Juffair, Bahrain

Juffair is a nightlife hub, but don't expect a cozy village vibe. This former fishing hamlet has been swallowed up by Manama's sprawl, with condos, hotels, and chain restaurants now occupying the 900 date palms and lucerne fields that once dotted the area. The American naval presence is strong, with the U.S. taking over part of the old British naval installation. While the area boasts Bahrain's largest mosque, the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache for residents. If you're looking for a lively, Western-friendly enclave in the Gulf, Juffair may be worth a look, but don't be surprised by its urban, transient vibe.