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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: Discover the kingdom's transformation from pearl diving to a modern, oil-rich nation.

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The Dar al-Naft Oil Museum commemorates Bahrain's oil heritage and its impact on the nation's development. Opened in 1992, it marks the 60th anniversary of oil discovery in Bahrain, showcasing the kingdom's transformation from pearling community to a modern hub.

A brief summary to Dar al-Naft Oil Museum

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Call ahead to check opening hours, as the museum is not always open.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Jebel Al Dukhan or the Tree of Life.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's exhibits.
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Getting There

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From central Manama, a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber or Careem is the most convenient way to reach the Dar al-Naft Oil Museum. Direct the driver to Jebel Dukhan, near Awali. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes and costs between 5-8 BHD, depending on traffic.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Dar al-Naft Oil Museum using public transportation, locate the nearest bus stop. Look for buses that head towards Sitra or Awali. 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 typically around 0.200 - 0.300 BHD.

  • Driving

    If driving from Manama, head south on the Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway. Follow signs for Awali. Once near Awali, look for signs directing you towards Jebel Dukhan and the Oil Museum. Note that the road to the museum is unmarked. Free parking is typically available near the museum.

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Discover more about Dar al-Naft Oil Museum

Located at the foot of Jebel Al Dukhan, the Dar al-Naft Oil Museum offers an immersive experience into the search, discovery, and development of oil in Bahrain. The museum vividly portrays the profound impact of oil on the lives of Bahrainis, illustrating the kingdom's evolution from a traditional pearling community to a modern, cosmopolitan financial hub and industrial center. As you approach the museum, the sight of oil fields dotted with pumps and crisscrossed by pipelines offers a glimpse into the heart of Bahrain's oil industry. The museum is housed in an impressive white stone building, complete with neoclassical pillars, creating a striking contrast against the desert landscape. To the left of the museum stands Bahrain's first oil well, opened in 1932, while to the right, the original Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) office building, dating back to 1931, adds to the historical ambiance. Inside the museum, visitors are greeted with a wealth of exhibits that narrate the story of oil in Bahrain. From historical documents and photographs to displays of equipment used in early petroleum exploration expeditions, the museum offers a comprehensive overview of the industry's evolution. Samples of Bahrain's rocks, oil, and minerals, as well as models of oil well drilling and logging equipment, provide further insights into the geological aspects of oil exploration. The museum also highlights the technological advancements that have shaped the oil industry over the decades, as well as the socio-economic changes that accompanied the oil boom.

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