Manama : His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, today attended the official launch of the second edition of Hawa Al Manama festival, one of the flagship events of the Celebrate Bahrain season.
Running until mid-January 2026, the festival celebrates the rich heritage of the Manama Souq and the cultural heartbeat of the Kingdom’s capital.
His Highness highlighted the vital role of local tourism events in showcasing the diverse cultural and rich historical landscape of the Kingdom of Bahrain, outlining that these events strengthen Bahrain’s attractiveness as a regional and global tourist destination, by providing quality experiences that combine heritage, arts, entertainment and culture.
HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman noted that these events also contribute to supporting the sustainability of Bahrain’s tourism sector and enhances its contribution across key development sectors, in alignment with the far-reaching visions of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman affirmed Bahrain’s commitment to preserving the historical and cultural identity of Bahrain’s buildings and cities, in accordance with the Royal Directives of His Majesty the King and the support of His Royal Highness, through launching an integrated plan to redevelop the historical area of the Manama Souq. These efforts will help to preserve its historical and cultural identity and support measures to strengthen national identity, and showcase its cultural diversity.
His Highness also commented that the Hawa Al Manama festival reflects the cultural diversity and rich historical heritage of Manama, which has witnessed prominent historical and economic moments that shaped the Kingdom’s commercial and social progress , and contributed to consolidating its position as a vital center for exchange and trade over the decades.
HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman underscored the role of effective partnership between the public and private sectors in supporting cultural initiatives and events, which contributes to achieving the Kingdom’s tourism and economic goals.
His Highness commended the outstanding organisational efforts delivered by all concerned parties to ensure the success of the festival in line with its goals.
Her Excellency Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism and Chairperson of the BTEA, said: “Hawa Al Manama is a flagship event of the fourth edition of Celebrate Bahrain. Playing a major role in attracting visitors from across the GCC and further abroad.
The festival features immersive entertainment experiences, retail offerings, and authentic Bahraini hospitality, while supporting the broader tourism strategy to diversify our offerings, increase overnight stays, and further position Bahrain as a leading family-friendly destination.”
HE Al Sairafi added that this year’s edition was specifically designed to welcome families from the GCC, Asia and Europe through tailored campaigns and accessible cultural programs that invite everyone to discover Bahrain’s unique offerings.
Hawa Al Manama returns to the vibrant heart of the capital, transforming Manama Souq and its surrounding areas into a lively celebration of Bahrain’s past. The festival takes visitors through a nostalgic journey in time, recreating the atmosphere of the period between the 1960s and the 1990s, where cherished memories meet a contemporary spirit through social gatherings, live entertainment, and culinary experiences which define those times.
Running from 25 December 2025 to 15 January 2026, the festival delivers an immersive experience inspired by Bahrain’s authentic heritage, presented in a modern setting. The largest edition to date brings together 200 Bahraini businesses, more than 300 retail outlets, and features over 90 curated experiences, all brought to life by more than 250 young Bahrainis.
Building on this expansive offering, the festival brings Manama’s memories to life through a wide range of interactive activities and games, alongside a rich culinary programme that spans traditional Bahraini flavours, street food, and contemporary dining.
The festival spans multiple iconic locations across the capital, from Al Khalifa Avenue and the Halwa Museum to the Batelco Building, which offers a series of experiences such as museums, a cultural library, an escape room, and a laser adventure.
Al Tawawish Square adds a festive touch with handicrafts, henna art and carnival games, while Yateem Complex showcases a classic cars exhibition, a rooftop fine-dining restaurant, Al Marsah Square and a vintage photography museum.
The Oriental Neighborhood celebrates the souq’s aromatic heritage with vibrant galleries, perfume and spice markets, as well as a rich selection of Eastern restaurants.
Event venues also include Al Fadhel Square, which offers a variety of modern cuisine options and sports courts, as well as Darb Al Manama, a restored heritage building featuring a Bahraini café and other distinctive experiences. The celebration is further elevated by the Oriental Hotel, which will host an upscale Italian restaurant.
For the first time, visitors can experience classic 3×3 basketball with a nostalgic twist, as Bahraini basketball legends take to the court at Al Fadhel Square. Set against the backdrop of old Manama’s neighbourhoods, these exclusive matchups bring the game’s golden era back to life, rekindling iconic rivalries between legendary clubs such as Muharraq, Manama, Al Ahli, Al Hala and more.
The festival also showcases some of Manama’s most beloved cultural landmarks. Al Zaina Complex, a major shopping destination during the 1980s, was revived to offer retro shopping, including classic stores, exhibitions, vintage restaurants and cafés, and fashion inspired by the 1980s and 1990s.
Visitors will also have the chance to browse antique treasures at Dar Al Andaleeb while listening to the timeless songs of Abdel Halim Hafez, and enjoy traditional drinks at Café Al Set against the backdrop of the sounds of Umm Kulthum in the Salah Al Din district. These events are all set within spaces rich with memories of classic art, cinema and music.
Children will have a chance to interact with Um Al Khadhar Wal Leef, an exciting adventure experience and a reminiscence of the from Bahraini folklore. And, for the first time, the “Manama Theater” will launch, which is one of the first cinemas in the Arabian Gulf region, with a screening of some of the most important animated films and the golden days of cinema in the last quarter of the last century.
The Kanoo Museum will also take centre stage at the festival, inviting visitors to explore the city’s cultural and business history through the legacy of the Kanoo family, while Bahrain Post offers the Manama Post experience, where visitors can create handwritten letters using vintage stamps.
To ensure a seamless visitor experience, more than 4,000 parking spaces have been allocated near the festival area, supported by dedicated signage and organised traffic management.
A number of senior officials also attended the launch of Hawa Al Manama.
