Hamad Town: Guide To A Modern Town In The Heart Of Bahrain

An image showing a panoramic view of Hamad Town, Bahrain, featuring residential areas.

Hamad Town, a lively city in Bahrain’s Northern Governorate, is officially known as Madinat Hamad. It was established in 1991 and named in honour of the current king of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The city was planned to give Bahraini families good homes with modern facilities. Over time, it has grown into a busy place with many cultures, roundabouts and local markets. It is just 14 km from Manama, so people can work in the capital but live in a quieter area. The city mixes old traditions with new developments, showing Bahrain’s history and progress.

Location

An image of Hamad Bin Khalifa civilisation Centre in Hamad Town, Bahrain.

Photo: Leif Jørgensen / Wikimedia Commons

Hamad Town is in the Northern Governorate of Bahrain. It is southwest of Manama and near Ar Rifa’a al Gharbi and Buri village. It has good roads, making travel easy for people living there and visitors. Major highways connect it to Bahrain International Airport, which is about 19 kilometres away. It is also close to the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. This location makes it a good place to live, as it offers both city facilities and a peaceful suburban lifestyle.

How To Reach

An image of Hamad International Airport in Hamad Town, Bahrain.

Photo: Shibu Parambil Varghese / Wikimedia Commons

By Air: The Bahrain International Airport (BAH) serves as the primary gateway for international travellers. Located in Muharraq, approximately 19 kilometres northeast of the town, the airport connects Bahrain to numerous global destinations. Upon arrival, visitors can reach the town by taxi, ride-sharing services, or rental cars in around 30 minutes.​

By Road: For those already in Bahrain, the town is accessible via several major roads. The Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway is a key route that links Manama, facilitating a commute of approximately 20 minutes. Public buses operated by the Bahrain Public Transport Company also provide services, offering an affordable option for travellers.​

Places To Visit In And Around Hamad Town

Explore Hamad Town’s notable attractions, from historical sites to modern amenities, adding to the experiences during your trip:

1. Hamad Town Tumuli Moundfield

An image showing the ancient burial mounds at Tumuli Moundfield in Bahrain.

Photo: Mik@el / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

This Tumuli Moundfield is an old burial site in Bahrain. It has many ancient graves made by the Dilmun people over 4,000 years ago. These burial mounds show how people in the past buried their dead and what their society was like. Visitors can walk around the site and learn about Bahrain’s history. Some of the mounds are from 2200 BCE, making them very old. The site is important and is being considered for UNESCO World Heritage status. It helps people understand the past and how early people lived and honoured the demised ones.

Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours​

2. Souq Waqif

An image showing the bustling Sooq Waqif market in Bahrain, with various shops.

Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons

Souq Waqif is a popular shopping place here with many shops that sell different things like clothes, electronics, and traditional Bahraini crafts. The market is always busy with people buying and selling. It also helps local people by giving them jobs. Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere and find special gifts to take home. The market is a great place to see local culture, equipped for shopping and exploring. Many people come here to buy useful things and enjoy the experience of a traditional market in Bahrain.

Timings: 9 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours​

3. Adhari Park

An image showing a roller coaster at a place similar to the Adhari Park, suitable for a  fun day.

Photo: Min An / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Adhari Park is a fun place where families can enjoy different rides and games. It has exciting roller coasters, bumper cars and other fun activities for children and adults. The park is a great place for a day out with family and friends. People visit to have fun, relax, and enjoy different attractions. There are also food stalls where visitors can eat snacks and drinks. It is a popular spot for people looking for entertainment and a good time with their loved ones.

Timings: 4 PM – 12 AM
Entry Fee: Varies per ride
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 hours

4. Bahrain International Circuit

Image showing the Bahrain International Circuit, known for hosting Formula 1 races.

Photo: Derek Morrison / Wikimedia Commons

A short drive away, the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir is a famous place for car racing. Every year, it hosts the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, which is a big racing event. Visitors can join guided tours to see the track and learn about racing. There is also a karting track where people can try driving small race cars. Many other motorsport events take place here throughout the year.

Timings: Varies based on events
Entry Fee: Depends on the event
Ideal Trip Duration: Half day to full day​

5. Al Areen Wildlife Park

An image showing the Al Areen Wildlife Park, Bahrain, featuring various species of animals.

Photo: > ange < / Wikimedia Commons

Al Areen Wildlife Park is a special place for animals that need protection. It is home to animals like the Arabian Oryx, gazelles, and ostriches. The park keeps them safe and gives them a safe place to live. Visitors can take a guided tour to see these animals and learn about different plants and trees. Families can visit to enjoy a peaceful time and learn new things about wildlife. The park is a tranquil place to relax and see animals in their natural setting.

Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fee: BHD 2 / ₹450 for adults, BHD 1 / ₹225 for children
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours

Where To Stay

A cosy Middle Eastern Hotel in with traditional Bahraini décour and seating.

Photo: Engin_Akyurt / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

There are not many hotels specifically in this town but visitors can find good places to stay in nearby areas like Manama and Riffa. The Gulf Hotel Bahrain in Manama is a luxury hotel with top services. Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa is a mid-range option with good facilities. For a budget stay, Ibis Styles Diplomatic Area offers comfort at a lower price. Visitors who want a local experience can also find Airbnb homes and serviced apartments here and nearby places. These options provide a mix of comfort and affordability for different types of travellers.

Where To Eat

An image of a dessert in beautifully set restaurant table to be tried with the traditional Middle Eastern dishes.

Photo: Daria-Yakovleva / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

This town has many places to eat for travellers to satisfy their hunger. You can find local Bahraini food, Middle Eastern dishes, and food from other countries. Many restaurants serve grilled meats, seafood, and fresh bread. Al Abraaj Restaurant is known for its grilled meats and stews. Emmawash Traditional Restaurant offers homemade Bahraini food. Saffron by Jena has a mix of local and modern flavours. Shamiana Restaurant serves Indian and Pakistani dishes. Naseef Restaurant is famous for its desserts and Arabic coffee. There are many choices, so everyone can find something they like to eat.

Other Factors To Consider

Image showing inside of the Hamad International Airport, in Hamad Town, Bahrain.

Photo: Nkon21 / Wikimedia Commons

Summers are very hot, and winters are mild here. The best time to visit is in winter, from November to March. The weather is cool, between 15°C and 25°C, which makes it great for outdoor activities. In summer, from June to September, it gets very hot, up to 45°C, which can be uncomfortable. Spring and autumn, in April, May and October, have warm but pleasant weather, making them good for visiting. The best time to enjoy here is in winter when the weather is cooler and perfect for exploring outside.

Tips For Travellers

  • Book accommodation and transport in advance if visiting during peak tourist seasons.
  • Cash and cards are widely accepted, but having some Bahraini dinars (BHD) in hand is helpful.
  • Renting a car is a convenient way to explore the town and nearby attractions.
  • Public transport is available but limited, so taxis and rideshare services are often more reliable.
  • Wear comfortable footwear, as you may explore markets, parks, and cultural sites on foot.

Hamad Town is a beautiful city in Bahrain with a mix of history, shopping, and fun activities. You can explore its unique roundabouts, shop at Sooq Waqif, or visit nearby places like Adhari Park and Bahrain International Circuit. Its central location and good transport make travel easy. Plan with TripXL today to discover the charm during your trip.

Cover Photo: أمين علوان / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

This town is known for its unique roundabout system, diverse community, and archaeological sites, including the Tumuli Moundfield.
This place is considered a good residential area, offering affordable housing, modern amenities and a peaceful suburban lifestyle while being close to Manama.
It is approximately 14 km southwest of Manama, with a drive time of about 20 - 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Tourists can visit to explore its markets, cultural spots, and nearby attractions like Adhari Park and Bahrain International Circuit.
Souq Waqif is the most famous market here, offering a variety of products, including clothing, electronics and traditional Bahraini items.

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