Pearl RoundaboutAbout Pearl Roundabout
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.
Nearby Attractions to Pearl Roundabout
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 12° - 20° | 16° | 17 mm | some cloud | 68% | 4.4 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.6h |
| February | Excellent | 13° - 22° | 18° | 16 mm | some cloud | 69% | 4.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.1h |
| March | Ideal | 16° - 25° | 21° | 24 mm | some cloud | 65% | 4.5 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 20° - 31° | 26° | 7 mm | partly cloudy | 62% | 4.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.7h |
| May | Excellent | 25° - 37° | 34° | 1 mm | some cloud | 57% | 4.6 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 13.3h |
| June | Excellent | 28° - 40° | 40° | 0 mm | clear | 56% | 4.7 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.6h |
| July | Very Good | 29° - 41° | 44° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 58% | 4.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.5h |
| August | Very Good | 29° - 40° | 44° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 61% | 4.0 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.9h |
| September | Excellent | 27° - 38° | 38° | 0 mm | clear | 60% | 3.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 23° - 34° | 31° | 1 mm | clear | 61% | 3.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.4h |
| November | Ideal | 19° - 28° | 24° | 10 mm | mostly sunny | 63% | 4.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.7h |
| December | Ideal | 14° - 23° | 18° | 12 mm | some cloud | 68% | 3.8 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.4h |
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.