraini basketball legends will compete in matches that revive the sport’s golden era and historic rivalries between clubs such as Muharraq, Manama, Al Ahli, and Al Hala.

Celebrating Cultural Landmarks-

The festival also brings Manama’s cultural landmarks to life. Al Zaina Complex has been revived for retro shopping, showcasing classic stores, exhibitions, vintage restaurants, and fashion inspired by the 1980s and 1990s. Dar Al Andaleeb offers antique collections accompanied by the timeless songs of Abdel Halim Hafez, while Café Al Set serves traditional drinks in a setting enriched by the music of Umm Kulthum and historic art and cinema spaces.

Children can enjoy Um Al Khadhar Wal Leef, an adventure inspired by Bahraini folklore. The Manama Theater, one of the first cinemas in the Arabian Gulf, will screen classic animated films and highlights from cinema’s golden era.

Additional attractions include the Kanoo Museum, which explores Manama’s cultural and commercial heritage, and the Manama Post experience, where visitors can write handwritten letters using vintage stamps.

To ensure visitor convenience, more than 4,000 parking spaces have been allocated, supported by organised traffic management. A number of senior officials also attended the launch, marking the festival’s return as a vibrant celebration of Bahrain’s history, culture, and tourism.