Al-Muharraq

Al-Muharraq is a city on Muharraq Island and formerly served as Bahrain's capital. It spreads across flat terrain connected to the mainland by several causeways.

The city was a major center for pearl diving until the 1930s, when that industry declined due to global economic changes. It served as Bahrain's seat of government before the capital relocated.

The old quarter retains its traditional layout with narrow lanes where local merchants continue to trade in regional goods and crafts. Visitors can observe how the space remains organized around the rhythms of daily commerce and social gathering.

The city is easy to reach by car thanks to several road connections to the mainland, and navigation on main streets is straightforward. An international airport is located here, making it simple to arrive by air.

Archaeological remains from the ancient Dilmun civilization lie beneath and around the city's modern streets. The settlement thus holds hidden layers of human history thousands of years old in its soil.

Location: Muharraq Governorate

Elevation above the sea: 7 m

Website: https://mun.gov.bh/newportal/en/muharraq-municipality

GPS coordinates: 26.24659,50.61641

Latest update: December 20, 2025 01:04