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

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

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The Dar al-Naft Oil Museum commemorates Bahrain's oil history and its transformation from a pearling community to a modern, oil-producing nation. Opened in 1992, it marks the 60th anniversary of oil discovery in Bahrain. Located near Jebel Dukhan, it offers a unique glimpse into the origins of Bahrain's oil industry.

A brief summary to Dar al-Naft Oil Museum

Local tips

  • Call ahead to confirm opening hours, as the museum is not always open, especially on weekends.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Tree of Life and Bahrain International Circuit for a well-rounded experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing some walking both inside the museum and around the surrounding oil fields.
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Getting There

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    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 Awali. 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 0.500 BHD.

  • Driving

    From Manama, take the Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway south. Follow signs towards Awali. Continue past Awali, looking for signs for the Oil Museum (Dar al-Naft). The museum is approximately a 40-minute drive from Manama. There is free parking available near the museum entrance.

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Discover more about Dar al-Naft Oil Museum

Dar al-Naft, meaning "House of Oil," is dedicated to Bahrain's oil exploration, discovery, and development, and its impact on Bahrainis' lives. Opened on June 2, 1992, by Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, it celebrates the 60th anniversary of Bahrain's oil discovery. The museum showcases Bahrain's transformation from a pearling community to a modern financial hub. Exhibits include a picture gallery, historic documents, and items from early petroleum expeditions. Visitors can see Bahrain's first oil well, dating back to 1932, and the original Bapco office from 1931. The museum also traces the search for water that led to the discovery of oil. Exhibits display samples of Bahrain's rocks, oil, and minerals, as well as models of drilling equipment. A prized exhibit is one of the largest desert roses ever found, along with 50-million-year-old shark tooth fossils. The surrounding landscape features oil pumps and pipelines, illustrating the oil industry's presence. While the exhibits are informative, some find them a tad dry. It's advisable to call ahead to confirm opening hours.

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