Startup tech occupiers in Manama typically cluster in Seef, plan ~130 sqft per seat at mid fit-out ($105–150/sqft), and pay around 100 BHD/sqft ($25 USD) on Class A.

• Preferred submarket: Seef.
• Typical fit-out spec: Mid ($105–150/sqft).
• Plan ~130 sqft per seat for headcount sizing.
• Class A rent context: 100 BHD/sqft ($25 USD).
• Typical lease: 5 years with 6 months rent-free.
• Talent depth in Manama: 76/100.

TL;DR

• Preferred submarket: Seef.
• Typical fit-out spec: Mid ($105–150/sqft).
• Plan ~130 sqft per seat for headcount sizing.
• Class A rent context: 100 BHD/sqft ($25 USD).
• Typical lease: 5 years with 6 months rent-free.
• Talent depth in Manama: 76/100.

Where they cluster

Startup tech occupiers in Manama typically anchor in Seef. Banking branches, retail HQs, professional services, hospitality.

What they pay

Class A rent in Manama runs 100 BHD/sqft ($25 USD) on a 5-year lease with 6 months free. Prime submarkets sit at or modestly above the city index.

Spec and fit-out

Typical startup tech fit-out targets mid specification at $105–150/sqft. Functional Cat-B with branded reception and standard meeting-room mix is standard.

Headcount sizing

Plan around 130 sqft per seat blended (workstation + circulation + amenity). A 100-headcount startups office in Manama typically targets 13,000 sqft of leasable area.

Talent angle

Series B–D scale-ups prioritize flexibility and signature loft stock to attract engineering talent away from incumbents. Strong Islamic banking, fintech, asset management, and reinsurance talent. University of Bahrain, Royal University for Women, and BIBF (Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance) anchor the regional pipeline. Multilingual (Arabic, English) talent supports international tenancy.

Tax and lease context

Headline corporate tax: 0%. Bahraini gross structure (rent inclusive of utilities and basic services). 3-5 year terms standard. Rent-free of 4-8 months on 5-year terms plus BHD 30-60/sqm TI typical.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Where do startup tech occupiers lease office space in Manama?

Most cluster in Seef. Rent runs ~100 BHD/sqft ($25 USD) for trophy and prime stock.

What fit-out spec do startup tech occupiers run in Manama?

Typically mid at $105–150/sqft.

How much office space per seat should a startup tech occupier plan in Manama?

Plan ~130 sqft per seat blended. A 100-person team typically takes 13,000 sqft.

What NAICS codes describe the startup tech vertical?

Representative NAICS 2022 codes: 541511, 541512, 518210.

What is the talent index in Manama?

76/100. Use the city profile for full detail.

Related

• Startup tech — global overview
• Manama — full city profile
• Financial services in Manama
• Asset management in Manama
• Investment banking in Manama
• Legal services in Manama

Editorial provenance

Reviewed by Class A Atlas Editorial Desk — House byline · global editorial team. Last updated 2026-04-15. See our methodology and editorial standards.

Primary sources for this page

• CBRE Marketview reports — CBRE
• JLL Office Insight — JLL
• Cushman & Wakefield Marketbeat — Cushman & Wakefield
• Savills World Research — Savills
• Colliers Global Office Outlook — Colliers

Full sources index · Submit a correction

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