Arad Fort

Arad Fort is a coastal fortification built around 1500 on the island of al-Muharraq in northern Bahrain, originally constructed by Portuguese seafarers to protect their Gulf trade routes. The fort changed hands several times over the following centuries — passing through Omani and Wahhabi control before the al-Khalifa dynasty, Bahrain's ruling family, made use of it in the 19th century. The compact square structure with its four corner towers has been restored and is open to visitors; the battlements offer views across the sea toward the Muharraq coastline. It ranks among the best-preserved early modern fortifications in the Gulf region.