Bahrain Bay

(Geographically, Bahrain as an island, sits in the center of the Persian Gulf and is connected by a bridged causeway to neighboring Saudi Arabia).

The master plan was designed by then-SOM architect Michael David Kirchmann, who explored the idea of concentric circles appearing as ripples from the central anchor structure.

Completed in 2012 and sporting several flyovers, Bahrain Bay is linked to the main multi-lane carriageways of the city by the purpose-built North Manama Causeway.

This carriageway has wide exits and entrance ramps along its route which connect to the various areas of Bahrain Bay.

This junction also leads to the east and southbound routes (King Faisal Highway) and the old central Manama ‘souk’.

Also designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the predominantly glass Arcapita Headquarters is a rectangular structure on two low concrete arches.