Yateem Centre
Location: Manama One of the features of the building was the palm trees growing up through the canopy. These still exist today and are a reminder of where the Manama waterfront used to be (the story is that, as a young man, the founder used to sleep on his dhow under these trees).
The Centre was an amazing success and the second Phase, which has the visitor car park and 3 floors of shopping topped by more offices, soon followed. This phase featured external fountains as well as the largest escalator installation in the Middle East, further cementing the reputation of the Centre as a landmark.
All of these features can still be found at the Yateem Centre, reflecting the development and evolution of the retail scene in Bahrain. As Andrew Petty, the centre manager, says: “The Yateem Centre reflects the best of Bahraini shopping. The blend of shops offers convenience of shopping under 1 roof, with a quality of product matched by sensitivity for price which can normally only be found after a hard day’s haggling in the Suq. All of this is complemented by the individual owners’ continuing commitment to the old traditions of customer service in the Middle East.”
Significant changes include the opening of the car-park to visitors, with 2 hours free parking for shoppers. This is a major boon, not only for those going to the Yateem Centre, but also for anybody targeting a trip into the Suq (but beware, it can get a bit congested mid-morning!).
The regular visitor over the years will have seen the greatest changes on the first floor. Originally it was built as an ordinary arcade; but for 10 years it was best known both for its sports shops and for the ‘mini-suq’ - an intriguing blend of exotica. Both of those influences still remain, but the eye (and other senses) are now drawn by the new food court which is the home of Penny’s and Bombay Chowpatty.
The Yateem Centre is an interesting mall. Most of us have grown up with it and it is lodged firmly in our hearts. However, with changing times, many of us have drifted away and not visited it in a while. Now is a good time to reacquaint yourself – you just may be surprised.
Opining Hours:
9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (Saturday to Wednesday)
1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. (Break Time)
9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. (Thursday)
Contact Information:
Tel: 17215615
Fax: 17212969
Website: www.yateemcentre.com