The Tree of Life: Bahrain's Desert Enigma
Witness the miracle of Bahrain's Tree of Life: a 400-year-old enigma standing strong in the heart of the Arabian Desert, a symbol of resilience.
In the heart of the Arabian Desert, near Jebel Dukhan, Bahrain's highest point, stands the Tree of Life, a remarkable testament to nature's tenacity. This lone *Prosopis cineraria* tree, also known as a Ghaf tree, has flourished for over 400 years, its vibrant green leaves a stark contrast to the surrounding barren landscape. Planted around 1583, the tree is approximately 9.75 meters (32 feet) high. What makes the Tree of Life so captivating is its mysterious survival. With no apparent source of fresh water nearby and minimal rainfall, the tree's existence has baffled scientists and sparked numerous legends. Some believe its roots delve deep enough (reportedly up to 50 meters) to tap into underground water sources, while others suggest it extracts moisture from sand grains. Some locals believe the tree’s durability is the result of supernatural forces, with claims that it is the sole vestige of the biblical Garden of Eden or that it is blessed and protected by the Sumerian god of water, Enki. Today, the Tree of Life is a national symbol of resilience and a major tourist attraction. Visitors come to marvel at its improbable survival, take photos in its shade, and ponder the mysteries surrounding its existence. The site includes a circular perimeter wall, a shaded alcove with information plaques, and a visitor center offering shade and facts about the tree. Archaeological remnants of an ancient village have also been discovered near the tree.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the desert heat, especially during summer months.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no food or beverage vendors on-site.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on sand and dirt.
- Be aware that there is no street lighting, so driving away in the dark can be tricky.
A brief summary to Tree of Life
- Dirt Road to Tree of Life, Jebel Dukhan, BH
- Monday 6 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
- Thursday 6 am-10 pm
- Friday 6 am-10 pm
- Saturday 6 am-10 pm
- Sunday 6 am-10 pm
Getting There
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Driving
From Manama, take the Zallaq Highway south. Follow the signs for the Tree of Life, which will lead you onto the Al-Muaskar Highway. At the intersection with a Tree of Life sign, turn right. Continue following the signs along a dirt road until you reach the tree. Be careful not to drive into soft sand; park on the vehicle path. The drive takes approximately 35-40 minutes from Manama. Parking is available near the site.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Careem) are readily available in Manama. Request a ride to the Tree of Life. The journey takes approximately 35-40 minutes from Manama. A taxi from Manama to the Tree of Life costs approximately $30-$45. Note: Taxi fares can vary depending on traffic and time of day.
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Public Transport
While there is no direct public transportation to the Tree of Life, you can take a bus from Manama to Isa Town terminal. From Isa Town terminal, take a taxi to the Tree of Life. The bus ride from Manama to Isa Town terminal takes approximately 54 minutes. A taxi from Isa Town to the Tree of Life will cost approximately 8-12 BHD. A bus ticket to Isa Town costs approximately 0.5 BHD.
