Arad Fort

For important cultural and historical context, visit Arad Fort on a Muharraq Island tour, on which it's usually featured. These tours reveal the classic and contemporary sides of Bahrain. You'll visit Muharraq Souk, famous for its sweet treats; Shaikh Isa Bin Ali House, renowned for its Gulf Islamic architecture; and the modern Shaikh Ebrahim Center, which boasts a large Islamic arch, Arabic calligraphy, and mashrabiya a type of traditional window.

• With three archeological layers to explore, Arad Fort is a must for history, military, and architecture buffs.

• There’s a café near the fort where you can sip a coffee overlooking the sea.

• There’s little shade at the fort, so bring a sunhat, sunscreen, and plenty of water if you’re visiting in daylight.

Arad Fort is in the small town of Arad on Muharraq Island in Bahrain. It’s a short drive from Bahrain International Airport, which is 2 miles (3.5 kilometers) away. Bus No. 10 services the fort and drops you off at the Avenue 29 stop, a 5-minute walk from the fort.

The fort is open from lunchtime to early afternoon, from Sunday through Thursday. It’s closed on Friday. On Saturday, it offers extended opening hours from morning until late afternoon. Because of its remote location, Arad Fort is rarely crowded.

Arad Fort isn’t the only Bahrain attraction that harbors a rich history. Inside the Bahrain National Museum, you’ll find Dilmun Burial Mounds and the Hall of Dilmun, which features relics dating back to 400 BC. Al Khamis Mosque is the oldest Muslim monument in the country, and its foundations are said to date back to the seventh century.