A'ali Burial Mounds: Echoes of the Dilmun Civilization

Explore the ancient Dilmun and Tylos civilizations at Bahrain's A'ali Burial Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with thousands of historic tumuli.

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Aali and sar Burial Mounds

The A'ali Burial Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage site, represent one of the largest prehistoric cemeteries globally, offering insights into the ancient Dilmun and Tylos civilizations that thrived in Bahrain from the 3rd millennium BCE to the 3rd century CE. Wander through thousands of domed structures, reflecting evolving burial practices and social hierarchies.

A brief summary to Aali and sar Burial Mounds

5G28+5G2, Sh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway, A'ali, Jary Al Shaikh, BH

Local tips

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven.
Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities on site.
Respect the site by not climbing on the mounds or disturbing the area.

Getting There

Public Transport

From the center of Manama, head to the Manama Bus Station near Bab Al Bahrain. Take a bus to A'ali. Bus routes 15 and 19 stop near A'ali. The bus ride takes approximately 30-45 minutes. Once in A'ali, the Burial Mounds are a short walk from the bus stop. A single bus fare costs approximately $1.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis or ride-hailing services like Careem or Uber are readily available from anywhere in Manama. Input 'Aali Burial Mounds' or the address '5G28+5G2, Sh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway, A'ali' into the app. The taxi ride from Manama to A'ali typically takes around 15 minutes and costs between $16-$20.
Driving

If driving from A'ali or a neighboring town, take Sh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway. The mounds are located directly off the highway and are easily visible. Limited free parking is available near the entrance to the site.

Discover more about Aali and sar Burial Mounds

The A'ali Burial Mounds, located in the central region of Bahrain, are a sprawling necropolis and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This archaeological site provides invaluable insights into the ancient civilizations that once flourished on the island, primarily the Dilmun and Tylos cultures, from the 3rd millennium BCE to the 3rd century CE. The sheer scale of the site is awe-inspiring, with thousands of individual burial mounds stretching across the landscape. Archaeological investigations have revealed that the mounds were constructed over centuries, reflecting evolving burial practices and social hierarchies. The earliest mounds, dating back to the Dilmun period (circa 2050-1700 BCE), are relatively simple in structure, consisting of low, circular platforms of earth and stone. These early burials typically contained the remains of individuals interred with modest grave goods, such as pottery, beads, and copper tools. As the Dilmun civilization prospered, the burial mounds became increasingly elaborate, with some reaching considerable heights and incorporating complex internal chambers. During the Tylos period, which followed the decline of the Dilmun civilization, the burial mounds continued to be used, although with some modifications in burial practices. Tylos-era mounds often feature more intricate designs and the inclusion of imported goods, reflecting the island's growing role as a major trading center in the Persian Gulf. The presence of Greek and Roman artifacts in some of these tombs attests to the extensive trade networks that connected Bahrain with the wider world during this period. The northern part of the A'ali East area contains the Dilmun Royal cemetery, which contains 17 Royal Mounds. The most impressive of which is royal mound 8. At 12m high and 50m across, and housing five separate chambers, it still commands the regal awe it originally inspired. The A'ali Burial Mounds are not only significant for their archaeological value but also for their cultural and historical importance. The mounds serve as a tangible link to Bahrain's ancient past, reminding visitors of the island's long and rich history. The site is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Dilmun and Tylos civilizations, who transformed the landscape into a vast and enduring monument to their dead.

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Jelly beanz

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Riffa Clock Tower

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A'ali Burial Mounds: Echoes of the Dilmun Civilization

A brief summary to Aali and sar Burial Mounds

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Aali and sar Burial Mounds

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Aali and sar Burial Mounds

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Souq Waqif

Seef Mall - Isa Town

Sheikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa Historical Palace

Hamad town hill

Yousef Abdulrahman Engineer Health Center

Saar Ancient Burial Complex Ruins

Traditional Market-1/Isa Town

Hamad town Bahrain

Jelly beanz

Matam Madinat Isa

Dilmun Settlement of Saar

Dilmun Temple

Saar Burial Mounds

Imam Jawad Mosque

Pinasarap Filipino Restaurant

Unmissable attractions to see

Dilmun Burial Mounds - A'ali West Burial Mound Field

A'ali Pottery Workshop-alshugel pottery

Dilmun Burial Mounds: Royal Mound 1

Dilmun Burial Mounds - Royal Mound 7

Dilmun Royal Burial Mound No. 8

Pottery Roundabout دوار الفخار

دوار الفخار

RAMPOLINE PARK / Jump Up

Hamad Town Gate

Roundabout No 1

حديقة وادي السيل

Riffa Clock Tower

Clock Roundabout

استراحة بو جوهر

Roundabout No 5

Essential places to dine

Al Rifaain

AL-ZAEEM AL-IRAQI RESTAURANT

Chicket

Biriyani land restaurant

Jan Burger

Al Mudeef Restaurant

Hassan Abul Grills مشويات حسن ابل

Helaya Romana Restaurant

Lebanese Restaurant

شوكلت ميكر

White House Restaurant

Blue Beach Restaurant & Grills

Souq Waqif Mashawi Restaurant

Matar style restaurant

Lahore restaurant

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

LuLu Hypermarket - Ramli Mall

Ramli Mall

Carrefour Market Wadi Al Sail Mall

bahrain shop discounts

الحلوين

Kids Island Fashion

Hamad Town Markets

PINOY STORE

Golden nooran

Abatique -عباتيك

Mercury Boutique

نوران الذهبي

Nesto Supermarket & Department Store, Souq Waqif

Roopam Hanaf Town Branch

Mishwar boutique

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

VIP lounge

Bahrain Defence Farce Hospital

المجرة