The Diplomatic Area is located 4.9 km from the Grand Swiss-Belhotel Waterfront Seef within the Central Business District of Manama. Constructed on reclaimed land in the 1970s, it is mainly composed of high-rise office blocks and government buildings. The Diplomatic Area houses hundreds of banks, investment firms and Takaful societies that serve the entire Persian Gulf. It is also known for its cafes, restaurants and spas.