U.S. Embassy Manama
Security Message for U.S. Citizens
September 28, 2017
Ashura is a major religious event commemorating the martyrdom of Hussein Bin Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed. As part of the Ashura religious observations, large processions will take place throughout Bahrain, and specifically in central Manama, major roads will be closed. The overwhelming majority of these religious activities have remained peaceful. As a precautionary measure, we recommend that you maintain a heightened sense of awareness in areas where large crowds may gather during this time period.
Many Bahrainis observe this occasion by participating in prayer sessions and large processions in the downtown souq area. When choosing to partake in, or observe, any of the Ashura activities the U.S. Embassy strongly recommends traveling in groups. U.S. citizens should also be aware and respectful of religious and cultural sensitivities. We urge all U.S. citizens residing in or travelling to the Kingdom of Bahrain to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.
For further information:
See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution,
Worldwide Travel Alert, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Bahrain
Country Specific Information.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages
and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Contact the U.S. Embassy in Manama, located at Bldg 979, Road 3119, Block 331,
Zinj, at (973) 1724-2700. The afterhours emergency number for U.S. citizens is
(973) 1724-2957, and the fax number is (973) 1725-6242.
Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444
from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday
through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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