Riffa
الرفاع
Bahrain's main southern city, divided by a valley into East and West Riffa, mixing a historic fort with leafy villa districts, schools and universities.
About Riffa
Riffa is the largest city in Bahrain's Southern Governorate. It is divided into East Riffa, the older town, and West Riffa, a newer district, with the Hunainiya valley between them. North Riffa extends towards Isa Town and the Bahrain National Stadium.
Riffa was once the main settlement on Bahrain Island before Manama grew into the capital in the 19th century. Its best-known landmark is the Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort, rebuilt in 1812 on older foundations on a cliff above the valley. Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa was born there.
Today Riffa is a popular family area with villa districts, older neighbourhoods and modern compounds. It has a strong cluster of education, including the American University of Bahrain, the Royal University for Women, the American School of Bahrain and the new St Christopher's senior campus.
The city sits close to Awali, Riffa Views and the Royal Golf Club, with the southern desert, Sakhir and Bahrain International Circuit a short drive away. Malls, hospitals and government services make it a practical base for life in the south.
Highlights
- East, West and North Riffa districts
- Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort
- Universities and international schools
- Close to Riffa Views and the Royal Golf Club
- Bahrain National Stadium in North Riffa
- Villa districts and family housing
Good to know
- The fort has closed at times for renovation; check with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities before visiting.
- School-run traffic is heavy on the main Riffa highways in the morning.
- East and West Riffa have different characters, so view both before choosing where to live.
Getting there
Riffa is reached from Manama via the Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway, Al Muaskar Highway or Shaikh Salman Highway.
Questions people ask
Which governorate is Riffa in?
Riffa is in the Southern Governorate of Bahrain and is its largest city.
What is the difference between East and West Riffa?
East Riffa is the older town around the fort, and West Riffa is a newer district. The Hunainiya valley separates them.
What is Riffa Fort?
The Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort was rebuilt in 1812 on older foundations and overlooks the Hunainiya valley. It served as a residence of the ruling family.
