Muharraq Island

Muharraq Island lies off the northeastern coast of Bahrain and is one of the kingdom’s principal inhabited islands. It is historically important as a center of Bahrain’s pearling industry and retains a compact historic core of merchant houses and souqs.

The island combines traditional architecture, Qur’anic schools and restored merchant residences with modern infrastructure including Bahrain International Airport. Key visitor draws are the historic souq area, restored houses and pearling-related heritage sites concentrated in the old town.

Muharraq developed as a maritime and commercial centre before Bahrain’s oil era and served as an administrative and trading hub. Over the 20th century the island modernized and the arrival of the international airport increased its contemporary importance while many historic buildings have been conserved or restored.

Geographically it sits immediately northeast of Bahrain’s main island and is connected to the rest of the country by causeways and bridges; the island forms part of the Muharraq Governorate and includes the city of Muharraq and adjacent settlements.

• Main transport hub: The island contains Bahrain International Airport, so many international visitors arrive or depart from here rather than the main island's city centre.
• Heritage core: Historic Muharraq retains old merchant houses and souqs; the built heritage and pearling-era sites are concentrated in the island's traditional districts.

What to See #

• Muharraq city: The main urban area and historic centre of the island, with traditional souqs, old pearl merchants' houses and narrow streets that reflect the island's pre-oil economy.
• Bahrain International Airport: Bahrain's principal international airport, located on the island and serving as the country's main air gateway.
• Pearling-related heritage: A clustered historic district and route that documents the pearling industry and includes restored merchant houses and cultural sites that are part of the island's heritage.