Al-Fateh Grand Mosque
Located in the capital, Manama, Al-Fateh Grand Mosque is one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world. Covering an area of approximately 6,500 square metres, it can accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers and stands as a remarkable artistic masterpiece and an outstanding example of Islamic architecture.
The mosque is also distinguished by its openness to non-Muslim visitors, offering guided tours in several languages that allow tourists to explore the Islamic faith and mosque culture. Its grand courtyard is crowned by a dome made of fibreglass, one of the largest of its kind in the world. Inside, chandeliers and lamps hang like necklaces and bracelets, casting a golden glow across the arched interior walls, doors crafted from Indian teak wood, and the exquisite Kufic Arabic calligraphy adorning the walls.
Khamis Mosque
Khamis Mosque is considered the oldest Islamic archaeological site in Bahrain and the first mosque built outside the Arabian Peninsula. It dates back to the Umayyad Caliphate, during the reign of Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz in the 8th century CE. Situated approximately four kilometres from Manama, the mosque reflects the architectural style of the Umayyad period and was constructed using palm trunks, gypsum, and gravel. Archaeological discoveries at the site include the remains of a water spring once used for ablution, as well as grave markers—large stones engraved with Islamic inscriptions that often identified scholars.
One of the mosque’s most distinctive features is its tall twin minarets, each rising to around 25 metres. The mosque derives its name from the nearby Thursday Market (Souq Khamis), which was historically held every Thursday and was among the most famous markets of its time. The mosque and its adjacent market once attracted many visitors, making the twin minarets a prominent landmark visible from afar, whether approaching by land or sea.
Beit Al Quran
Beit Al Quran, located in central Manama, is regarded as one of Bahrain’s most prominent and beautiful museums, celebrated for its design and the stunning Arabic calligraphy that adorns the mosque’s dome. Visitors can enjoy moments of visual delight while exploring the mosque, which embodies a remarkable artistic achievement crafted by artists from around the world. The mosque features a circular design topped with a stained-glass dome manufactured in the United Kingdom, one of the largest of its kind globally. The dome itself forms a vibrant work of art, decorated with Quranic verses written in exquisite Arabic calligraphy by the renowned Egyptian calligrapher Ahmed Mustafa. The elegant ceramic mihrab, meanwhile, was designed by a Turkish artist.
Arcapita Mosque
Located in Bahrain Bay, Manama, Arcapita Mosque is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in Bahrain, distinguished by its modern design and breathtaking sea views. It received the Abdul Latif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture in 2011 for its innovative design. Built in 2010, the mosque takes the form of a cube and features 50 windows that allow the flow of natural daylight while reducing solar heat. It also includes a unique minaret topped with a crescent that illuminates at night.
The mosque’s exterior is particularly striking after dark, when its lights give it the appearance of a majestic vessel in the sea. Inside, the space is adorned with shrubs, greenery, limestone, and expansive open areas. Its windows offer uninterrupted views of the Gulf throughout the day, allowing sunlight to enter and reflect in triangular patterns across the mosque’s carpet. The mosque’s aesthetic appeal lies in its stunning location at sea, its distinctive minaret, the absence of a dome, and its windows that achieve a perfect balance between light and temperature while maintaining harmony with the surrounding natural environment.
Al Hassan Mosque
Bahrain’s mosques vary widely in size and design, and among the most notable is Al Hassan Mosque, located in the Al Busaiteen area in the northeast of Bahrain. The mosque draws its beauty from the finest traditions of Islamic architecture and ornamentation, forming a landmark that welcomes visitors interested in exploring a striking example of Islamic civilization. With the exception of the mihrab, designed by an Egyptian specialist, the mosque follows the Turkish architectural style, evident in the design of its twin minarets, carpets, and chandeliers, all of which were manufactured in Turkey.
The mosque features multiple domes surrounding a central dome, while the prayer hall is decorated with beautiful geometric patterns, Arabic calligraphy, floral motifs, murals, and coloured glass. In addition to the main prayer hall, the mosque houses a Quran memorisation centre and halls for social occasions, making it an ideal destination for those wishing to experience the beauty of Islamic architecture and culture.
Bahrain’s mosques beautifully reflect the Kingdom’s rich Islamic heritage, blending centuries of history with architectural artistry and a deep sense of spirituality.
