The booming city of Manama perches on a small peninsula in the north-eastern corner of Bahrain. High oil prices and a burgeoning expat population have triggered significant growth in recent years, with condominiums and shopping complexes mushrooming across the city. The city was designated the capital of Arab culture for 2012 by the Arab League for good reason. Manama’s cityscape is a tantalizing tapestry woven from ancient relics and lively traditional markets interlaced with contemporary skyscrapers. The city’s relatively small population is highly international; one-third of its residents are foreigners. Manama’s relaxed laws on alcohol and relatively liberal attitude (women won the right to vote in 2002) have made it a popular weekend destination among Saudis, both male and female. Unlike in Saudi, women can freely roam - and even drive through the city without a male chaperone. The city’s many restaurants, bars, clubs and beaches are a huge draw for Saudis and expats alike.