Yateem Centre was the first to introduce the concept of a fully climate controlled shopping centre when it opened its doors in 1981.

Its location – steps away from the entrance to the Manama Suq – makes it possibly the most conveniently located major shopping mall in Bahrain. It’s the perfect place to kick off a visit to the suqs where you can do some traditional Bahraini shopping in the comfort of an air-conditioned environment.

Critically, especially in the heat of summer, an underground car park is available to all – with two hours of free parking for shoppers (parking, never mind underground parking, is hard to find in the city centre!).

There really is something for everybody in this friendly mall, which is a meeting place for the local community and whose customers include a cross section of residents and tourists.

To match the bazaar-like atmosphere, traders are often willing to bargain and you will find the 75 stores are small and highly individual. They can respond quickly to demands in the local market and introduce new stock to suit current trends, so you may find items here which are only just being introduced elsewhere.

You can purchase your souvenirs of Bahrain as well as finding stores like Saleh for Zary who sells jelabayas (traditional Gulf ladies’ dresses) to Gulf royalty.

There are also European and Far Eastern fashions and accessories boutiques and, unusually, a Watch Centre sells second-hand designer watches. Both the Factory Outlet and the Outlet sell discounted branded items.

In keeping with the intimate nature of this centre, Penny’s (“Food that makes your body smile”), located in the stylish first-floor food court, is popular with shoppers and local business people alike.