THE Tree of Life, one of Bahrain’s iconic tourist attractions, has finally been given the attention it deserves and now offers tourists a more welcoming visitor experience.
Although unwilling to be specific, it is understood around BD300,000 has been invested by the authorities to protect the 400-year-old landmark from vandalism and to revamp the surrounding area.


The natural marvel, which was bestowed with the name of Tree of Life for its ability to stand firm in the scorching desert with apparently little source of water for hundreds of years, is said to be visited annually by around 50,000 tourists.
After three years of investment by the Ministry of Culture and the Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco), its main sponsor, the Tree of Life has been receiving the ‘star treatment’ many proud Bahrainis and resident expats have been appealing for.
The Minister of Culture Shaikha Mai bint Mohammad Al Khalifa recently inaugurated the Tree of Life Visitor Centre with a musical performance by the Bin Faris folk band as part of the Spring of Culture celebrations.
During the event, Shaikha Mai said that the centre is expected to draw even more tourists and visitors to the historic site, situated in the middle of the desert in Sakhir.
She also praised Bapco for the strenuous efforts in preserving the spatial and environmental identity of the place, for shedding light on cultural and urban issues and for raising awareness towards national projects, which would help make Bahrain an international destination.
Phase one of the initiatives has been concluded with the construction of an open-air amphitheatre seating 500 people surrounding the tree.
A Ministry of Culture spokesperson said: “The 125-metre circular wall will protect the tree from vandalism and will provide a shielding rim around it. New lighting designs have also been installed along with an outdoor stage for entertainment.
“The Ministry will host events throughout the year and we have an idea about hosting a special event there too. The centre is almost completed although we have small touches to finalise.
“The second phase of beautification is expected to be completed this month.”
The concept of the centre was initiated in October 2012 by the Ministry of Culture during the celebrations of Manama as the Capital of Arab Culture, Environment Season, and was celebrated during the first phases of Manama, Capital of Arab Tourism too.
The renovation works was carried out by Bukhowa Contracting to a design by Basmaji and Bielinska Architects.
Dr Marwan Basmaji, director of the firm, said: “The Tree of Life is truly one of Bahrain’s leading landmarks which needed to be protected, maintained and exposed to the public. The idea behind the centre is to allow tourists to enjoy it, while providing a protective circle to keep it away from vandalism and harm.
“The tree will also be protected by keeping cars parked at a distance, with people walking up to enjoy this significant showpiece.”
Last weekend visitors could be seen parking around the centre and the crowd attracted the Bahraini entrepreneurial spirit with an ice cream van quickly arriving to offer refreshments to tourists.
Visitors said they were impressed by its beauty and cleanliness. A security guard was also in place on the site.
Friends Christine McLaren, a teacher, and Victoria Murphy, a nurse on holiday, were visiting the tree with their spouses. Christine, from Adliya, said: “We bring all our visitors here, like Victoria who is visiting right now. We have had barbecues in Sakhir in the past and then we walk to the tree.
“We truly enjoy this place and drive up here a lot. What they have done is beautiful, but the only thing I think there should be more of is information about the ruins around the tree.
“I am not sure how old it is or how it has come about. Also, I can’t wait for the bathrooms to be ready.”
Christine’s wish will come true as toilet facilities are in place but have yet to be completed and opened. It is believed they will be among the final touches the Ministry described.
There is also a path from the entrance of the centre leading tourists to a shaded rest-stop allowing them to sit and admire the tree from a distance. Display boards with maps and charts about the site can also be found in this area, along with historical information about the tree. It also showcases other famous trees around the world.
Victoria, from Hawaii, loved her first visit to the tree. She said: “The scenery is beautiful. If they host events here too it would add to the attraction. I think having a visitors centre is a good idea. They have done a great job and at the same time have not taken anything away from its heritage.”
An investment in a tea or coffee shop could also pay off with profits going towards the upkeep and investment in the attraction.
Daniel Musilli, who has been living in Juffair for the past year, shared his first trip to the site with his wife, Aiea, who was visiting from Germany.
Daniel said: “Now that my wife is visiting, I have been able to see the sights with her as up until now I have not had a chance to really explore Bahrain.
“The tree is strange and must be a miracle. I think the centre is great. Perhaps if they had a café or some place to sit and have coffee then people would stay even longer. For now, you just come, see the place and then you leave
“Also, right now the weather is nice but what will happens when it gets really hot?”
For those that have yet to visit, the Tree of Life is located approximately two kilometres from Jebel Dukhan.