Excursion Desert delights tour at Al Manamah

Discover the splendid beauty of the Bahrain Desert and origins of the Kingdom's oil industry during this private, half-day, sightseeing excursion.

Khalifa Bin Salman, Riffa Fort

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the Sheikh Salman bin Ahmed Al-Fatih Fort, commonly known as the 'Riffa Fort' due to its location in Riffa, an historic landmark that stands witness to one of the most important junctures in Bahrain's history. Built by Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmed Al-Fatih in 1812, the fort sits on a high vantage-point overlooking the surrounding desert. Within its beautiful architecture lives the memory of the ruling family of Bahrain, the Al Khalifas. A series of programs organized by the Ministry of Culture have brought life back to the fort. The programs present a chronological history of the Al Khalifa family, and showcase the interior space designed by the French firm, La Meduse, and the local engineering firm, PAD, which took its inspiration from the fort's history and people.

First Oil Well, Stable

Next, re-board your coach and continue to deeper into the desert for a visit to the First Oil Well. As its name suggests, it is the first oil well in the Arabian side of the Persian Gulf, and located in Bahrain. Situated below Jebel Dukhan, this well was operated by Bahrain Petroleum Company, and oil first spurted from it on 16 October 1931. Near the well, which has been reconstructed to its original appearance, is a stable. Bahrain was the first place on the Arabian side of the Persian Gulf where oil was discovered, and it coincided with the collapse of the world pearl market. Leaving the First Oil Well, walk over to the adjacent Oil Museum.

Oil Museum, Old Drilling Equipment, Rock Samples, Tree of Life

Founded in 1992, the Oil Museum houses old drilling equipment, samples of rocks found underground, topographical maps and some information about the companies that had participated in the exploration for oil. Leaving the Oil Museum, head to the Tree of Life in Bahrain. This approximately 400 year-old, 32-foot-high (about 9.75-metre-high) prosopis cineraria tree is located approximately 1.24 miles (about two kilometres) from Jebel Dukhan, and stands on top of an approximately 25-foot-high (about 7.6 metre-high) sandy tell that formed around a 500-year-old fortress. Trees and shrubs of Prosopis genus are extremely well adapted to arid environments, and possess one of the deepest known root systems. Following your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 50-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Khalifa Bin Salman, Riffa Fort, First Oil Well, Stable, Oil Museum, Old Drilling Equipment, Rock Samples, Tree of Life

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 219 yards (about 200 metres), at times over uneven and sandy surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 10-15 steps at the Riffa Fort. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a change of clothing from the ship. Guests must be at least four years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Photography/videography with a personal camera or cell phone is permitted; however, guests must receive permission to conduct professional camera photo shoots in all areas of Bahrain. The tour sequence may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions.