# South Bahrain > The guide to the south of Bahrain (Southern Governorate and Sakhir): attractions, beaches, desert, heritage, sport, hotels, residential communities, universities, schools and upcoming events. 68 places and 33 upcoming events. Coverage: Sakhir, Al Areen, Zallaq, Bilaj Al Jazayer, Awali, Jebel Dukhan, Riffa, Askar, Jaw, Durrat Al Bahrain and the Hawar Islands. Facts are researched from official sources; statuses (closures, renamings, cancellations) are noted on each page. Map coordinates are approximate. ## Sections - [Thrills & Events](https://bahrainsouth.com/thrills-and-events/): Formula 1 at Sakhir, concerts in a quarry, indoor skydiving and adventure parks. The south is where Bahrain comes to play. - [Beaches & Water](https://bahrainsouth.com/beaches-and-water/): Natural beaches, west-coast sunsets, wild islands, wakeboarding and a new surf park. Every way to enjoy the water in the south. - [Desert & Nature](https://bahrainsouth.com/desert-and-nature/): Desert reserves, the Tree of Life, Jebel Dukhan and the winter camping season. The wild, open side of Bahrain. - [Heritage](https://bahrainsouth.com/heritage/): Where Bahrain's modern story began: the first oil well, Awali, Riffa Fort and the landmarks of the south. - [Golf & Riding](https://bahrainsouth.com/sport-golf-and-riding/): Championship golf, horse racing, endurance riding, stadiums and the circuit. The south is Bahrain's sporting heart. - [Stay](https://bahrainsouth.com/hotels-and-resorts/): Desert palaces, beach resorts and island hideaways. Where to stay in the south of Bahrain. - [Live in the South](https://bahrainsouth.com/live-in-the-south/): Gated green communities, beachfront apartments and the towns of the south. Where Bahrain is growing next. - [Learn](https://bahrainsouth.com/universities-and-schools/): The national university, international schools and universities across Sakhir and Riffa. - [Shop & Dine](https://bahrainsouth.com/shopping-and-dining/): Malls, souqs and shows across Riffa and Sakhir. - [What's On](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/): upcoming events in the south - [Map](https://bahrainsouth.com/map/): interactive map of every place ## Thrills & Events - [Bahrain International Circuit](https://bahrainsouth.com/thrills-and-events/bahrain-international-circuit/index.md): The kingdom's motorsport home in the Sakhir desert, with a Formula 1 circuit, drag strip, karting track and event spaces. - [Bahrain International Karting Circuit](https://bahrainsouth.com/thrills-and-events/karting-at-bic/index.md): Outdoor karting at Bahrain International Circuit with kids, adult and double-seater sessions, plus arrive-and-drive racing. - [Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre](https://bahrainsouth.com/thrills-and-events/al-dana-amphitheatre/index.md): A 10,000-capacity outdoor concert venue carved into the desert rock beside Bahrain International Circuit. - [Exhibition World Bahrain](https://bahrainsouth.com/thrills-and-events/exhibition-world-bahrain/index.md): Bahrain's largest exhibition and convention centre, in Sakhir, hosting trade shows, consumer fairs and large events. - [Drag and Drift Nights at BIC](https://bahrainsouth.com/thrills-and-events/bic-drag-and-drift-nights/index.md): Bring your own car or motorbike to run the quarter-mile drag strip or drift in the vehicle dynamics area. - [Bahrain International Airshow](https://bahrainsouth.com/thrills-and-events/bahrain-international-airshow/index.md): A biennial aerospace show at Sakhir Air Base. The November 2026 edition was postponed to November 2028. - [Gravity Village](https://bahrainsouth.com/thrills-and-events/gravity-village/index.md): A leisure complex in Zallaq built around Bahrain's only indoor skydiving wind tunnel, with cafes and adventure activities. - [Gravity Indoor Skydiving](https://bahrainsouth.com/thrills-and-events/gravity-indoor-skydiving/index.md): Bahrain's only vertical wind tunnel, where first-timers and pros fly in a 12-metre glass chamber. - [Bear Grylls Adventure Zone](https://bahrainsouth.com/thrills-and-events/bear-grylls-adventure-zone/index.md): Survival-skills challenges designed by the Bear Grylls Survival Academy at Hawar Resort, for kids aged 6 to 12 and adults. - [The Crag Rock Climbing](https://bahrainsouth.com/thrills-and-events/the-crag-rock-climbing/index.md): An outdoor climbing wall complex at Gravity Village in Zallaq, open in the afternoons and evenings. - [Up and Down Trampoline Park](https://bahrainsouth.com/thrills-and-events/up-and-down-trampoline-park/index.md): Indoor trampoline park at Wadi Al Sail Mall in Riffa, with foam pits and a party room, for ages five to 50. - [Cineco Wadi Al Sail](https://bahrainsouth.com/thrills-and-events/cineco-wadi-al-sail/index.md): Riffa's cinema, a Cineco multiplex inside Wadi Al Sail Mall, opened in 2016. - [Southern Celebrations Festival](https://bahrainsouth.com/thrills-and-events/southern-celebrations-festival/index.md): A free December heritage festival by the Southern Governorate in Riffa, with folk arts, crafts and traditional coffee. ## Beaches & Water - [Bilaj Al Jazayer Beach](https://bahrainsouth.com/beaches-and-water/bilaj-al-jazayer-beach/index.md): Bahrain's best-known public beach on the south-west coast, temporarily closed since April 2026 for an upgrade. - [Zallaq coast](https://bahrainsouth.com/beaches-and-water/zallaq-beach/index.md): The calm west-coast shoreline around Zallaq village, lined with resorts and known for sunsets over the sea. - [Janat Dilmun Water Park](https://bahrainsouth.com/beaches-and-water/lost-paradise-of-dilmun/index.md): Bahrain's only water park, formerly The Lost Paradise of Dilmun, reopened in 2026 after a major upgrade. - [Bahrain Surf Park, Club Hawaii Experience](https://bahrainsouth.com/beaches-and-water/surf-park/index.md): The Middle East's first Wavegarden Cove surf park, under construction at Bilaj Al Jazayer. Not yet open. - [Hawar Islands](https://bahrainsouth.com/beaches-and-water/hawar-islands/index.md): A protected desert archipelago off Bahrain's south-east, home to huge seabird colonies and dugongs. - [Askar and Jaw coast](https://bahrainsouth.com/beaches-and-water/askar-and-jaw-coast/index.md): The quiet south-east shoreline of fishing villages between Askar and Jaw, on the road to Durrat Al Bahrain. - [Fasht Al Adhm](https://bahrainsouth.com/beaches-and-water/fasht-al-adhm/index.md): A wide, shallow reef bank off Bahrain's east coast, used for snorkelling and boat trips. - [Boat to Hawar from Durrat Al Bahrain](https://bahrainsouth.com/beaches-and-water/hawar-boat-trip/index.md): The only regular way to reach the Hawar Islands: a 25-minute boat from the Durrat Al Bahrain Pavilion. - [Hawar dolphin and dugong boat safari](https://bahrainsouth.com/beaches-and-water/hawar-oceanic-safari/index.md): Boat trips from Hawar Resort into the surrounding waters to look for dolphins and endangered dugongs. - [Bahrain Wake](https://bahrainsouth.com/beaches-and-water/bahrain-wake/index.md): Bahrain's first cable wake park, at Durrat Al Bahrain, with lessons for beginners and sessions for experienced riders. - [Durrat Marina](https://bahrainsouth.com/beaches-and-water/durrat-marina/index.md): The marina at Durrat Al Bahrain, at the island's southern tip, used for private boats, jet skis and yacht charters. - [Azure Beach Club Bahrain](https://bahrainsouth.com/beaches-and-water/azure-beach-club-bilaj/index.md): A planned beach club with Greek restaurant Ammos at Bilaj Al Jazayer, run by Dubai's Sunset Hospitality Group. Opening unconfirmed. ## Desert & Nature - [Mohamed bin Zayed Nature Reserve (Al Areen Wildlife Park)](https://bahrainsouth.com/desert-and-nature/al-areen-wildlife-park/index.md): Bahrain's main wildlife park, founded in 1976 and renamed in December 2025, with Arabian oryx, gazelles and birds. - [Tree of Life](https://bahrainsouth.com/desert-and-nature/tree-of-life/index.md): A lone ghaf tree about 400 years old, growing on a sand ridge in the desert with no visible water source. - [Jebel Dukhan](https://bahrainsouth.com/desert-and-nature/jebel-dukhan/index.md): Bahrain's highest point, a low limestone hill in the oil fields at about 134 metres above sea level. - [Sakhir camping season](https://bahrainsouth.com/desert-and-nature/sakhir-desert-camping/index.md): Every winter families pitch desert camps in Sakhir under a registration system run by the Southern Governorate. - [Sakhir desert trips](https://bahrainsouth.com/desert-and-nature/sakhir-desert-safari/index.md): Guided 4x4 trips into the Sakhir desert that combine dune driving, sandboarding and stops at the Tree of Life. ## Heritage - [Oil Well No. 1](https://bahrainsouth.com/heritage/oil-well-no-1/index.md): The first oil well on the Arab side of the Gulf, struck in 1932 below Jebel Dukhan. - [Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort (Riffa Fort)](https://bahrainsouth.com/heritage/riffa-fort/index.md): A restored 1812 fort overlooking the Hunainiya valley in Riffa. Currently closed for renovation. - [Awali](https://bahrainsouth.com/heritage/awali/index.md): Bahrain's 1930s oil company town, with low bungalows, green gardens and the Gulf's oldest golf club. - [Bahrain Oil Museum](https://bahrainsouth.com/heritage/bahrain-oil-museum/index.md): A small Bapco museum beside Oil Well No. 1 telling the story of oil in Bahrain. - [Sakhir Palace](https://bahrainsouth.com/heritage/sakhir-palace/index.md): A royal palace in the Sakhir desert, seen from the outside only on drives through the south. ## Golf & Riding - [Royal Golf Club](https://bahrainsouth.com/sport-golf-and-riding/royal-golf-club/index.md): Bahrain's only grass championship golf course, redesigned by Colin Montgomerie, inside the Riffa Views community. - [Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club](https://bahrainsouth.com/sport-golf-and-riding/rashid-equestrian-club/index.md): Bahrain's national racecourse between Riffa and Sakhir, with weekly race meetings through the winter season. - [Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix](https://bahrainsouth.com/sport-golf-and-riding/bahrain-grand-prix/index.md): Bahrain's Formula 1 race at Sakhir, usually held in spring. The 2026 edition was cancelled at Sakhir. - [Bapco Energies 8 Hours of Bahrain](https://bahrainsouth.com/sport-golf-and-riding/wec-8-hours-of-bahrain/index.md): The FIA World Endurance Championship season finale at Sakhir. The November 2026 round was cancelled; Bahrain stays on the calendar. - [Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship](https://bahrainsouth.com/sport-golf-and-riding/bahrain-championship-golf/index.md): Bahrain's DP World Tour golf event, played each winter at the Royal Golf Club. - [Awali Golf Club](https://bahrainsouth.com/sport-golf-and-riding/awali-golf-club/index.md): The oldest golf course in the Gulf, an all-sand desert layout with oiled sand greens called browns. - [Bahrain International Endurance Village](https://bahrainsouth.com/sport-golf-and-riding/bahrain-international-endurance-village/index.md): The Sakhir base for endurance horse riding, hosting national and international rides up to 160 km. - [Bahrain National Stadium](https://bahrainsouth.com/sport-golf-and-riding/bahrain-national-stadium/index.md): The country's largest football stadium, home to the national team, in North Riffa. - [Padel Park, Gravity Village](https://bahrainsouth.com/sport-golf-and-riding/padel-park-gravity-village/index.md): Padel courts at Gravity Village in Zallaq, open from afternoon until late and booked through an app. - [Batelco Fitness on Track](https://bahrainsouth.com/sport-golf-and-riding/batelco-fitness-on-track/index.md): Community nights when runners, walkers and cyclists use the Bahrain International Circuit tracks under floodlights. - [Al-Riffa Sports Club](https://bahrainsouth.com/sport-golf-and-riding/al-riffa-sports-club/index.md): One of Bahrain's most successful football clubs, founded in 1953 and playing at the Bahrain National Stadium. ## Stay - [Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain](https://bahrainsouth.com/hotels-and-resorts/raffles-al-areen-palace/index.md): An all-villa Raffles resort in the Al Areen desert, with private pools and butler service in every villa. - [Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa](https://bahrainsouth.com/hotels-and-resorts/jumeirah-gulf-of-bahrain/index.md): A beach resort on Jazaer Beach in Zallaq, opened in late 2022, with a Talise spa and family facilities. - [Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa](https://bahrainsouth.com/hotels-and-resorts/sofitel-zallaq/index.md): A beachfront resort on the west coast with a Thalassa seawater spa and a private beach. - [Hawar Resort by Mantis](https://bahrainsouth.com/hotels-and-resorts/hawar-resort-by-mantis/index.md): An island resort on Hawar, opened in January 2025, reached by a 25-minute boat ride from Durrat Al Bahrain. - [Avani and Tivoli Bilaj Al Jazayer resorts](https://bahrainsouth.com/hotels-and-resorts/avani-tivoli-bilaj-al-jazayer/index.md): Two Minor Hotels resorts under development on the Bilaj Al Jazayer waterfront. Not yet open. ## Live in the South - [Tilal Al Areen](https://bahrainsouth.com/live-in-the-south/tilal-al-areen/index.md): A private, green, gated villa community five minutes from the beach. Freehold. - [Tivoli Residences](https://bahrainsouth.com/live-in-the-south/tivoli-residences/index.md): The only new apartment project in the south, on Bahrain's natural beach. Handover February 2027. - [Durrat Al Bahrain](https://bahrainsouth.com/live-in-the-south/durrat-al-bahrain/index.md): A chain of man-made islands at Bahrain's southern tip with villas, beaches, a marina and the boat link to Hawar. - [Riffa Views](https://bahrainsouth.com/live-in-the-south/riffa-views/index.md): Bahrain's first master-planned golf community, a gated estate of villas around the Royal Golf Club. - [Bilaj Al Jazayer](https://bahrainsouth.com/live-in-the-south/bilaj-al-jazayer/index.md): Edamah's waterfront masterplan on the south-west coast, combining the public beach, hotels, homes and the surf park. - [Al Areen Development](https://bahrainsouth.com/live-in-the-south/al-areen-development/index.md): The wider Al Areen masterplan of homes, resorts and leisure around the nature reserve and water park. - [Riffa](https://bahrainsouth.com/live-in-the-south/riffa/index.md): The southern city split into East and West Riffa, home to the old fort, the National Stadium and leafy villa districts. ## Learn - [University of Bahrain, Sakhir campus](https://bahrainsouth.com/universities-and-schools/university-of-bahrain/index.md): The kingdom's national university, with its main campus in Sakhir near Bahrain International Circuit. - [Royal University for Women](https://bahrainsouth.com/universities-and-schools/royal-university-for-women/index.md): Bahrain's first private university for women, on a 224,000 square metre campus off Muaskar Highway. - [St Christopher's School, Senior School](https://bahrainsouth.com/universities-and-schools/st-christophers-senior/index.md): St Christopher's new senior campus in the Riffa area, opened in September 2026 after the Isa Town campus closed. - [Riffa Views International School](https://bahrainsouth.com/universities-and-schools/riffa-views-international-school/index.md): An American-standards international school located inside the Riffa Views community. - [American University of Bahrain](https://bahrainsouth.com/universities-and-schools/american-university-of-bahrain/index.md): A private American-style university in Riffa with a 75,000 square metre campus and sports centre. - [American School of Bahrain](https://bahrainsouth.com/universities-and-schools/american-school-of-bahrain/index.md): An American-curriculum school in North Riffa, close to the Bahrain National Stadium. ## Shop & Dine - [Riffa Souq](https://bahrainsouth.com/shopping-and-dining/riffa-souq/index.md): The traditional market of Riffa, with small shops for fabrics, spices, household goods and everyday needs. - [Enma Mall](https://bahrainsouth.com/shopping-and-dining/enma-mall/index.md): One of Riffa's main shopping malls, with a supermarket, fashion stores, food court and family entertainment. - [Wadi Al Sail Mall](https://bahrainsouth.com/shopping-and-dining/wadi-al-sail-mall/index.md): A community mall in Riffa with a hypermarket, a Cineco cinema and Up and Down trampoline park. - [Jewellery Arabia](https://bahrainsouth.com/shopping-and-dining/jewellery-arabia/index.md): The Gulf's big annual jewellery and watch show, held each November at Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir. ## Events - [TUL8TE Live at Beyon Al Dana](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/tul8te-live-beyon-al-dana-2026/index.md): 23 Oct 2026, The Desert Garden, Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre - [BIC Open Track Season](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/bic-open-track-season-2026-27/index.md): 23 Oct 2026 to 29 Apr 2027 (16 dates), Bahrain International Circuit - [Dar Al Riffa Al Ouda](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/dar-al-riffa-al-ouda-2026/index.md): 24 Oct 2026, Dar Al Riffa - [Shawn Chidiac Live](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/shawn-chidiac-live-2026/index.md): 30 Oct 2026, Grand Hall, Exhibition World Bahrain - [National Race Day Series](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/national-race-day-2026-27/index.md): 30 Oct 2026 to 29 Jan 2027, Bahrain International Circuit - [Bahrain Horse Racing Season 2026-27](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/horse-racing-season-2026-27/index.md): 30 Oct 2026 to 16 Apr 2027, Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club - [Bahrain Comic Con 2026](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/bahrain-comic-con-2026/index.md): 6 to 7 Nov 2026, Bahrain International Circuit - [Royal Bahrain Concours 2026](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/royal-bahrain-concours-2026/index.md): 6 to 7 Nov 2026, Royal Golf Club - [Dar Shabab Al Riffa Band](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/dar-shabab-al-riffa-band-2026/index.md): 7 Nov 2026, Dar Al Riffa - [Bryson Tiller](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/bryson-tiller-bahrain-2026/index.md): 12 Nov 2026, Terminal 4 by Beyon, Exhibition World Bahrain - [Bahrain International Trophy](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/bahrain-international-trophy-2026/index.md): 13 Nov 2026, Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club - [Bahrain International Airshow](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/airshow-2026/index.md): 18 to 20 Nov 2026 (moved to 15 to 17 Nov 2028), Sakhir Air Base - [Dar Al Budaiya Al Janoubiya Band](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/dar-al-budaiya-al-janoubiya-2026/index.md): 21 Nov 2026, Dar Al Riffa - [Bahrain Rotax MAX Challenge](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/bahrain-rotax-max-challenge-2026-27/index.md): 21 Nov 2026 to 5 Feb 2027, Bahrain International Karting Circuit - [Jewellery Arabia 2026](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/jewellery-arabia-2026/index.md): 24 to 28 Nov 2026, Exhibition World Bahrain - [Scent Arabia 2026](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/scent-arabia-2026/index.md): 24 to 28 Nov 2026, Exhibition World Bahrain - [Cityscape Bahrain 2026](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/cityscape-bahrain-2026/index.md): 24 to 28 Nov 2026, Exhibition World Bahrain - [Bahrain Drag Racing Championship](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/bahrain-drag-racing-championship-2026-27/index.md): 24 Nov 2026 to 26 Mar 2027, Bahrain International Circuit drag strip - [Sakhir Desert Camping Season 2026-27](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/camping-season-2026-27/index.md): Dates to be announced, Sakhir desert - [Trevor Noah](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/trevor-noah-bahrain-2026/index.md): 5 Dec 2026, Terminal 4 by Beyon, Exhibition World Bahrain - [Bahrain Coffee Festival 2026](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/bahrain-coffee-festival-2026/index.md): 8 to 12 Dec 2026, Exhibition World Bahrain - [Ferrari Challenge Middle East](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/ferrari-challenge-middle-east-2026/index.md): 11 to 12 Dec 2026, Bahrain International Circuit - [Bahrain Turf Series](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/bahrain-turf-series-2026-27/index.md): 18 Dec 2026 to 4 Mar 2027, Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club - [The Autumn Fair 2027](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/autumn-fair-2027/index.md): 24 Jan to 2 Feb 2027, Exhibition World Bahrain - [Crown Prince's Cup Festival](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/crown-princes-cup-racing-2027/index.md): 28 to 29 Jan 2027, Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club - [Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship 2027](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/bahrain-championship-2027/index.md): 28 to 31 Jan 2027, Royal Golf Club - [Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Cup](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/nasser-bin-hamad-cup-2027/index.md): 18 Feb 2027, Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club - [F1 Pre-Season Testing 2027](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/f1-pre-season-testing-2027/index.md): 24 to 27 Feb 2027, Bahrain International Circuit - [Spring of Culture 2027](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/spring-of-culture-2027/index.md): Dates to be announced, Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre and venues across Bahrain - [His Majesty the King's Cup Festival](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/kings-cup-racing-2027/index.md): 4 to 5 Mar 2027, Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club - [Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2027](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/bahrain-grand-prix-2027/index.md): 12 to 14 Mar 2027, Bahrain International Circuit - [André Rieu and His Johann Strauss Orchestra](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/andre-rieu-bahrain-2027/index.md): 19 Mar 2027, Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre - [Bahrain International Garden Show 2027](https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/bahrain-garden-show-2027/index.md): 24 to 28 Mar 2027, Exhibition World Bahrain ## Optional - [Full content in one file](https://bahrainsouth.com/llms-full.txt)