Southern Governorate

The Southern Governorate (المحافظة الجنوبية‎, Al-Muḥāfaẓat al-Janūbīyah) is in Bahrain.

The Southern Governorate makes up almost two thirds of Bahrain's area, but is sparsely populated and home to less than a tenth of the country's 1.5 million inhabitants. Administratively the governorate also includes the cities of Riffa and Sitrah and the Hawar Islands – these destinations are covered in separate articles.

Drive or take a taxi. For destinations along the east coast as far as Jaww and along the west coast as far as the University of Bahrain (holidays all the way to Jazair Beach), bus is an option too.

• 25.99401150.5833091 Tree of Life, 30 km south of Manama. Famous lonesome tree in the middle of a dry desert. Scientists haven't figured out how it survives, since no underground aquifer or spring exists under that area. In fact, all underground water sources are around the tree are contaminated with salt, suggesting the tree may in fact possess a mutation rendering it salt-tolerant.  

• 26.03250.511 Bahrain International Circuit, Gulf of Bahrain Ave, Umm Jidar, Sakhir. A motor sports venue, best known for the annual Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix. It's usually in March but in 2026 was relocated to Sepang in Malaysia, and deferred to October. The next Grand Prix is 12-14 March 2027, with a pre-season testing session on 24-27 Feb. The track is 5.543 km long so cars make 57 laps to total 308 km.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 26.01555650.4955562 Al Areen Wildlife Park. Combined nature reserve and zoo, and the only one of Bahrain's five protected areas on land. The zoo part is open to the public and showcases animals and plants native to the Arabian Peninsula, Africa and South Asia.  (updated Apr 2020)

• 26.002550.51911 Banyan Tree Al Areen, Al Areen, ☏ +973 1784 5000. Attention to detail and opulent surroundings. The staff are welcoming and attentive, without being overwhelming, and the food is good.