Tree of Life Bahrain is an acacia in the southern Sakhir Desert, about 35 km from Manama. The isolated tree, nearby archaeological remains and visitor-centre grounds make it a distinct day trip; plan for a drive from the city and a walk from the visitor area to the tree.
- Location: Southern Sakhir Desert, about 35 km from Manama
- Tree hours: Open daily
- Visitor centre: the Authority for Culture and Antiquities gives daily hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where Bahrain’s Tree of Life stands
The Tree of Life stands in Bahrain’s southern Sakhir Desert, about 35 km from Manama. Bahrain Tourism identifies it as an acacia, known locally as ghaf, and describes it as nearly 10 meters tall and about 440 years old.
Archaeological finds near the tree include artifacts that may date to the Dilmun civilization, along with remains of human settlements believed to be more than 500 years old. The site is also approximately 2 km from Jebel Dukhan, according to the Authority for Culture and Antiquities.
What makes the site a distinct stop
The tree’s age and survival in the desert are central to its significance. The Authority for Culture and Antiquities describes it as surviving for more than 100 years without a water source, while Bahrain Tourism gives its age as nearly 440 years.
A circular fence around the tree forms an educational path with information about symbolic trees in other countries. Beside it, an amphitheater seats up to 500 people and occasionally hosts outdoor art performances. Bahrain Tourism says the site attracts around 50,000 visitors annually.
How do you drive from Manama to the Tree of Life?
The Tree of Life is about 35 km from Manama, but Bahrain Tourism does not name a specific driving route from the city. Use its “Get Directions” option to plan the drive, and confirm the route before setting out.
The tree is about 23.3 km from Royal Phoenicia Hotel. For another outing that stays closer to the city, a one-day Manama itinerary covers a practical route from the hotel area.
Site access, facilities and visiting conditions
The visitor-centre layout keeps cars at a distance from the tree, so you walk from the parking area to the site. The centre includes a gallery or exhibition, display boards and an amphitheater for outdoor performances.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 6:00–22:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Opening details differ between official sources: Bahrain Tourism gives daily hours of 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for the Tree of Life, while the Authority for Culture and Antiquities gives the Tree of Life Visitors Centre’s daily hours as 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Check the official site before you go, especially if you plan to visit the centre.
Planning a return trip
The visitor centre was inaugurated in October 2012, and construction began in March 2013. The combination of the tree, the educational path and the nearby archaeological finds gives you several reasons to pause rather than treat the stop as a quick roadside photo.
If you want to pair the desert drive with a motorsport destination, the Bahrain International Circuit visitor and event guide covers planning a visit there.
FAQs
How old is the Tree of Life in Bahrain?
Bahrain Tourism describes it as about 440 years old. The Authority for Culture and Antiquities says it has survived for more than 100 years without a water source.
Is there a visitor centre at the Tree of Life?
Yes. It has a gallery or exhibition, display boards and an outdoor amphitheater. Cars are kept at a distance, so visitors walk to the tree.
How far is the Tree of Life from Manama?
It stands about 35 km from Manama in the southern Sakhir Desert.