Al-Qudaibiya Palace, Royal residence in Manama, Bahrain

Al-Qudaibiya Palace is the royal residence in Manama and features a soft pink exterior with a pearl-colored onion-shaped dome. The structure sits within manicured gardens and landscaped grounds that frame it prominently near Al Fatih Highway.

In February 1942, after the death of his father, Salman Al Khalifa's accession was proclaimed from the palace steps by his uncle, Shaikh Mohammad bin Isa. For decades the palace has hosted major political and economic conferences and plays a leading role in Bahrain's foreign affairs. The King's cabinet meets there every Sunday, and the Prime Minister keeps an office in the building.

The palace's name comes from the Gudaibiya district where it stands. On 14 February 2011, protesters gathered in front of the palace carrying Bahraini flags and calling for the fall of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the departure of the Prime Minister. The King's cabinet meets there every Sunday, and the Prime Minister has an office in the building.

The palace is an active government building and typically closed to tourists, so the best views come from outside the perimeter. The grounds are accessible from Al Bani Otbah Avenue, allowing you to photograph the exterior and gardens from public vantage points.

On 14 February 2011, protesters gathered in front of the palace carrying Bahraini flags and calling for the fall of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the departure of the Prime Minister. It is one of the few occasions the palace forecourt has been the scene of public demonstration rather than state ceremony.