Pearling Pathway Visitor Center & Bu Maher Fort

The Pearling Pathway Visitor Center 1- Bu Maher Fort marks the beginning of the Pearling Path, a UNESCO World Heritage site inscribed in 2012. This historical complex allows visitors to delve into Bahrain's pearling industry, which flourished for centuries and shaped the island's economy and culture.Bu Maher Fort, constructed in 1840, stands as a testament to Bahrain's maritime past. It may have origins tracing back to a 16th-century Portuguese fortification. Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa built the current structure. The fort served as a strategic defense point, guarding the passageway of Muharraq Bay, and acted as a sister fort to the nearby Arad Fort. In 1868, British warships destroyed it during the Qatari-Bahraini War.Today, the fort has been carefully restored, allowing visitors to explore its structure and appreciate the panoramic views. Excavation work in 2010 uncovered the fort's original foundations, enriching our understanding of its historical context. Adjacent to the fort, the Pearling Pathway Visitor Center enhances the experience by providing insights into the pearling industry. The Pearling Path extends through the old city of Muharraq, including historic buildings, traditional houses, and cultural sites that once belonged to pearl merchants, divers, and boat builders.