From pampering spa sessions to retail therapy and the best spot for a girly lunch, we present the best bonding experiences to try in Majid Al Futtaim shopping malls.  

Treat your mother to a special day

In-between work, errands and social plans, fitting in family time can sometimes feel like a chore. But why not show the extraordinary woman in your life some love with a special day for just the two of you?

Whether your mother lives close-by or is in town on a visit, plan a day fun-filled day of bonding. 

With hundreds of retail outlets, countless dining options, beauty salons and activities on offer, the shopping malls across the Middle East will act as the perfect spot to host the occasion. 

Scroll down below where we share out favourite activities for the ultimate mother and daughter day out. 

Retail Therapy 

One cannot go to the mall without whizzing round at least a few stores – after all, shopping can be counted as cardio and will certainly up your daily step count. At Mall of the Emirates and City Centres, you will find endless retail havens devoted to everything you could imagine from fashion and beauty to lifestyle and interiors, plus electronics, sportswear and so much more. 

Why not treat your mum to a little something special, be it a handbag she admires or matching bracelets for you both. It will act as a tiny token for her to remember your day together. 

Silver bracelet, Pandora, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain and Mall of Egypt

We love Pandora’s custom bracelets – pick any metal and add as many charms as you wish. You can also gift a new charm to celebrate occasions such as your mum’s birthday or anniversary each year. 


Ladies Who Lunch

All that shopping will leave you both in need of refuelling so enjoy a bite at one of the numerous culinary offerings in the malls. In Mall of the Emirates we can vouch for Common Grounds and Besh Turkish Kitchen, and if you fancy indulging, a tasty Italian feast at 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza. In City Centre Mirdif you must try the super fresh salads at Le Pain Quotidien or Bistro Domino, in City Centre Deira, for mouth-watering French fare.

800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza

Spa Session  

Enjoy a dose of R&R with a pampering treatment at the spa. In Mall of the Emirates, The Nail Spa is a top pick (also located in City Centre Deira) – choose from a broad menu of options including manicures/pedicures, massages and facials. The Spa By Pullman is one of the best spas in Dubai (located inside the Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre), and we recommend trying the Marine Breeze facial, which costs AED450 for 75 minutes of pure bliss. 

In City Centre Mirdif, Nstyle Nail & Beauty Lounge does unbeatable manicures and pedicures, while the newly opened Clarins is your one-stop-shop for all the latest in skincare and makeup treats.

The best spa treatments

Bahrain’s has a fascinating civilisation and heritage that’s almost nine thousand years old. As the site of the ancient Dilmun civilisation, it has been famous since antiquity for its pearl fisheries, forts, temples, and a treasure trove of Arab and Islamic artifacts.

However, there is a lot more to Bahrain than a long history. The country also offers plenty of exciting activities and attractions for the whole family. So take the time to explore some of the places on our shortlist.


Magic Planet

Star Wars Day at Magic Planet

One of the best indoor entertainment centres in the region, Magic Planet has a fantastic range of fun rides, games, and attractions. They also have the latest video games for your child’s enjoyment as well as arcade games, online games, skill games and prize games. What’s more, there are exciting contests and activities at Magic Planet throughout the year. 

Location: Level 2, City Centre Bahrain, Road 4650, Sheikh Khalifa Highway, Manama
Phone: +973 1717 3013
Opening Hours:
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Saturday - Wednesday)
10:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Thursday - Friday)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magicplanetmena
Twitter: https://twitter.com/magicplanetmena
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicplanetmena
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Magicplanetdxb

Wahooo! Waterpark

Wahooo! Waterpark at City Centre Bahrain

Enjoy hours of fun at the first indoor-outdoor waterpark in the Middle East. This water theme park spreads over fifteen thousand square meters and has exciting rides, slides, and attractions for children of all ages. The waterpark is 30% indoors and 70% outdoors, and all of its pools are temperature-controlled as well. That’s why it's a great place to visit throughout the year. 

Location: Level 2, City Centre Bahrain, Road 4650, Sheikh Khalifa Highway, Manama
Phone: +973 1717 3000
Opening Hours:
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Saturday - Tuesday)
11:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Wednesday)
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Wednesday, ladies night)
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Thursday - Friday)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WahoooWaterpark
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wahooowaterpark
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wahooowaterpark
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/wahooowaterpark


Pearl Diving Sea Trips 

Once prized for its exquisite beauty, Bahraini pearls were considered the best in the world for several millennia till cheaper cultured pearls made their appearance. Bahrain was the capital of the pearl diving industry, and today visitors can get a taste of it with the Pearl diving sea trips.  Trips are available for both beginners and accomplished divers, and if you happen to find a pearl, you get to keep it as a souvenir. 


Yalla! Bowling Lanes and Lounge

Bowling lanes at Yalla! Bowling at City Centre Bahrain

Bowling is a great family sport because people of all ages can practise it in any weather. Located at City Centre Bahrain, Yalla! Bowling Lanes and Lounge offer a state-of-the-art bowling experience. With 12 hi-tech 10-pin bowling lanes, a variety of pool tables and the latest video games, it is the perfect spot for some family fun and exercise.

Location: Level 2, City Centre Bahrain, Road 4650, Sheikh Khalifa Highway, Manama
Phone: +973 17173017
Opening Hours:
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Sunday - Wednesday)
10:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Thursday - Saturday)
Website: https://www.theplaymania.com/yallabowling


Bahrain Yacht Club

Bahrain Yacht Club

Located in Sitra since 1977, the Bahrain Yacht Club and Marina welcomes anyone with a passion for sailing and water sports. The Club is built around a lagoon with a beach and has a swimming pool and lounge area as well. Membership is open to all, with family and individual memberships available on request. The Club also offers training programs and facilities for every type of player from amateurs to pros. 

Location: Sitra, Bahrain
Phone: +973 17700677
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM - 10:30 PM (open 7 days a week)
Website: https://www.conwyyachtclub.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BahrainYachtClub

Dig deeper and go beyond the cultural legacy of Bahrain. You’ll discover that this beautiful country has something for everyone. 

Make the mall your winter wonderland with these fun-filled activities  

Festive family fun at the malls in the Middle East

Each year the shopping malls in Dubai and further across the Middle East transform into a winter wonderland filled with Santa’s Grottos, festive decorations and elaborate towering trees decked with baubles and candy. Whether you’re heading on a day out with little ones or want to get into the festive spirit, the malls in December are certainly a sight to see.

From zipping down the snowy slops at Ski Dubai to the heart-warming family Christmas movie to watch at the cinema, here we present the best experiences to ring in the festive season at the mall.

Fun In The Snow

Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates

Feel the spirit of the holiday with a trip to Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates.
One of the top attractions in Dubai for the whole family, Ski Dubai is a true winter wonderland (in the heart of the desert) with 22,500 square meters of snow-covered terrain and 5 slopes of varying difficulty for skiers and snow boarders. The Dubai snow park also offers ski and snowboard lessons for all levels, from discovery to competition level.  

Whether you want to simply slide around in the -4 degrees snow, play with the Ski Dubai penguins or try your hand at one of the many entertainment options, which include bobsledding, tubing, tobogganing, climbing walls, zorbing, snow bumpers and much more, Ski Dubai has it all.

Ski Dubai is located on the ground floor of Mall of the Emirates.

The Christmas Movie

The best film to watch at the cinema in December

Round up the troops and treat your family to a movie night at the mall. With numerous locations within the City Centres across the Middle East, including the largest cinema in the region at Mall of the Emirates, VOX Cinemas is one of the top places to visit in Dubai.

November 30th will see the release of Daddy’s Home 2 - a family comedy starring Mel Gibson, Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell. The story follows a father and stepfather who band together to make Christmas time perfect for their children. Their newfound friendship is soon tested when intrusive family members arrive to shake things up. Fans of the first film will be pleased to see lots more laugh-out-loud moments as the family dynamics gone awry.

Be sure to call ahead to check out screen times in your nearest VOX Cinema at either Mall of the Emirates of City Centre locations.

Book your tickets to November’s biggest film releases!

The top films to watch at Vox cinemas

Get ready for a month of mega entertainment at VOX Cinemas this month as some of Hollywood’s most long-awaited films finally hit the big screen.

VOX Cinemas has numerous locations within the City Centres across the Middle East, including the largest cinema in the region at Mall of the Emirates. One of the best places to visit in Dubai, it also has the UAE’s first IMAX laser screen plus a VOX 4DX auditorium and The ThEATre by Rhodes – a luxurious experience with plush reclining seats, first class service and gourmet cuisine created by famous chef Gary Rhodes. Each dish will be cooked fresh and delivered straight to your seat to enjoy while you watch.

Scroll down below to see our pick of the top three must-watch movies over the coming weeks:

Suburbicon

Suburbicon stars Matt Damon and Julianne Moore

Welcome to Suburbicon - a peaceful, seemingly idyllic neighbourhood with beautiful homes and impossibly neat lawns. But all is not what it appears to be, as the Lodge family soon discover the dark secrets masking the town’s perfect facade. Set in the 1950s, the black comedy was directed by George Clooney and stars award-winning actors including Matt Damon, Julianne Moore and Oscar Isaac.

Release date: 2nd November

Murder On The Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express starring Johnny Depp

From best-selling author, Agatha Christie comes the remake of this classic tale. After a gruesome murder, a group of strangers stranded on the train must figure out who the killer is before it’s too late. With lead roles played by Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Daisy Ridley, this crime/mystery film will give moviegoers a thrilling and suspense ride.

Release date: 9th November

Justice League

Justice League is set to be a superhero film of epic proportions

With an all-star cast featuring your favourite superheroes (including Ben Affleck as Batman, Gal Gadot in her Wonder Woman role and Aquaman played by Jason Momoa), this hotly anticipated blockbuster will no doubt reign at the box office. Comic book and action fans will be on the edge of their seats as Bruce Wayne and his newfound ally, Diana Prince, recruit a team of heroes to join forces in fighting a powerful enemy. 

Release date: 16th November

Grab your popcorn and book your tickets - Vox cinema’s latest movies are going to be a sell-out…

After a long, hot summer – the blockbusters are back! And while some of the films may look familiar (with a sequel and a remake sharing top billing) we can promise a whole new slice of the action.

Blade Runner 2049

Picking up thirty years after the first film, a new blade runner LAPD officer K (Ryan Gosling) uncovers a deep secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into utter chaos. Driven by his desire to save humanity, the naïve rookie begins a quest to track down former LAPD blade runner (Harrison Ford in fighting form) the man who he believes can help him save society. The only problem – he’s been missing for thirty years.

Release date: 5th October

Mother!

One of the most controversial films of the season, Mother! unites Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence with Bond baddie Javier Bardem in a tense psychological thriller about the unravelling of a couple’s relationship. On one level the story is simple – a woman renovating her home while her partner writes a book finds their tranquil existence threatened by the arrival of uninvited visitors. But as their relationship unravels into a harrowing tale of twisted devotion and sacrifice, critics have chosen to interpret the film as a commentary on anything from relationships to climate change. You will either love it or hate it, but you should definitely see it.

Release date: 19th October

Thor: Ragnarok

Chris Hemsworth is back in swashbuckling form but this time around, he’s lost his hammer (and his hair). Following the events of the previous film, Thor finds himself imprisoned on the other side of the universe. Escaping proves to the be the least of his problems though – once he’s free, the mighty mountain of muscle has to engage in a gladiatorial contest against his former ally and fellow Avenger - The Incredible Hulk - in order to take on arch villain Hela and save his homeworld from destruction.

Release date: 2nd November

You will not want to miss these hotly anticipated films on in the cinema this month.

There’s a whole host of action-packed new flicks to enjoy at VOX Cinemas.

VOX Cinemas has numerous locations within the City Centres across the Middle East, including the largest cinema in the region at Mall of the Emirates. One of the best places to visit in Dubai, it also boats the UAE’s first IMAX laser screen plus a VOX 4DX auditorium and The ThEATre by Rhodes – a luxurious experience with plush reclining seats, first class service, and gourmet cuisine created by famous chef Gary Rhodes. Each dish will be cooked fresh and delivered straight to your seat to enjoy while you watch.

Scroll down below to see our pick of the top three must-watch movies…

IT

A seriously creepy remake of the classic horror film, Stephen King’s IT tells the terrifying tale of a corrupt clown (played by the talented Bill Skarsgård) as he hunts a group of kids. The movie smashed industry records with the third largest opening weekend of 2017. However, be warned, you’ll need a manicure post movie if you are a nervous nail biter – it is certainly a tense watch.

The Hitman's Bodyguard

With an all-star cast including Salma Hayek, Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L Jackson, and Gary Oldman, this action/comedy follows a top protection agent who must guard his mortal enemy, the world's most notorious hitman. Expect plenty of explosions, fight scenes and even a few laughs along the way.

The Beguiled

The long-awaited new film from director Sofia Coppola (of Marie Antoinette and The Bling Ring fame) has finally hit the big screen. Starring Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, and Elle Fanning, The Beguiled tells a tale of jealousy, betrayal, and revenge as a group of students take in a wounded Union soldier (played by Colin Farrell) during the American Civil War.


Visit VOX Cinemas at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Ajman, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Beirut, City Centre Al Shindagha, and Mall of Egypt.

Looking for things to do in Bahrain? This country has a rich past and heritage that’s still alive today. But history...may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Luckily, like a pearl in an oyster, Bahrain also holds a wealth of modern attractions. Some of these are at City Centre Bahrain, one of the premier shopping malls in Bahrain.  If you’re in the country and looking for a fun, relaxing time, you should add the following activities to your bucket list.

Take off to Magic Planet
Lose yourself in one of the best entertainment centers in the region. Magic Planet is packed with activities for kids and grown-up kids - including a children's play area where they can crawl, jump, swing and slide, the latest electronic video games, skill games, prize games, and activities and contests throughout the year.

Dive into Wahooo! Waterpark
Come on over to the first indoor-outdoor water park in the Middle East. With an area of 15,000 square meters, it's the perfect water-fest with attractions and rides of various thrill levels, including Lazy River (slow and easy), Wave Pool (medium thrills), Master Blaster (for the nerves of steel), and Flow Rider (for the pros).

Score a victory at Yalla! Bowling Lanes and Lounge
Fun fact: the Americans did not invent bowling; it originated five thousand years ago in Egypt. Bowling is also one of a handful of sports in which people of all ages can compete. So head over to Yalla! Bowling Lanes and Lounge for some family fun and exercise.

Join the City Walkers
Torn between shopping and workouts? Do both! City Centre Bahrain's ‘City Walkers' fitness program gives you the opportunity to work out while you window shop. Participants meet three times a week and are carefully supervised by a certified personal trainer. No age restrictions, no sign-ups. It's also an enjoyable way to make new friends.
One of the charms of Bahrain is its relatively low-key appeal. Take the time to dig deeper, and you’ll discover that this beautiful country has something for everyone.

How do you know what’s real and what’s part of the reel life? When it comes to watching cinemas in Bahrain, it’s hard to make out the difference with the real-life viewing experience available for movie goers at Bahrain. Add a bit of drama, lights and action, and you’ll have people flocking to the theaters to catch up on the latest blockbusters at the state-of-the-art cinemas in the region.

So what makes watching movies in Bahrain a unique experience? Watching movies with your family is always a special and exciting experience. The anticipation, the talks during the ride to the movie hall and the popcorn adds to the thrill before sitting down for the movie. Movie goers at Bahrain are sure to find an enhanced cinema experience. There are many options when it comes to picking a theater with plush, push back seats, individual viewing galleries, exclusive comfort that outmatches other cinemas and of course a surround sound experience that simply out of this world.

A Treat for Cinema Goers

Nothing beats a show at the cinema when you want to unwind from the daily grind. Cineco20 Cinemas at City Centre Bahrain is the best place to watch your favourite films. The 20-screen Cineco takes movie-watching to the next level by making it bigger, better, louder, clearer and more comfortable than anything you've experienced before. Cineco20 is equipped with the most perfect surround sound technology and promises to be the ultimate treat to your senses.

VIP Screens

The two VIP screens at Cineco20 will elevate your perception of movie watching to a whole new level. With the plushest and comfiest reclining seats and a hostess to serve you caramel popcorn, Cineco20 takes movie viewing to the ultimate heights of luxury. The VIP screens even have a special lounge for you relax before your show begins.

Book Online

You can easily book your movie tickets online anytime, anywhere and from any mobile device for any show at Cineco20, City Centre Bahrain. You can choose the movie you want to watch, your choice of seats and the show timing when you make your booking online.

Movies for Everyone

Movie buffs in Bahrain need not go anywhere to catch the latest blockbusters. Be it the biggest Hollywood releases of the year or the best animated movies that your kids have been raving about, the Cineco20, the 20-screen multiplex at City Centre brings the best of cinema for your movie watching pleasure.

Kids Days Out

Your little one’s birthday coincides with the release of the latest edition of his favourite Minions? Make it a party at the Cineco20, with a birthday like no other. Your kids and their friends get to watch their tiny heroes and you have the hassle of party planning off your back. With a multi-cuisine food court to cater to all their whims and fancies, your kids and their buddies are bound to have the best birthday party they ever had.

Thriller, Horror or Sci-fi

If hair raising thrillers, sci-fi dramas and horror movies that raise a scream are your kind of movie fun, then you can head to Cineco20 to catch the best of them. From the latest edition of Mission Impossible to the Fantastic Four, you won’t be left behind. You just need to grab your bucket of buttered popcorn or your favourite nachos to munch away as the reels of non-stop; edge of the seat action and drama unfolds on the screen. The state of the art surround sound technology will make the movie larger than life be it sci-fi, horror or thriller.

Movies for the Expat Community

Bahrain is home to expats from all over the world. With the expat population that is close to one-fifth of this tiny island nation’s 1.3 million habitants, leisure activities especially cinema from around the world are screened at all the cinema halls in Manama and the surrounding suburbs. The largest expat community is Indian, especially from the southern states of India. You can catch the latest releases of Bollywood, the most recent Malayalam flicks and the biggest blockbusters of Tamil and Telgu film industry like the epic Bahubali at Cineco20 at the City Centre Bahrain. Cineco also features the latest Arabic movie releases from the Middle East region, like Egyptian and Lebanese movies.

The western expats in Bahrain are not left without choice either, as the latest Hollywood films make it to the film screens at Cineco20 within days of their US release.

Bahraini Cinema

Home-grown Bahraini cinema is still in its nascency. The man from Muharraq, Mohammed Rashed Bu Ali is perhaps the most prolific of the film makers of cinema in Bahrain. His films present traditional Bahraini in a whole different angle with poetic fragments, paradoxes, and elaborate metaphors. His films weave in simple stories and resemble the oral folklore of Bahrain’s yore. Bu Ali’s films have been screened at international film festivals around the world. Bahrain’s Ministry of Culture has given further thrust to home grown Bahraini cinema with the establishment of the new Bahrain Film Fund. You can also catch the latest releases from the Arab world on your weekend movie night out at City Centre Bahrain.

There is no dearth of options when it comes to movie goers in Bahrain. No other place in the world adds a dash of drama even while watching a movie like Bahrain. So head out with your family to the best cinema in Bahrain for an experience like never before.