Tree of Life Bahrain: planning the trip from Manama

The Tree of Life stands in Bahrain’s southern Sakhir Desert, roughly 35 km from Manama. Bahrain Tourism identifies it as an acacia, known locally as ghaf, and describes it as nearly 10 metres tall.

The tree’s age is commonly estimated at about 440 years. Archaeological finds in the surrounding area include artifacts that may date to the Dilmun civilization and remains of human settlements believed to be more than 500 years old. The site is also approximately 2 km from Jebel Dukhan.

For another history-focused outing from Manama, how to visit Bahrain Fort and its museum offers a different setting and period of Bahrain’s past.

Driving is a practical way to reach the desert site from Manama: the Tree of Life is about 35 km from the city. Bahrain Tourism provides a directions option for the destination, but does not name a particular driving route in its destination information.

Use the destination’s directions option to plan your route, and allow for the walk from the visitor-centre area to the tree. The centre’s design keeps cars at a distance, so you cannot drive right up to the trunk. If you are sorting out transport in the city before the excursion, how to get around Manama covers local transport options.

The visit centres on the tree and the educational path formed by its circular fence. Information along the path introduces symbolic trees in other countries, adding context to the landscape around the acacia.

The Tree of Life Visitor Centre includes a gallery or exhibition area, display boards and an amphitheater intended for outdoor performances. Bahrain Tourism says the amphitheater beside the tree seats up to 500 people and occasionally hosts outdoor art performances. The visitor centre was inaugurated in October 2012, and its construction began in March 2013.

Expect to walk from the visitor-centre area to the tree. The site’s layout separates cars from the immediate tree area, making the final approach on foot part of the visit.

This is a desert setting, so plan for outdoor exposure and bring water and sun protection. The walk between the visitor-centre area and the tree is on foot; keep to the designated path and leave the tree and surrounding ground undisturbed.

Opening hours

• Monday to Sunday: 6:00–22:00

Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.

The age descriptions differ: Bahrain Tourism gives an estimate of nearly 440 years, while the Authority for Culture and Antiquities describes the tree as having survived for more than 100 years without a water source. These statements provide different kinds of context rather than a single precise age.

Published opening hours differ between the tree and the visitor centre. 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 daily hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the Tree of Life Visitors Centre.

Confirm which hours apply to the parts you plan to visit. Check the official site before you go, and check road conditions as part of planning the drive.

How far is the Tree of Life from Manama?

The tree is about 35 km from Manama in the southern Sakhir Desert.

What kind of tree is Bahrain’s Tree of Life?

It belongs to the acacia family and is known locally as ghaf. Bahrain Tourism describes it as nearly 10 metres tall.

Can you drive directly to the Tree of Life?

No. The visitor-centre design keeps cars at a distance from the tree, so visitors walk the final approach.

Are the Tree of Life and visitor-centre hours the same?

Open daily. Confirm current access before travelling.