A Local’s Guide to Bahrain

Since graduating from Central Saint Martins ten years ago, Ammar Basheir has become one of Bahrain’s most prominent designers. His career has seen him working extensively with Sheikha Mai, president of the Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, as well as completing projects for Middle Eastern royals and the likes of George and Amal Clooney. While Ammar splits his time between London and Bahrain, it’s his home country that still has his heart.

This interview is part of The World Made Local, a global collaboration between the seven international editions of Condé Nast Traveler in which 100 people in 100 countries tell us why their home turf should be your next destination.

Describe the arts-and-design scene in Bahrain. What’s exciting right now?

Bahrain has a rich cultural heritage and always embraced art and design. The art scene is vibrant, with a vast array of artists that follow different traditions, from modernist to avant-garde. On the design front, there is a distinctive handicraft industry, from wooden shipbuilding (dhows) to pottery to embroidery that laid the foundation for more innovative approaches. As Bahrain is an island and has been a center for trade, the influences are palpable across art and culture in the past and definitely now. What is exciting is that both the art and design scenes have really evolved, and there are more platforms now to broaden their accessibility.

Talk to us about Bahrain in your own words.

There is something very real, magical, mysterious, and spiritual about Bahrain. Part of it derives from its history—it was both the Garden of Eden and an ancient necropolis. But the bulk of it comes from its people. Ask people from a neighboring country, a tourist, or an expat who lives here, and they’ll have the same sentiment about Bahrainis. As a people, we pride ourselves on embracing different cultures, and one can always feel welcome and connected. Throughout Bahrain, there is a very chill vibe across the country that puts you at ease and makes you comfortable.

If a friend was visiting and had just 24 hours there, what would you tell them to do?

If I have a friend visiting from out of town, I take them to Green Bar, a healthy café that uses seasonal Bahraini ingredients, and they also produce and sell locally made beauty products. Haji's Cafe for lunch in the old souk of Manama to get a taste of the local Bahraini dishes. My Cafe for lunch or dinner, as I love catching up with friends on the terrace. As for places to go for culture and context, the Bahrain National Museum will give you an overview of the country's rich history. The pearling path, which is Bahrain's second UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must as well, as it tells a unique story of the pearling trade in Bahrain, which is a huge part of our cultural identity.

What to go see?

La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art particularly is a wonderful place to visit. It's a historic house in the heart of the old Manama that has been restored and renovated into a contemporary art gallery, restaurant, and spa. Fatima Alireza, the owner, hired me to design my first art exhibition immediately after graduating, so it holds a very special meaning to me.

What to buy?

Gold or natural pearls are quite distinctive to Bahrain, but roaming the old souks in Manama and Muharraq, you can see the influence of such diverse cultures: textiles, fragrances, and food. I can spend hours there. I usually end up going to the local perfumers and concocting my own fragrance.

Where to stay?

Nuzul Al Salam, a boutique hotel I designed, located in the old streets of Muharraq, it is part of a collaborative effort between Bahrain’s Shaikh Ebrahim Center and the UAE’s Ministry of Culture and Youth. The architecture of the house is very significant to its era, with a central courtyard at the entrance and surrounding bedrooms. Preserving traditional homes has become a vital part of my career, and the interior design process was very personal. The project was well received both regionally and globally, which I’m very proud of.

Follow Ammar Basheir on Instagram @ammarbasheir