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Dar al-Naft Oil Museum: Bahrain's Black Gold Legacy

Explore Bahrain's oil history at Dar al-Naft Oil Museum, from its first oil well to its modern petroleum industry; a monument to Bahrain's transformation.

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The Dar al-Naft Oil Museum stands as a monument to Bahrain's rich petroleum history, marking its transformation from a small pearling community to a modern, oil-producing nation. Opened in 1992, the museum commemorates the 60th anniversary of the discovery of oil in Bahrain. It is located adjacent to the first oil well, Discovery Well #1, at the foot of Jebel Dukhan.

A brief summary to Dar al-Naft Oil Museum

Local tips

  • Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience, as weekends tend to attract more visitors.
  • Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum and appreciate all the exhibits.
  • Call ahead to check opening times, as the museum is seldom visited.
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Getting There

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    From Manama, the most convenient way to reach the Dar al-Naft Oil Museum is by taxi or ride-sharing services like Uber or Careem. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Direct the driver to Jebel Dukhan, near the first oil well. The fare typically ranges from 5 BHD to 8 BHD.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Dar al-Naft Oil Museum using public transportation, start by locating the nearest bus stop. Look for buses that head towards Sitra or Manama. You can ask locals or check the bus schedule for routes that pass near the museum. Once on the bus, inform the driver that you want to get off at the Dar al-Naft Oil Museum stop or the closest stop to it. The bus fare is approximately 0.300 BHD.

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Discover more about Dar al-Naft Oil Museum

Explore Bahrain's oil heritage at the Dar al-Naft Oil Museum, where history and innovation converge to tell the story of the island's transformation into a modern, oil-rich nation. The museum showcases the extensive history of oil exploration in Bahrain and highlights the broader significance of petroleum to the nation's development. Visitors can journey through time, witnessing the evolution from a fishing community dependent on pearling to a cosmopolitan financial hub and promising industrial center. The museum's exhibits vividly depict the story of oil exploration, discovery, and development in Bahrain, showcasing its profound impact on the lives of Bahrainis. The displays include a picture gallery, historic documents, and items used in the first petroleum exploration expeditions. Samples of Bahrain's rocks, oil, and minerals, as well as models of oil well drilling and logging equipment, provide a comprehensive understanding of the industry's technical aspects. One of the museum's highlights is its collection of rocks and Earth's history exhibits. These include geodes, limestone, and dolomite from Bahrain, as well as amethyst and white quartz pieces from around the world. A prized desert rose, one of the largest ever found, is also on display. Fossils from Bahrain and other locations, including a 50-million-year-old shark tooth, offer insights into the geological past. Visitors can also see the first oil well, which began operations in 1932, marking a significant milestone in the region's history. The Bahrain Petroleum Company's (Bapco) original office building, dating back to 1931, stands to the right of the museum, offering a glimpse into the early days of the oil industry.

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