The new Khalifa bin Salman Port cruise port is about 20 km east of Manama city center. According to current information, the port area cannot be left on foot, and predominantly industrial areas are located in front of the port. Therefore, a transfer to the center is required for sports activities. This 5-km loop connects Bahrain Bay with beautiful views of the Manama skyline.
The starting point of the route is near the Bahrain National Museum. To get to the city, you can either use a shuttle service from the harbor or order an Uber. First, you must cross the road towards Bahrain Bay. Caution is advised there, as drivers do not always stop at crosswalks and pedestrian lights are sometimes absent.
The route then leads over a first bridge towards Al Ghouse Park. From there, the route runs parallel to the water along Bahrain Bay. It finally crosses a second bridge with views of the Manama skyline back towards the starting point. Especially in the evening, the skyscrapers and their reflections in the water create an impressive atmosphere.
The route is generally runnable, even though parts of it run along larger roads. The athletic focus here is less on perfect running conditions and more on the beautiful views of the Manama skyline and Bahrain Bay. For an easy run or walk during a cruise stop in Bahrain, the loop is an interesting option.
If you want to experience Bahrain as uncomplicated as possible during a cruise stop, you can take a tour specifically designed for cruise guests. The tour starts directly at the harbor and combines several sights of the country.
Alternatively, a food tour through Manama is a good option. This way, you can first get to know the local cuisine and then complete the skyline loop as a relaxing post-meal run or walk. The route starts near the food tour meeting point.
The route starts near the Bahrain National Museum. Therefore, a transfer by shuttle service or a taxi/Uber is required first.
You can either follow the route directly via the map on this page or import the GPX file into a navigation app like Komoot. We recommend navigation via the GPX file, as it is significantly more precise and gives you clear guidance via GPS while running. After you have saved the GPX file in your app, you can usually use the map offline. We recommend testing the navigation in airplane mode without active Wi-Fi beforehand to ensure it works even without an internet connection.
Tip: For safety, it is still useful to have internet on the go. If your mobile provider does not offer data roaming in Bahrain or only at high costs, a global data plan that works in many countries is suitable for cruises – for example, from eSIM.sm (advertisement).
The route is generally considered safe. However, caution is advised when crossing larger roads, as pedestrian lights are not available everywhere, and drivers do not always stop at crosswalks.
Since a transfer is required, you should allow sufficient time for the return journey. For emergencies, it is advisable to save the ship's phone number in advance. In addition, ride-sharing apps should be installed and ready to use. Uber works reliably in Manama.
Public restrooms and drinking water fountains are not known along the route. We, therefore, recommend taking enough water with you. Beverages can also be purchased in the city.
The route runs predominantly on paved paths and sidewalks along larger roads. Normal running shoes are sufficient. Due to the heat, we recommend bringing sun protection (ad), enough water, and a cell phone or watch for navigation. A payment method is also useful, although in Bahrain, payment can usually be made by card or smartphone.