A simple tree in the middle of a desert. But is there more to the Tree of Life Bahrain? Read this before you visit the place to make the most of your experience.
When I first heard about this place in Bahrain, I immediately associated it with the Tree of Life mentioned in the Bible. In Genesis 2:9 it is written “Besides this, God caused every tree beautiful to the sight and good for food to grow from the ground. Also in the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of learning the knowledge of good and evil..”
On reading further, I found theories stating that this indeed was the place where the Biblical tree of life was situated. Curious and motivated, we set out with our family to see this place.
Things to know before you get there
- Location– Jebel Dukhan (Off the Musakar Highway, between Riffa and Awali, near Jebel Dukhan, Bahrain, Jebel Dukhan)
- Visiting hours– Open all the time
- Visiting fee– None
- Restrooms-None. But the guard on request may guide you to one that is reserved for him.
- Eating outlets– None. An ice cream truck maybe parked on weekends.
- Best time to visit– During Winters (Nov- Feb) In summers it is best to visit only after 6:00 pm
The ride to the Tree of Life Bahrain offers several views of oil wells and the rigging process. The drive can be bumpy because of uneven roads and soft sand. So if you have a baby or small child avoid giving milk just before or during the ride if they have the tendency to vomit.
The first time we visited this place, we were underwhelmed. It is after all just a tree in the middle of the desert. What is special about that?
But after our second visit I truly appreciated it.
That is why I suggest you to read about this place before visiting, else you would not know what to look for.
Why is it called the Tree of Life
A lot of Bahrainis still believe that their island was once the Garden of Eden, the Biblical place where Adam and Eve had once lived and then banished from, by God.
Therefore to mark the spot and make it as memorable as the “Tree of Life” mentioned in the Old Testament, they planted a tree in the middle of the desert in 1583.
What has made the tree mysterious though, is its youthfulness even when it doesn’t have a water source. It flowers twice a year and has green leaves throughout the year!
Its roots are calculated to be at least 50 metres below the soil and assumed to be tapping into the underground water. Yet few believe that this too is not enough for a tree of this size and is therefore mysteriously blessed by the water god Enki of the Babylonian and Sumerian religions.
In truth this tree has been classified as “Prosopis Cineraria” a species known to adapt easily in deserts. They are commonly known as Khejri or Sami trees in India and have been recorded to live up to 200, even 375 years. The Tree of Life Bahrain, however, is 439 years old today and still thriving! A miracle indeed.
That is why The Tree of Life Bahrain is a natural wonder, a symbol of hope and life to the people of Bahrain.
What to expect from the Tree of Life Bahrain
To start with this tree has baffled many scientists and visitors for just the way it continues to grow in a barren desert without any visible source of water. When you visit, think like you’re visiting an ancient fort or the remains of a time-honoured civilisation. In fact this is better because this tree is still living!
The second thing that leaves you in awe are the tree’s thick, low-hanging branches, spreading gracefully in all directions. Children can sit and climb to a certain extent. Or you can just enjoy the shade under its huge canopy.
On the tree’s right you will find the human sun dial- a fascination for kids and adults alike. To use it just stand on the appropriate month marked on the ground facing the blue circle. As your shadow is cast on a numbered marker it will tell you the exact time of the day.
Surrounding the tree in full circumference is a concrete wall that has representations and information on 19 similar trees around the world.
Near to the tree is a small museum that gives a little more context to this place.
Sometimes during winters this place is also said to host concerts and international festivals in the evenings.
Additional tips
- Carry food, a few bottles of water and an umbrella if you are travelling with kids.
- Drive carefully on soft sand to avoid getting stuck.
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Hi! My name is Rubitah. I’m a Content Writer certified Life Coach, Counselor, Social Work professional and the Founder of Being Rubitah. Over the years through my professional and personal life, I have realized that prayers and love can do wonders to family life once you come to terms with yourself and surrender to God. Do you relate to me? Then you may like what I post here! Read more about me
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Informative 🙏
Thank you!