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

Discover Bahrain's oil heritage at Dar al-Naft Oil Museum, showcasing the kingdom's transformation into a modern, oil-rich nation.

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Explore Bahrain's rich petroleum history at the Dar al-Naft Oil Museum, a monument to the country's transformation from a small pearling community to a modern, oil-producing nation. Located near the first oil well, the museum showcases the profound impact of oil on Bahraini life.

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.
  • Check the museum's opening hours before visiting, as they can be subject to change.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Bahrain International Circuit for a taste of modern Bahrain.
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Getting There

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From central Manama, a taxi or ride-sharing service (Careem or Uber) is the most convenient way to reach Dar al-Naft Oil Museum. The journey typically takes around 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Direct the driver to Jebel Dukhan, near Awali. A one-way trip will likely cost between 5 BHD and 8 BHD.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the museum by public transport from Manama, locate the nearest bus stop with service towards Sitra or Awali. Bus routes may vary, so it's best to confirm with locals or check the bus schedule. Once on the bus, inform the driver that you wish to get off at the closest stop to Dar al-Naft Oil Museum. From the bus stop near Awali, take a taxi to the museum. The bus fare is approximately 0.5 BHD , and the taxi from Awali to the museum will cost around 2-3 BHD.

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Discover more about Dar al-Naft Oil Museum

The Dar al-Naft Oil Museum, also known as the Oil Museum, stands as a tribute to Bahrain's oil history. Opened in 1992, it commemorates the 60th anniversary of the discovery of oil in Bahrain. The museum is located adjacent to the first oil well, Discovery Well #1, at the foot of Jebel Dukhan. The museum's exhibits vividly depict the story of oil exploration, discovery, and development in Bahrain, showcasing its impact on the lives of Bahrainis. Visitors can journey through time, witnessing the evolution from a fishing community dependent on pearling to a cosmopolitan financial hub. 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. The surrounding landscape, dotted with oil pumps and pipelines, provides a stark visual representation of the oil industry's presence in Bahrain. 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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