Ahmed Al Fateh Grand Mosque

Ahmed Al Fateh Grand Mosque

 

King Fahd Causeway

King Fahd Causeway

 

Bahrain National Museum

Bahrain National Museum

 

Bahrain Fort and Museum

Bahrain Fort and Museum

 

Ahmed Al Fateh Mosque, also called as the Grand Mosque, is the first mosque in the region to open to the Tourist. The grand Al Fateh Mosque is both Bahrain’s largest place of worship and among one of the largest mosques in the world. It can accommodate about 7,000 worshipers. With its exquisite Bahraini architecture, crowned by the world’s largest fiberglass dome and blessed with a tranquility reserved for the holiest of holy places, the Grand Mosque truly lives up to its name. Set against the backdrop of palm trees and the sea, the Grand Mosque strikes a beautiful picture.

The Al-Fateh Mosque (also known as Al-Fateh Islamic Center & Al Fateh Grand Mosque) is one of the largest mosques in the world, encompassing 6,500 square meters and having the capacity to accommodate over 7,000 worshippers at a time. The mosque was built by the late Sheikh Isa ibn Salman Al Khalifa in 1987 and was named after Ahmed Al Fateh, the founder of Bahrain. In 2006, Al-Fateh became the site of the National Library of Bahrain.

The mosque is the largest place of worship in Bahrain. It is located next to the King Faisal Highway in Juffair, which is a town located in the capital city of Manama. The huge dome built on top of the Al-Fateh Mosque is constructed entirely of fibre-glass. Weighing over 60 Megagrams (tonne), the dome is currently the world’s largest fibre-glass dome. The marble used in the floors is Italian and the chandelier is from Austria. The doors are made of teak wood from India.Throughout the mosque are calligraphy writings in a very old type of style called Kufic.

The library of Ahmed Al-Fateh Islamic Center has around 7,000 books, some as old as 100 years or more. These include copies of the books of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad or what is referred to as the books of Hadith, the Global Arabic Encyclopedia, the Encyclopedia of Islamic Jurisprudence, Al-Azhar journals which have been printed more than a hundred years ago, as well as numerous periodicals and magazines.

Besides being a place of worship, the mosque is one of the premier tourist attractions in Bahrain. Tours are conducted in a variety of languages including English, French, Filipino, Russian and many other languages, special arrangements are encouraged for smooth sailing. The mosque is closed to visitors and tourists on all Fridays.

The King Fahd Causeway is a series of bridges and causeways connecting mainland Saudi Arabia and the island nation Bahrain. The idea of constructing the causeway by Kind Saud occurred in 1954 and was based on improving the links and bonds between the two countries. Following which surveying of the maritime began in 1968, and construction began in 1981 and continued until 1986, when it was officially opened to the public.

The idea of building a bridge linking the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Eastern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had been enticing the two kingdoms for generations. The idea was born out of King Saud’s wish to nurture and further solidify the bond between the two Kingdoms, during an official visit to the State of Bahrain in 1954.

Fourteen years later the surveying of the maritime began in 1968, and construction began in 1981 until 1986. On 26 November that year, the causeway was officially inaugurated in the presence of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia and His Royal Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Emir of the State of Bahrain, with the latter consenting heartily to naming the bridge King Fahd Causeway.

The causeway was constructed in three segments starting from Saudi Arabia:

1. From Al-Aziziyyah, south of Khobar, to the Border Station on Passport Island
2. From the Border Station to Nasan Island in Bahrain
3. From Nasan island to Al-Jasra, Northern Governorate, on the main island of Bahrain

The Border Station is located on an embankment with a total area of 660,000 square meters, is known as Passport Island or Middle Island. The buildings of King Fahd Causeway Authority and other government Directorates were erected on the Border Station, as well as two mosques, two Coast Guard towers and two 65-metre-high (213 ft) tower restaurants. The border station also has extensive landscaping all around the islands in addition to the services and road stations.

The Border Station was designed as two connected islands, with the west side designated as Saudi Arabian and the east as Bahraini. The Saudi side of the Border Station has outlets of McDonald’s and Kudu while the Bahraini side of the Border Station has a McDonald’s outlet.

One-stop crossing was introduced on the King Fahad Causeway from 6 March 2017. Under the new system, commuters will only have to stop at one post for passport control, car clearance and customs. The measure will ease travel for commuters and is also expected to ease traffic congestion on the highway as the previous system required multiple stops at Saudi and Bahraini check posts. Last year the travellers who used the causeway to cross the border has reached about 24.5 Million.

Tourists are allowed upto the Border station from the Bahrain side and enjoy the breathtaking views of the causeway and the coastlines of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

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.

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.

 

Bahrain Fort

Originally the capital of Dilmun, this is one of the most important ancient civilisations of the region, containing the richest remains inventoried of this period, previously only known from written Sumerian references. The fort consists of a mound created over hundreds of years by different settlers to the area. The mound is 300x600m and forms the base of a 12m high Portuguese Fort. The fort, or qal’a, was used as a military base for Portuguese operations during their occupation of Bahrain in the 1500s. Authentically restored and very well maintained, it is worth visiting for both its impressive stonework and for the wonderful views over the city.

Riffa Fort

Riffa Fort

 

Shopping Mall

Shopping Mall

 

Bahrain International Circuit

Bahrain International Circuit

 

Al Areen Wildlife Park

Al Areen Wildlife Park

 

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 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 Supercup.

The park features 100,000 planted flora and trees, & more than 45 species of animals, 82 species of birds and 25 species of flora.[6] Species that roam the nature reserve section of the park include the Arabian oryx, which is extinct in the wild, South African cheetah, lion, Savannah monitor, African rock python, Persian gazelle, springbok, African wild dog, Spotted hyena, saluki dogs, impala, fallow deer, Chapman’s zebra, Honey badger and desert hares.[8] Arabian species such as the scimitar-horned oryx, addax (which is rare in the wild), dama gazelle, giraffes, Nubian ibex, wild goat, barbary sheep and Asiatic onager are also present

BAIT AL QURAN

BAIT AL QURAN

 

CAMEL FARM

CAMEL FARM

 

ARAD FORT

ARAD FORT

 

BURIAL MOUNDS

BURIAL MOUNDS

 

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.

Providing a unique insight into a treasured element of Bahraini culture, the farm is home to over 500 camels of all ages and sizes. Before the introduction of cars to the country, camels were the primary means of transport for the people of Bahrain, as they are ideal to travel distances in the humid and dry climate. Have your cameras ready to catch some memorable moments with The Ship of the Desert.

A defensive fort in Bahrain reflecting ancient military architecture dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. This fort is illuminated at night and hosts seasonal festivals throughout the year.

Amongst Bahrain’s mysterious ancient remains are the thousands of burial mounds that dominate the landscape north of the Island. Spanning the Dilmun era (3rd to 1st millennium BC) to the Tylos era (200 BC to 300 AD) the burial mounds are unique in terms of sheer number and concentration. The best preserved and most impressive mounds are the royal burial mounds in the village of A’ali.

A’ ALI POTTERY

A’ ALI POTTERY

 

A’Ali village

A’Ali village

 

AL JASRA HANDICRAFTS CENTER

AL JASRA HANDICRAFTS CENTER

 

Bait Shaikh Isa Bin Ali AL Khalifa

Bait Shaikh Isa Bin Ali AL Khalifa

 

A’ali pottery, located deep in the heart of Bahrain and amidst 4,000 year old burial mounds, is Bahrain’s biggest pottery handicraft centre. Visit their workshop and see the potters in action, using the old-fashioned foot operated wheel, and baking the finished pots in kilns built into the nearby burial mounds; a traditional method passed down through generations. They create beautiful pots and handicrafts of virtually every size and style imaginable, from naturally finished to brightly coloured pieces. A’Ali Pottery is great way to learn about one of Bahrain’s most treasured traditions whilst getting some retail therapy too.

Those potty about pottery should head to this area, where you can still observe potters turning their wheels and lovingly crafting impressive pots. This cottage industry is an inherent part of the island and has been passed down through many generations. The clay here is a unique blend of two types, ideal for creating their signature bread ovens, pots for plants, moneyboxes and water pipes. The village is easily identifiable by the expansive smoke given off by the kilns – ovens that are habitually located inside burial mounds. The Delmon Pottery and fine arts centre (17 642 539) is a great place to bring kids, as here they can make their own clay masterpiece to take home with them.

Take a step back in time at Al Jasra Handicrafts Center and experience the traditional arts and crafts which many of the villages in Bahrain have historically produced. Watch as craftsmen demonstrate pottery making, textile weaving, wood working and basket weaving. Al Jasra Handicrafts Center is situated in the village of Al Jasra in a traditional Bahraini house, built in 1907 and restored in 1986 using original building materials such as coral stones and palm leaf trunks.

It was residence of Shaikh Isa Bin Ali Al Khalifa from 1869 to 1932. This house in Muharraq gives glimpse of royal life in the 19th century and is the fine example of Bahraini Architecture.

Oil Museum

Oil Museum

 

Jebel Al Dukhan

Jebel Al Dukhan

 

Siyadi House

Siyadi House

 

Saar Settlement

Saar Settlement

 

At the Oil Museum you’ll get the dinkum oil on, erm, oil. Situated next to the still-producing first oil well in the Middle East, the museum has fascinating exhibits of old photographs, drilling equipment and a working model of an oilrig. It was inaugurated on June 2, 1992 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the discovery of oil in Bahrain; the first country in the Middle East to do so, despite the pessimistic pronouncement of a leading geologist that he would drink every drop of oil produced South of Basra.
Next to ‘Oil Well No.1’ near Jebel Dukhan.

The romantically monikered ‘Mountain of Smoke’ is the highest point in Bahrain. The low lying hills of the Jebel are located at the most southern point of the island, and are a popular destination for overnight camping trips for those who want to make a day of it. Visitors to Jebel Al Dukhan should be warned, however, that once you have seen one sandy hill, you have pretty much seen them all. It may be best to fit this trip in at the same time as visiting Al-Areen Wildlife Park, Al Jazeer Beach or the Tree of Life, as they are all within easy vicinity.

Once belonging to well known 19th century pearl merchant Ahmed bin Jassim Siyadi, this multi-story house is a prime example of localised architecture from that period. Work from the most gifted craftsmen of the time is illustrated through gypsum designs, geometric ornaments, ornate ceilings, stained-glass windows, carved screens and a large safe set into the wall of a small, upper reception room.

Accessible through the main road of Saar, where signboards will guide you in the right direction. Nowadays the only archeological site found with burial grounds adjoining residential dwellings, this is also the most recent discovery of the Dilmun era. Consisting of residential dwellings inhabited by the Dilmunite people 4,000 years ago, the houses are partitioned into living rooms, kitchens and courtyards, with narrow streets leading to the houses. Other discoveries in this site include the Saar Temple and a unique type of tomb labelled ‘interconnected tombs’ that line the highway leading to King Fahad Causeway.

Hawar Island

Hawar Island

 

Block 338

Block 338

 

Old Houses of Muharraq

Old Houses of Muharraq

 

Old Houses of Muharraq

Old Houses of Muharraq

 

For those experienced sailors wanting to venture out to sea, Hawar Island, south east of the mainland, is an eye-catching retreat with its own hotel resort and watersports equipment for hire. For those less nautically inclined, 45-minute boat trips to Hawar Island depart daily from Ad-Dur Jetty. Approaching the islands, the flat appearance of the main island obscures the fact that a line of broken cliffs faces much of the eastern shore and the island’s eastward protruding headlands. These characteristic cliffs are only found on Al Hajiyat, Wakur and Umm Hazwarah. The remaining islands are low and flat, some a little more than sand accumulations barely a metre above the sea.

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.

Muharraq, the former capital of Bahrain, is known for its cultural splend our and traditional Bahraini houses litter the town’s narrow lanes. The Shaikh Isa bin Ali house is Bahrain’s most impressive example of Gulf Islamic architecture featuring four courtyards and beautiful carved wooden doors and perforated gypsum panels. The beautifully restored houses that make up the Shaikh Ebrahim Centre for Culture and Research provide an important insight into aspects of Bahrain’s heritage. From embroidery at Kurar House to pearling history at the Bin Matar House, the former home of a renowned pearl merchant, the houses reflect the Centre’s commitment to the preservation of both traditional architecture and history. The Shaikh Ebrahim lecture hall, Iqra Children’s Library, Heraf al Diyar, Nukhida House (the first house to be restored along the pearling trail), Kurar House, Abdullah al Zayed House, House of Coffee, Bin Matar House, Bu Zaboon House and Mohammed Bin Faris House all showcase different aspects of Bahrain’s rich heritage. Hosting regular art exhibitions and film screenings in the old city is Maison Jamsheer, another example of the traditional courtyard houses and which is situated a stone’s throw away from the Shaikh Ebrahim Centre.

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