Bahrain's shopping malls recorded a massive increase in visitors during the Eid Al Fitr holiday, with some outlets confirming the figures were the highest since the beginning of the year.

They cashed in as locals and tourists from across the Gulf descended on Manama to celebrate the end of Ramadan, according to a report in the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

Officials earlier said several of Bahrain's five-star hotels had full occupancy.

The deluge of visitors was mainly from Saudi Arabia, which declared a 12-day holiday.

Seef Mall management said they recorded one of the highest numbers of visitors over a three-day period this year.

"There was an increase of more than 50 per cent compared to last year's figures," said Seef properties assistant marketing manager Fatima Al Bustani.

Bahrain City Centre also witnessed a large number of visitors during the holidays.

"With Saudi Arabia enjoying extended holidays, we recorded large numbers of Saudis during this time, who enjoyed the range of festivities on offer," said senior mall manager Duaij Al Khalifa.

Up to 18,000 people also went to Bahrain Mall on the first three days of Eid.

Officials said the figures were not a record, but was healthy for a holiday. A total of 230,083 people entered Bahrain during the main three days of Eid Al Fitr. – TradeArabia News Service