Top activities in Bahrain
Top Bahrain landmarks
Top Bahrain landmarks tickets
Top Bahrain categories
Explore Bahrain and beyond
Nearby Bahrain tours
Popular tours in Middle East & Africa
People also visited
Trip Inspiration
Strategically located overlooking a number of sea passages, Arad Fort is one of Bahrain's most important fortified castles, and is a classic example of Islamic fort architecture in the 15th and 16th centuries. It used to guard a separate island of its own, but the fort has since been connected to Muharraq Island.
Arad Fort was used as a defensive fortress throughout various phases of Bahrain’s history, and was the site of many conflicts, including the country’s occupation by the Portuguese in the 16th century. It has undergone various construction phases throughout the years and is now open to the public to visit, as well as playing host to a number of seasonal festivals.
History and military buffs, as well as those interested in architecture, will be particularly enchanted, with three archeological layers of the fort to explore. Among the site, there’s a trench, two wells, a canal, plus lookout towers at each of the fort’s four corners with passages that connect them.
A visit to Arad Fort can be combined with other attractions in the area to make for a fun and informative day out for all ages. A full day tour to discover the highlights of Bahrain might include visiting Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the Bahrain National Museum, Al Areen Wildlife Park, and Bahrain International Circuit.