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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, where history and innovation converge to tell the story of the island's transformation.

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The Dar al-Naft Oil Museum commemorates Bahrain's rich petroleum history and its transformation from a small pearling community to a modern, oil-producing nation. Opened in 1992, it marks 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.

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 central 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. Direct the driver to Jebel Dukhan, near Awali. The fare will likely range from 5 BHD to 8 BHD depending on traffic and the specific starting point within Manama.

  • 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 approximately 0.500 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. Parking is available near the museum free of charge.

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Discover more about Dar al-Naft Oil Museum

Dar al-Naft Oil Museum, also known as the Oil Museum, stands as a monument to Bahrain's rich petroleum history and its transformation from a pearling community to a modern, oil-producing nation. Opened on June 2, 1992, by the late Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the museum commemorates the 60th anniversary of the discovery of oil in Bahrain. It is located adjacent to the first oil well, Discovery Well #1, at the foot of Jebel Dukhan, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the origins of Bahrain's oil industry. The museum vividly depicts the story of oil exploration, discovery, and development in Bahrain, showcasing its profound 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 and promising industrial center. One of the highlights is the opportunity to see Bahrain's first oil well, which dates back to 1932. 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. Dar al-Naft, meaning "House of Oil," is dedicated to the theme of oil, its search, discovery, and development in Bahrain, and its impact on the lives of Bahrainis. Samples of Bahrain's rocks, oil, and minerals, as well as models of oil well drilling and well logging equipment, are also on display.

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