Pearl Roundabout
Plaza Former central roundabout in Manama, site of 2011 protests
A traffic roundabout in Manama that became the focal point of Bahrain’s 2011 protests; the Pearl Monument that once marked the site was removed in 2011, leaving a politically significant public space.
The Pearl Roundabout was a major traffic junction in central Manama, Bahrain, that was known for the Pearl Monument - a public sculpture featuring stylized dhow sails supporting a central pearl. The roundabout became internationally known in 2011 when it served as the central gathering point for protestors during the Bahraini uprising.
Following the large-scale protests the authorities removed and demolished the monument and cleared the roundabout in March 2011. The site is now an urban junction and has been subject to redevelopment and changes in traffic patterns since that time.
Historically the monument had been used as a civic landmark and meeting place in Manama prior to its removal. The location remains central within Bahrain’s capital in the Capital Governorate.
The former roundabout sits in central Manama on the island of Bahrain and functioned as a key urban interchange; the exact former monument site is in the city’s central district.
- 2011 protests: Became the symbolic focal point of the 2011 Bahraini protests and was dismantled by the government in March 2011; the junction remains a major traffic node in central Manama.
How to Get to Pearl Roundabout #
The Pearl Roundabout site is in central Manama near Government Avenue. It is easily reached by taxi from central hotels; nearby metro/rapid transit projects do not currently serve the exact site. Walking distances are short within the downtown district.
Tips for Visiting Pearl Roundabout #
- The original monument was demolished in 2011; the area now functions as a civic space - check local news for any current memorials or restrictions.
- Combine a visit with a walk along Government Avenue and the surrounding diplomatic district for context on the protests of 2011.
- If researching contemporary history, seek out local reporting and oral histories for the fuller story; plaque text on site is often terse.
Best Time to Visit Pearl Roundabout #
Pleasant and cooler months (Nov-Apr) are the best time to walk the city and see memorials.
Weather & Climate near Pearl Roundabout #
Tropical climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 12°C to 41°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 34°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 40°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 44°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 44°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 38°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 31°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall.
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