Shopping In Bahrain: What To Buy And Where

Bahrain, a captivating island nation nestled in the Arabian Gulf, presents a remarkable fusion of rich history, vibrant culture, and modern innovation. The island is renowned for its exquisite treasures, such as lustrous pearls, aromatic spices, succulent dates, and traditional textiles, all of which embody the essence of Bahrain's heritage. Here’s a curated list of must-have items to shop for in Bahrain and where to find them.

Gold

Gold in Bahrain is known for its premium quality, making it a worthwhile investment. You can select from a wide range of both modern and traditional gold jewelry, including stunning contemporary designs.

Where To Buy: For the best shopping experience, visit the souks such as the Gold Souk in Manama. Another excellent option is Gold City Mall, a shopping center specialising in gold where you’ll find international suppliers.

Pearls

Bring home some lustrous pearls! Bahrain has a rich history tied to the pearl trade, thanks to its prime location along historic trade routes. Bahraini pearls are renowned for their natural formation and high quality, making them some of the best in the world. The UNESCO-listed Pearling Path in Bahrain is a cultural trail that showcases landmarks of this historic industry.

Where To Buy: A popular spot for purchasing pearls is the Natural Pearl Palace, located on Government Avenue in Gold City, Manama. Another excellent option is Al Mahmood Pearls, a family-owned brand that has been in operation since 1930. You can find their outlets at Moda Mall in the Bahrain World Trade Center and at Al Aali Mall in the Seef District.

Spices And Dates

Bahraini cuisine is rich in spices, influenced by centuries of trade and the country's location along historic spice routes. You can find high-quality saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon in local spice shops and souks (markets). Be sure to pick up some unique spice blends that make excellent culinary souvenirs. One such example is "bzaar," a distinctive Bahraini curry powder that is a must-try and widely available in the souks.

Dates have also been a staple in Middle Eastern diets for centuries. The palm tree, which produces dates, symbolises resilience in the desert climate. Pick up simple dates or ones stuffed with nuts or dipped in chocolate. You can also find date syrup and paste.

Where To Buy: For the best selection, visit the souks in Bahrain, where you can find a wide variety of spices. Many grocery stores also stock a selection of spices.

Dallah

The countries in the middle east have been coffee drinkers for as long as coffee has been around. Bahrain, an archipelago in the Arabian Gulf, too boasts of a rich set of traditions wherein coffee plays a pivotal role in its social fabric. Read more about it here. If you love coffee, you should consider getting a dallah for your home. A "dallah" is a traditional Arabic coffee pot characterised by its bulbous body, spire-shaped cap, and long spout. It is used to brew and serve traditional spiced, bitter coffee. This practice is deeply rooted in Bahraini hospitality and culture.

Where To Buy: You can find dallah pots at various souks, and retailers including Namshi, Virgin Megastore, and Home Centre.

Pottery

Bahraini pottery is unique and features intricate designs. Pottery has been an important industry in Bahrain since ancient times, as evidenced by the numerous millennia-old examples found at archaeological sites throughout the region. A’ali village is particularly famous for its ancient pottery tradition, which dates back thousands of years to the Dilmun civilisation. Local potters continue to use traditional techniques to shape clay into various forms.

Where To Buy: Check out the pottery shops in A’ali pottery where you will find items such as clay pots, vases, and incense holders, many of which are adorned with motifs inspired by Bahrain’s rich heritage.

Textiles

Weaving is vital to Bahrain's cultural heritage, featuring various textile forms celebrated throughout history. One of the most cherished traditional crafts in Bahrain is "Al-Sadu" weaving, an ancient Bedouin textile art preserved by women in the country's rural communities. This intricate craft involves creating vibrant patterns and designs that are visually appealing and carry cultural significance, representing the nomadic heritage of the Bedouin people.

Where To Buy: Visit Bani Jamrah, a few meters off Budaiya Avenue in the northeast of the country. This area has been a thriving textile village for at least 200 years. The Al Jasra Handicraft Centre is a government-sponsored initiative that brings together many of Bahrain’s finest artisans in one location. Here, you can observe potters at work in a pottery studio, purchase traditional baskets, and watch skilled weavers create their craft.