Overview:

is located in a desert environment, with rocky, sandy landscapes covered with sparse vegetation. The sanctuary has many species of native wildlife, such as gazelles, Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, Somali wild ass, eagles, bustards, desert fox, sand cats, striped hyena, hawks, and over 200 species of birds. The sanctuary also provides a conservation center, visitor education, camping and research facilities. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Bahrain
Prominent Features:

• One of the largest wildlife reserves in the Middle East, and the only one in Bahrain • Home to a wide variety of animals, including Arabian Oryx, gazelles, rabbits, foxes, hedgehogs, and birds • Numerous walking trails and an observation tower • A number of natural lakes, and a seasonal wetland oasis • An on-site café and shaded picnic areas • A variety of educational activities including guided tours and demonstrations You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bahrain.

History:

The Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Sakhir region of Bahrain, was established in 1976 as a protected area and nature reserve. The Sanctuary, which stretches along the Bahrain-Saudi borders, is home to a large array of wildlife species including gazelles, lesser flamingos, sand grouse, bustards, honey badgers, honey buzzards, and steppe eagles. The Sanctuary also contains roughly 300 species of plants, many of them endemic to the region. The main goal of the Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary is to protect the native species of Bahrain, safeguard their habitats and promote ecological balance. Additionally, the Sanctuary seeks to promote environmental awareness and ethics in local communities and the nation at large. It also serves as a resource for scientific research to help develop informed and sustainable management of natural resources. The Sanctuary consists of eight major zones: five general areas, two private hunting areas, and a wildlife research center. Activities in the Sanctuary include safaris, animal watching, tour expeditions, and recreational activities including camping, hiking, and mountain-biking. The Sanctuary supports a wide range of conservation efforts, including captive breeding of endangered species, active protection of wildlife sanctuaries, and ecological research studies. In 2002, the Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary was designated a biosphere reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) – the first reserve to be designated in the Arab World. This international recognition has helped bring attention to the Sanctuary and has resulted in a heightened awareness of its value to the local ecosystem. It has also attracted thousands of tourists who, in turn, raise the profile of the Sanctuary and bring much-needed revenue. In 2008, the number of visitors to the Sanctuary topped 1,000,000. Today the Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary remains one of the most important conservation areas in the region, and an important reminder of Bahrain’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bahrain with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the last surviving Arabian Oryx, an endangered species of antelope. 2. The Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest wildlife reserve in the country and one of the most important protected areas in Bahrain. 3. The Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a plethora of wildlife, including the rare and endemic Arabian gazelle. 4. The sanctuary is also home to a wide variety of bird species, such as ospreys, glossy and black storks, and blue-cheeked bee-eaters. 5. The Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary has its own 10-acre lake, as well as natural spring-fed ponds. 6. The Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary has been recognised as a Ramsar site, meaning it is a wetland of international importance. 7. The sanctuary also features hiking and camping trails, as well as an educational centre for guests and visitors. One of the historical monuments of Bahrain, it tells the story of a bygone era