Tourist Attractions in Bahrain

BAHRAIN FORT AND MUSEUM
Known as Dilmun in ancient times, Bahrain’s rich trading history is reflected in numerous archaeological sites, the most fascinating of which is the Bahrain Fort site that is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort is located atop a 17.5 hectare artificial hill that has been built over more than 4000 years of continuous occupation. It is the site of the former capital of Dilmun and one of the most archaeological sites in the Arabian Gulf. The excavations over the past 50 years have revealed residential, public, commercial and military structures that testify to the importance of the site over the centuries. These findings are brought to life by an audio guide available at the site museum.

Open to the public since 2008, the site museum display area consists of 5 exhibition halls organized around a massive Tell Wall. With 500 artefacts showcased, the long settlement history of the site is evoked to the unique backdrop of the wall, which recreates the different archaeological layers uncovered at the site. The seaside café of the museum offers a stunning view over the fort and the surrounding palm groves.

SHEIKH SALMAN BIN AHMED AL FATEH FORT
Sheikh Salman bin Ahmed Al-Fateh Fort, commonly known as Riffa Fort due to its location in Riffa, is an historic landmark and stands witness to one of the most important junctures in Bahrain’s history. Within its beautiful architecture lives the memory of the ruling family of Bahrain, the Al Khalifas.

A series of programs organized by the Ministry of Culture have brought life back to the fort and not only present a chronological history of the Al Khalifa family but showcase the interior space designed by the French firm, La Meduse and the local engineering firm, PAD, which took its inspiration from the fort’s history and people.

BAHRAIN NATIONAL MUSEUM
The Bahrain National Museum is the crowning achievement of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to preserve the nation’s heritage and history; Efforts which began in 1957 when the first exhibition of the artefacts discovered by the Danish archaeological expedition was held at Al-Hidaya Al-Khalifiya in Muharraq.

The museum was inaugurated in 1988 by the late Emir Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa in a grand ceremony attended by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and then Crown Prince His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Built on a central location between Manama and Muharraq, Bahrain National Museum houses 9 main halls, and classifies the accumulated heritage of the Kingdom of Bahrain into 6 different sections. Visitors to the museum will be taken on a 4,000 year journey through time as they pass through its halls, from the traditional handicrafts hall, to the customs and traditions hall, burial mounds hall, ancient documents and manuscripts hall, Tylos hall, and Islamic period hall.

The museum seeks not only to enhance understand and knowledge of Bahrain’s history amongst locals only, but also play a role as an institutions which promotes global culture within the community, as evidenced by the numerous international culture and art exhibitions it has hosted over the years.

ENTERTAINMENTS
ADHARI PARK
Adhari Park is a brand new visitor attraction in Bahrain adjacent to the existing Adhari National Park. Spread across 165,000 square meters, it provides a complete leisure experience for the whole family, aiming to become the number one family attraction in the GCC, with 38 exciting outdoor and indoor rides for people of all ages, a Family Entertainment Centre, 10 food outlets at the Food Court, Dine in restaurant,Coffee Shops and a lot more.

AL AREEN WILDLIFE PARK & RESERVE
Extinction is not a thing of the past. Habitat loss, competition for food, pollution and mammal predation are all still playing a big role in the animal kingdom all around the world.

The Kingdom of Bahrain was perhaps the first Arab country to realize the rapid decline of many native wild animal populations in the region and the urgent need to implement safety measures that could ensure their survival. The establishment of Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve was as a response by the Kingdom of Bahrain to the conservation of wildlife in the Middle East. It was hoped that the establishment of such a reserve, would promote similar projects in other countries in the region.

AZIZIA BIRD KINGDOM
You have several options to enjoy bird watching. Take 20 minutes boat ride to Hawar Islands sanctuary of wildlife reserve and home of numerous bird species either native or migratory birds. Or take a ride to Al Areen Wiidlife Park & Reserve next to Bahrain International Circuit or to Azizia bird kingdom at Amwaj islands

BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT
Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) is an ultramodern motorsport facility that is located in the heart of the Sakhir desert. Designed by the renowned German engineer Hermann Tilke, the circuit incorporates many features of local culture.

Costing approximately $150 million, the entire facility took less than 18 months to build – quite a feat considering the massive undertaking that was needed to develop the land.

BIC features five FIA certified track layouts, more than anywhere else in the world . This allows the circuit to host a range of motor racing events. The 5.412-kilometre Grand Prix Track regularly hosts international races, including the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, the FIA World Endurance Championship Six Hours of Bahrain, races in the GP2 Series and the Porsche Mobil 1 Super cup.

DAR ISLANDS
Central to life in Bahrain for centuries, pearl diving has to be the quintessentialBahraini experience. The beach resort of Al Dar Island offers regular pearl dives and cruises to Jarada Island where you might find yourself sunbathing on the spit of white sand and bobbing in its clear waters all on your own. In addition to pearls, you can also get the chance to see up to 30 types of coral and more than 200 species of fish. Dolphin watching along the many surrounding coral reefs is another popular pastime and they are best spotted at sunrise or sunset.

A day excursion to the pearl reefs is a lot of fun. Take a dhow trip for an even more authentic experience. You can order Arabic food and pearl divers will regale you with their tales of the high-seas.

For the wildlife enthusiast, a 45-minute ferry ride from Al Dur Jetty to HawarIsland is a must. The Hawar Islands are renowned as a wildlife preserve of international significance and offer a pristine beach and a chance to spot dolphins and rare birds thanks to their position in the middle of their migratory path.

GRAVITY
You can’t resist the incredible feeling of a free fall in one of the tallest wind tunnels in the world; with an overall height of 12 meters, constructed with tempered glass.

Jump in just like you would from an aircraft, but without a parachute, and even without boarding an airplane in the first place! Everyone can enjoy this body flight experience, except for those reluctant to go on a life-changing adventure.

We can guarantee you the thrill of an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

KARTING-BIKC
Bahrain International Circuit’s all-new state-of-the-art karting facility built to standards of the Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK), helps unearth young local talent; and its on-site technicians provide vital racing expertise.

bSet as Bahrain’s biggest waterpark, The Lost Paradise of Dilmun currently covers an overall area of approximately 77,000 square metres, with a built-up area of 45,000 square meters and about 20,000 square meters. Each aspect of the park is based on the history of the Dilmun period, reflected by unique stone sculptures and architecture that encompasses the theme. Over 18 slides and attractions are blended seamlessly to create a desert oasis and garden of paradise for guests to enjoy

ROYAL GOLF CLUB
Playing golf is one way of relaxing and exercising. Golf enthusiasts will find the golf courses in Bahrain spectacular. Bahrain is practically a desert and you will have a unique experience of hitting a hole over sandy ground than green grass. Tourist are welcome to any of the Golf Clubs and get a unique experience of night golf best to do during summer. For long stay visitors who want to learn more Golf Academy is available at Royal Golf Club.

WAHOOO !
Slide in and splash out at the Middle East’s first ever indoor-outdoor waterpark with an area of 15,000 square-metres. It’s the ultimate water fest with a whole new world of thrilling rides and attractions including Master Blaster, Sidewinder, Matt Racer, a Multi Level Rain Fortress, Wave pool, Toddler pool and Lazy River. Regardless of age, everyone in the family is ensured of an action packed day riding the waves on the exciting Flowrider, which is the world’s first full size surfing machine at an indoor waterpark.

MOSQUES
AL FATEH GRAND MOSQUE
The Al-Fateh Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world, encompassing 6,500 square meters and having the capacity to accommodate …

BAIT AL QURAN
Housed in a spectacular Arabic script engraved building, this distinguished museum showcases a significant collection of Quranic manuscripts and scriptures dating back to the 7th century. Many copies of the Quran you will see are works of art in themselves. Some miniature copies can fit in the palm of the hand and Quranic verses have even been inscribed on a grain of rice. In addition to its important historical collection, Bait al Quran exhibition space often hosts varied art exhibitions while housing a small mosque, distinguished library and learning environment for Islamic teaching.

SHOPPING
AL AALI SHOPPING COMPLEX
Located in the business district of Seef, the Al Aali Shopping Complex, with its plush environs, sophisticated atmosphere and abundance of luxury labels, This elegant space provides some unique labels present in the country. Established as a high-end shopping destination; the 52 000 square meter complex lives up to its commitment to glamour, fashion and timeless luxury. Opened in 1996, its unique architecture design gracefully combines contemporary architecture and traditional Arabic elements and styles while the new extension showcases the more contemporary aspect of the Complex integrating the modern with the traditional. The central atrium features a magnificent glazed canopy, filtering light into the shopping space, giving an open air experience which extends into the contemporary Saraya wing home to home furnishing stores, gifts, pearls and a spa as well as the traditional souk styled wing, Tawaweesh which is home to traditional perfume shops, souvenirs, eateries, sweets, jewelry and clothing.

AL DANA MALL
Dana Mall is an early shopping mall in the Seef District of Manama, the capital city of Bahrain. The complex includes the Dana Cinema, with 12 screens. The cinema has stadium seating and is considered the best in Bahrain.

BAHRAIN DRAGON CITY MALL
A first of its kind development in Bahrain, Dragon City will offer unique wholesale and retail opportunities to local consumers, trade customers and tourists.

Spread over a total land area of 115,000 sq m with a built up area of 56,000 sq m, the retail development encompasses Dragon Mall and a themed “Dining Village.” The Mall design is influenced with Chinese architectural and cultural aspects incorporating over 360 commercial units for both retail and wholesale trade, and additionally a 4,500 sq m area designated for warehouses and a car park large enough to accommodate 1,500 cars.

Diyar Al Muharraq chairman Abdulhakeem Alkhayyat said: “It is a great honour for us to be holding the official opening of Dragon City under the Patronage of HRH the Prime Minister whose presence is indeed a true reflection of his great concern and support to projects that will further enhance the Bahraini economy.”

BAHRAIN MALL
The Bahrain Mall – the ultimate family shopping experience in the heart of Bahrain’s retail district. With over 120 international brands, Bahrain’s first hypermarket, and exciting events all year round, The Bahrain Mall is the shopping hub for families and visitors from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar.

The ethnic fortress like red brick façade captures the legendary culture of Bahrain. Catch the excitement of world class shopping recreated in a traditional ambience. Desert palms, water features, flaming torches and tent structures of the Centre Court evoke the Arabian heritage.

BLOCK 338
Located in the heart of Adliya, Block 338 is a charming pedestrian quartercrammed with international restaurants, art galleries and small boutiques.As Bahrain’s hot dining district, Block 338 offers a wide range of restaurantsappealing to all ages and tastes, be it for a fancy meal, traditional Bahrainidish or just a soothing drink. In addition to this distinguished eatingexperience, Block 338 boasts a number of good retail opportunities tuckedinto its side streets and has grown over the years into a vibrant space for thearts. It is here that Al Riwaq Gallery exhibits the works of emerging artistsfrom Bahrain and the region intercepted by exhibitions by internationalartists. Its cool little café is a also a popular attraction. Other nearby places of interest:Al Bareh Gallery can be found in the opposite corner of Adliya.

A notable private arts centre, it hosts exhibitions by leading regional artists. A diverseprogramme of exhibitions runs throughout the year in the airy art gallerywhile an adjoining space is devoted to a not-for-profit initiative, ABCAD.Devoted to experimentation, ABCAD breaks art out of its human confinesthrough workshops, design-focused film nights and an outdoor graffiti wall. There is also a café with outdoor and indoor seating.

CITY CENTER BAHRAIN
City Centre Bahrain is the largest shopping, leisure and entertainment destination in Bahrain, attracting more than 13.5 million visitors annually. Spread across more than 158,000sqm of retail space, City Centre Bahrain offers an international mix of more than 340 exclusive brands including 60 dining outlets, with major stores such as the Kingdom’s largest Carrefour hypermarket, Saks Fifth Avenue, Debenhams, Centrepoint, Pottery Barn and Home Centre. The mall’s integrated family leisure offer includes Wahooo! Waterpark, the Middle East’s first and largest indoor-outdoor waterpark, a 20-screen Cineco Cinema, and a Magic Planet. The mall is also adjoined by two premium hotels, the 5-star Westin Hotel City Centre Bahrain and Le Meridien Hotel City Centre Bahrain.