There are certainly plenty of sights to see in and around the city and, with the coastline so near by, diving and other water-related sports are offered in abundance. Visitors can also experience horse and motor racing close to the capital, both hugely popular leisure pursuits here.

Sightseeing: with its range of old mosques, historical quarters and attractive waterfront, Manama is a visually appealing capital that is small enough to explore mostly on foot. The Al Fateh and Al Saboor mosques are very different structures that should not be missed, so too Bahrain Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Scuba diving: with its PADI five-star dive centre, Manama is the perfect base to begin a diving holiday in Bahrain. The Persian Gulf here is very clear with a huge number of marine species to spot including whale sharks, rays and sea turtles.

Off the southern coast of the main island, little more than an hour by road, rare sea cows can also be viewed in the winter. Snorkelling is possible along some areas of the coast.

Boat trips: as Bahrain is an island, there is no shortage of boats here. Head to the waterfront at the marina or ask at a tour group in Manama for the latest information on going boating. Fishing trips can also be organised in the city.