Fabulous things to do in A'Ali in 2024

Lying about 15km south west of Manama, this tourist hotspot is popular for two reasons: the Dilmun Burial Mounds, and the traditional pottery.

It’s no surprise that there’s tons of cool things to do in A’ali.

There are around 10,000 burial mounds scattered across the western part of Bahrain, but the best place to witness this UNESCO world heritage site is in A’Ali.

There are 13 single royal mounds and two double mounds here, and they are considered to be the best preserved in the Kingdom. They were built as two-storey towers and have a number of burial chambers worthy of the high status of those resting within.

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Archaeologists have managed to identify the last Dilmun kings, Ri’ Mum and Yagli-’El, who were buried in mounds eight and ten.

You’ll be able to find out lots of information about the history of these burial sites both here and in the Bahrain National Museum.

Here are the top things to do in A’ali

Find unique souvenirs

If you’re looking for a souvenir that’s a little better than just a fridge magnet or a T-shirt that says “I love Bahrain”, A’Ali pottery district is your best bet.

You’ll find this near the pottery roundabout (a gigantic pot sculpture in the middle of a roundabout, it’s hard to miss) along Avenue 42.

There are plenty of different bowls, dishes and containers created using traditional methods that have been passed down from generation to generation. Exploring these is one of the most interesting things to do in A’ali.

Learn about pottery-making

Watch the masters at work using traditional techniques in the thriving pottery district has to be one of the most important things to do in A’ali

You’ll also be able to watch potters at Alshugel Pottery and they’ll be able to tell you about their methods and some of the traditional products they make – including a money bank that you can put your loose change into before smashing it when it’s full – much fun.

Sat-Thu, 8am-6pm. Highway 71, A’ali. @pottery_alshugel (3985 6994).

Head for the mall

A’Ali is also home to Ramli Mall that has great shops including a LuLu Hypermarket and much more besides, plus a trampoline park where both kids and adults will be entertained. JumpUp even hosts a ladies’ night every Monday from 7pm to midnight so you can jump around when there are no kids about.

Inside the mall you’ll also find restaurants such as Karami, which serves up Iranian and Arabic dishes, Caribou Coffee, an international chain that does bagels, sandwiches and baked goods, or Kuche Kushari that specialises in Egyptian dishes. And if you’re after fast food, it also has all the usual chains such as Papa John’s, McDonald’s and KFC.

Check out the Burial Mounds

The best-preserved mounds in Bahrain are found in the Dilmun Burial Mounds, one of the Kingdom’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The cemetery comprises of 723 burial mounds and is one of the last examples of their kind. This site contains six special burial mound types with outer ring walls, which is considered as an indication of chieftain burials. Some are still visible today.

When it comes to things to do in A’ali, a visit here is a must.

Open 24/7. Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway, A’ali.