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Arad Fort: A Sentinel of Bahrain's Past

Explore Arad Fort: A historic Bahraini fortress showcasing Islamic architecture, guarding Muharraq Island for centuries.

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Arad Fort, a meticulously restored 15th-century Islamic fortress, stands as a proud sentinel on Muharraq Island, Bahrain. Over the centuries, it has guarded the island against invaders, witnessing the ebb and flow of empires from the Portuguese to the Omanis. Today, it offers visitors a captivating glimpse into Bahrain's rich and layered history.

A brief summary to Arad Fort

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months (November to March) to avoid the intense summer heat.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the fort involves walking and climbing.
  • Visit in the late afternoon to capture beautiful photos as the sun shines through the fort's gate.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Manama, take a local bus towards Muharraq. The bus journey takes approximately 11 minutes, with buses departing every 20 minutes from Palace Avenue. Alight at Al Muharraq, which is a short walk from Arad Fort. The bus fare is approximately 0.2 BHD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Manama and can take you directly to Arad Fort. A taxi ride from Manama to Arad Fort typically takes around 8 minutes and costs between 11-14 BHD.

Unlock the Best of Arad Fort

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Discover more about Arad Fort

Arad Fort, located on Muharraq Island, Bahrain, is a compelling example of Islamic military architecture dating back to the 15th century. Constructed before the Portuguese invasion of 1622, the fort has served as a defensive stronghold, guarding the island from various would-be conquerors. Its strategic location near the Bahrain International Airport and overlooking key sea passages made it a vital point of defense. The fort's architecture is characterized by its square layout and cylindrical corner towers, features typical of Islamic forts of the era. Built from coral stone and limestone, the fort's sturdy walls and watchtowers provided excellent vantage points for monitoring enemy movements. A trench surrounds the fort, historically filled with water from wells to deter invaders. Throughout its history, Arad Fort has been occupied by various powers, including the Portuguese in the 16th century and the Omanis in the 19th century. Each left their mark on the structure and its strategic importance. The fort was restored between 1984 and 1987, with careful attention paid to maintaining its historical authenticity using traditional materials. Today, Arad Fort is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and explore Bahrain's rich heritage. The fort is particularly beautiful at sunset, when the setting sun casts a warm glow on its ancient stones.

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