Manama is Arabic for 'sleepy place', but this name does not do the capital of Bahrain justice.

Manama, with a population of half a million, contains the country's major hotels, nightlife, shopping and primary tourist attractions.

The city is located on the northeastern corner of the island, with the heart of the city called Bab al Bahrain (Gateway to Bahrain).

The suq (market place) is famous, and best known among the different markets is the gold suq.