A captivating gateway

MUHARRAQ is the gateway to Bahrain. While the city continuously evolves with the addition of modern developments including the international airport, a new mall and museums, it also preserves its rich history and traditional roots and offers a captivating blend of culture and innovation.

The third largest city in Bahrain, Muharraq served as the capital of Bahrain and was replaced by Manama in 1923. Located on Muharraq Island, the city dates back to the time of the Phoenicians and is a great civilisation of antiquity.

With its major airport, even the skies have opened up to allow travellers and tourists to see the most fascinating parts of this city. Bahrain International Airport (BIA) and national carrier Gulf Air have played a big role in its growth in a present day context. The airport is currently undergoing a major plan for modernisation, which is set to be completed in 2019.

In a discussion with Oxford Business Group (OGB), Gulf Air chief executive officer Maher Saman Al Musallam mentioned that the BIA has logistical factors that make it attractive for travellers.

“Bahrain is strategically located at an approximately eight-hour flight distance from the majority of the world, allowing it to be one of the primary hubs linking the East and West,” he said.

Delegates at the Routes Middle East and Africa 2015 conference explained some of the airport upgrades that are expected to reinforce the aviation sector’s role in the economy.

The expansion plans to cater to 14 million passengers, which is double the current capacity. Other enhancements include a new 206,000sq/m state-of-the-art terminal that will double the amount of check-in gates and loading bridges and nearly triple the spread of shopping, dining and entertainment outlets.

CEO of Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah, said: “We thrive on our tailored services and operational efficiency as we offer airlines fast turnaround and competitive pricing structures. Every airport is faced with its own challenges and Bahrain International Airport is no exception.”

“The opportunities available at the airport far outweigh the challenges, and Gulf Air’s restructuring and strategic expansion has resulted in increased frequencies, reopening of routes and the launch of new destinations.”

New traffic development strategies for the kingdom’s tourism and business sectors include attracting new entrants, tapping into un-served markets, increasing frequencies to under-served markets and retaining existing clients and growing business.

There are plans to increase flight frequencies to Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka, as well as a plan to increase both passenger and cargo carrier routes overall. New routes are also in the works for the coming year.

“Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, Indonesia and China are our prime targets for 2015. These countries are currently not being served by BIA and they present very attractive opportunities for growth. We are looking to provide point-to-point service to these markets,” said Mr Al Binfalah.

Behind every great airport is a great airport hotel. Muharraq’s award-winning Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain is right next door to supply luxury, comfort and a lot of fun for its guests.

Mövenpick was recently chosen as the top Airport Hotel in the Middle East at the Skytrax World Airport Awards in Paris, outperforming neighbouring countries Dubai and Qatar. With its festive Thursday Night Out to kick off the weekend and award-winning Friday brunch event to satiate the morning after appetites, it attracts visitors from all parts of the kingdom, including locals, ambassadors and royalty.

Mövenpick general manager Daniel Kaan, 34, said: “We are extremely proud of the award. It’s an award you can’t influence. You don’t submit anything and you don’t pay anything. This award is completely standalone. We didn’t even know we were in it. Normal people, like you and me travelling are asked to take a brief survey. Skytrax takes a sample of 1.5 million people and we ended up not only first in the Middle East, but we also ranked in the top ten for the best airport hotels in the world.

“We are an airport hotel, but people do reward us for that and recognise that we are unique and do things differently. We’re fun and it sticks in their minds.”

Just recently, Mövenpick featured illusionist Javier Saba to enchant guests with a touch of magic and brunch, and before that, a Thai Festival took place, where an artist was flown in to teach a Thai umbrella painting class.

One of the most successful events was last year’s American Festival, which brought a taste of the ‘Wild, Wild West’ to the kingdom, which involved a Tex Mex corner, toy guns, classic cars, and of course, a mechanical bull. Mr Kaan and his team also purchased a Harley Davidson to put in the lobby for a raffle, which was taken home by a lucky man from Kuwait.

While guests can enjoy an adventurous stay at the luxury resort, they can also find sensational shopping and cultural sites right in Muharraq.

Situated next to the ancient Arad Fort, Seef Mall Muharraq made its debut this year and is the perfect example of how modern day meets old heritage.

Built in the 15th century, the fort, one of Bahrain’s oldest compact forts offers a look into ancient Bahrain with its small cultural shops, traditional snacks, a museum and a gorgeous view of the waterfront.

Used as a defensive fortress throughout history, Arad Ford was utilised during the Portuguese occupation in the 16th century until Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Khalifa’s reign in the 19th century. It has been renovated with traditional materials including lime, sand, sea stones and palm trunks and is illuminated under the night sky.

Faisal Mudara, 26, from A’ali visited Arad Fort with his friends Neem, Najma and Noora. “This is ancient compared to our generation. It is nice. It’s like being back in a different time, when it was all new,” he said.

While the fort offers a timeless look into ‘Old Bahrain’, Seef Mall Muharraq offers all of the modern day amenities and luxury. The 72,000sq/m mall features 132 stores, a Geant hypermarket, a food court, restaurants, and a Magic Island family entertainment centre and this week opened its doors for a multi-screen cinema which incorporates an IMAX theatre. The shopping destination also features covered parking for more than 450 vehicles.

The mall is big, bright and beautiful. With plenty of space to park and walk around, it is a nice getaway from the inner city and currently offers a peaceful shopping experience.

Ayoob Karimi, 42, who works at Akhbar Al Khaleej, was found relaxing and enjoying some quality time with his children Mahdi, four, and Fatima, three. “The good thing is that we live right across the street and the mall is very close to us. It’s like a neighbourhood mall to us. The place is not crowded and you find everything you want in this mall. It’s a really good mall and it saves us a trip to Manama, where you have to walk through crowds. The government did a good job,” he said.

“There is plenty of parking. It is good and secure and it’s not crowded like at some other places. It is very convenient. The mall is family-friendly and we also find our old friends from Muharraq here,” said Karimi. “There are friends from my own neighbourhood and in Muharraq who I haven’t seen in a long time, but I see them all here and find that this is a good place to meet.”

While the modernisation of Muharraq may provide convenience for locals as well as tourists and travellers, the true beauty of the city is wound beautifully through the old architecture and the cosy cultural vibes of ‘Old Bahrain’.

“Muharraq is a traditional place. We have our old heritage here. I find more expats in Manama and Juffair. With all respect to the people, when I go to Manama, I feel that I’m in a different country. In Muharraq, I feel more of ‘Old Bahrain’,” said Mr Karimi.

In the heart of Muharraq is the Bin Matar House, which was built on reclaimed land in 1905.The house belonged to Salman bin Matar and his family, who left his home in Najd, Arabia, in 1825 to settle in Bahrain. Salman’s son Hussain inherited his father’s timber business and then went into the pearl trade, in which he was very successful. Hussain’s son, Salman bin Husain bin Salman bin Matar, took the business even further and became one of the major pearl merchants in the entire Gulf region during the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Bin Matar House later was used as a clinic for the renowned Dr Banderkar. The Bin Matar family used the top floor as part of a residence until 2002, but eventually was disused. The Sheikh Ebrahim

Centre for Culture and Research rescued the building from demolition.

In 2009, the Bin Matar House went through some major restorations. With the use of traditional materials, the renovation has preserved the old-style ceilings made of wooden beams and palm leaves. Currently, the Bin Matar House serves as a museum that features the history of the pearl industry and also functions as a gallery that hosts contemporary art exhibitions by local artists.

Muharraq’s traditional homes and souq tell vivid stories from another era. The souq is charming and filled with friendly people and the appetising scent of buttered corn with lemon and chilli. There is a wide range of merchandise and colourful sweet shops filled with halwa and other traditional confections that make the mouth salivate when navigating the area.

The lighting surrounding the old buildings is ethereal. Many of the buildings have heavy wooden doors with traditional door knockers. The detailing on the doors is intricate and skilfully crafted. The palm trees are illuminated by the warm glow of the lights. Beautiful artwork traces the way from one house to another on some of the walls.

The architecture and beauty of structures such as the Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research, the Abdullah Al Zayed House for Bahraini Press Heritage, the Bin Faris House for Sut Music, the Ibrahim Al Arrayed House of Poetry as well as many more tell their own fascinating stories and give a glimpse into another time.

With the mix of Old Bahrain’s charm and the latest modern developments, Muharraq has its own magic as it weaves together the old and the new and offers excitement, leisure and a treasure trove of history. The city is a great place for locals to gather when they crave a taste of heritage or want to get away from the busy inner cities, and it also serves as an entryway for travellers and tourists to see the vibrant life in the kingdom.