Arad Fort
Al Muḩarraq
Arad Fort is a historic 15th-century fortification located in Arad, Bahrain, originally built in the style typical of Islamic forts before the Portuguese invasion in 1622. It was strategically positioned to guard the sea passages around Muharraq Island, once standing on a separate island connected later by land reclamation. The fort is square-shaped with cylindrical towers at each corner and features a surrounding trench that was filled with water from specially drilled wells. Its upper walls have distinctive nose-shaped openings designed for marksmen, reflecting its defensive purpose. Over the centuries, Arad Fort played a significant role in regional conflicts, including Portuguese sieges and Omani occupation around 1800. The fort was extensively restored in the 1980s using traditional materials such as coral stone, lime, and palm trunks to preserve its historical authenticity. Today, it is located near Bahrain International Airport and is illuminated at night, serving as a cultural and tourist attraction showcasing Bahrain's maritime and military history.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the fort's architecture and views of the surrounding sea passages. Tickets can be purchased on-site, with possible discounts for groups or students. Booking ahead is recommended during peak tourist seasons. The fort's proximity to Bahrain International Airport makes it easily accessible by car or taxi.
Interesting facts
- •Arad Fort was originally located on a separate island before land reclamation connected it to Muharraq Island.
- •The fort's design includes nose-shaped openings in the upper walls specifically for marksmen.
- •A canon on the fort's South Bastion was aimed at the narrow entrance channel to Muharram Bay, highlighting its strategic defense role.
- •Restoration efforts in the 1980s used only traditional materials to maintain historical authenticity, avoiding modern substances like cement.
- •The fort is depicted in a Portuguese map from around 1635, showing it under siege and with fortified walls.
History
Arad Fort was constructed in the late 15th to early 16th century in the style of Islamic forts prior to the Portuguese invasion of Bahrain in 1622.
It appears on a circa 1635 Portuguese map depicting it under siege and showing its fortified outer and inner walls.
The fort's strategic location enabled it to serve as a defensive stronghold through various periods, including Portuguese occupation in the 16th century and Omani control around 1800.
It remained significant during the 19th century under Shaikh Salman Bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa.
Excavations have revealed the fort's layered construction technique, rooted in mud brick traditions.
A major restoration was undertaken between 1984 and 1987 to preserve its historic fabric using traditional materials.
Place Guide
South Bastion and Canon15th century
The South Bastion features a canon aimed directly at the narrow entrance channel to Muharram Bay, emphasizing the fort's strategic maritime defense.
Cylindrical Corner Towers15th century
Each corner of the square fort is reinforced with cylindrical towers that provided vantage points for surveillance and defense.
Surrounding Water-Filled Trench15th century
A small trench encircles the fort, historically filled with water from drilled wells to enhance defense against attackers.
Contact
Phone: 1729 8777
