Even if you’ve spent only a few weeks in the Kingdom, it’s unlikely that you haven’t heard of glitzy Juffair. It is home to one of Bahrain’s biggest cultural highlights, Al Fateh Grand Mosque, as well as the base of the American Naval Support Activity on the island. Once a dusty little village in suburban Manama, today Juffair has something for everyone, and has become a haven for residents and tourists alike.
Schools
Given that Juffair is a residential hub, it offers a good choice of educational institutions. Modern Knowledge Schools and Bahrain School (the oldest one in the area), both teach the American curriculum. A fairly new entrant on the block is the New Generation International School, which offers the British curriculum.
Hospitals
One of the island’s most reputed and state-of-the-art medical facilities, the Bahrain Specialist Hospital is located in Juffair. The sprawling facility provides top-notch healthcare across a range of medical services for adults and children. Its management, doctors, nursing staff and infrastructure are solely dedicated to your wellbeing.
Malls
Juffair Mall cannot be missed with its neon signboards boasting the top brands it houses. Besides its anchor outlet, Lulu Hypermarket, the mall has a good variety of large-scale and individual retailers, cosy cafés, Mukta A2 Cinemas and a children’s play area and food court.
All eyes are on the upcoming Oasis Mall, Juffair, which is nearing completion and is expected to have its grand opening with much pomp in the near future.
Al Raya Mall is nestled amongst some of the popular hotels in Juffair. It provides a tranquil shopping experience and its repertoire includes high-end grocer Alosra, Starbucks, Bluefield Burger, Purple Swirl (for frozen yogurt), Round Table Pizza and Kojo for Japanese cuisine. It also houses Challenge Chambers, a real-life escape game, which needs players to crack the codes and solve the mystery to get out of their staged captivity.
Al Murjan Centre has been a familiar sight in the district and is a go-to for the community in and around the neighbourhood. Al Jazeera Supermarket on the ground floor is conveniently located and the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf café is one of the favourite haunts of Juffair residents and visitors. There are boutiques and salons located here as well.
Beauty Fixes
There is no dearth of beauty salons for ladies in this bustling locality. Probably the most renowned is Joz Salon & Spa, which provides a range of beauty services for hair, nails and skin. Located in American Alley, it is the trusted place for ladies to come out looking and feeling like a million bucks without burning too large a hole in their pockets.
Gloss Salon and Spa at the Marriott Executive Apartments is another high-end beauty spot. This exquisitely furnished outlet offers luxurious spa and salon treatments. Sherry spa is also popular with many local residents.
Fitness Centres
Juffair Fitness Centre, located on a quiet street, has an outdoor pool, gym facilities and a Jacuzzi. It provides various fitness plans that help to achieve remarkable results. In addition to several workout programmes, the centre offers customised personal training based on the individual needs of each member to help achieve their fitness goals.
Fitness First, located in Juffair Mall, is a household name when it comes to exercise and getting fit. The branch in Juffair has a state-of-the-art gymnasium, modern equipment and highly qualified trainers, as well as group classes for those who enjoy working out with friends.
Hotels
The locality serves as a welcome base for tourists and newbies in Bahrain and is dotted with a host of hotels – ranging from budget to top-notch – to suit all tastes and needs.
Park Regis Lotus Hotel, situated in one of the newer parts of Juffair, is a four-star property that is an appropriate choice for the business and leisure traveller. Its various room configurations are elegantly furnished and provide great amenities. Its on-site restaurants are a popular haunt for in-house as well as walk-in customers.
The 105 rooms at Atiram Premier Hotel are well appointed and offer guests all the comforts of a four-star deluxe establishment. The hotel has a number of dining and recreational outlets that cater to a wide range of preferences. Wembley Sports Bar, Coda Jazz Lounge and Cavallo Club Lounge are favourites amongst the party-going crowds of Bahrain.
The K Hotel is another reputed property that provides guests with contemporary four-star lodging. Its signature restaurant, Kolors, hosts weekend brunches and buffets as well as weekday theme nights that are appreciated by connoisseurs of good food.
The Ramee Group of Hotels has had its presence in Juffair for a long time, with a selection of properties ranging from four-star to apartment suites, including Ramee International Hotel, Ramee Rose Hotel and Ramee California Hotel, amongst others. And the district’s newest addition, the Wyndham Garden is this chain’s largest hotel worldwide.
Restaurants
Bennigan’s is undoubtedly one of Bahrain’s most popular American restaurants. Patrons love its Irish twist, and throng there for special offers and promotions. Besides lunch and dinner, a breakfast, takeaway and extensive drinks menu are available.
Big Texas BBQ, located at the Best Western Olive Hotel, is an authentic American smoke house that takes great pride in its mouthwatering smoked meats. It offers USDA certified Angus beef, Prime T-Bones and Porterhouse steaks, with chicken being imported from Brazil. The outlet boasts great quality steaks at reasonable prices. The portion sizes and authenticity of the dishes are a representation of Southern American comfort food. Guests can enjoy a range of money-saving promotions most days throughout the week.
Cucina Italiana is the Italian eatery that offers a great ambience, besides delicious Mediterranean fare. The food is prepared with fresh vegetables, succulent meat, hand-tossed dough and superior-quality tomato sauces, all served with the trademark Italian gusto.
The famous Lanterns restaurant has one of its branches located next to Al-Najma Club in Juffair. This charming little venue offers the taste of ‘Moghul & Ming’, which offers a variety of contemporary Indian dishes along with Chinese favourites for patrons to take their pick.
American Alley is undoubtedly the hub of eating-out in Juffair. This one-way street has a plethora of choices – from fast food to casual and upscale dining – a foodie’s paradise. Talabat, Bahrain’s premier food ordering and delivery platform, makes it possible for you to enjoy the classic and innovative culinary creations of these diners from the comfort of your home or office. All it takes is a few clicks to order in from one of the many restaurants on the brand’s website or mobile app. Bon appétit!
So, whether you reside in the area or want a vibrant new place to explore, don’t forget to check out some of these venues for a taste of Juffair.