You are here
The Tree of Life (Shajarat al-Hayat)
A solitary mesquite tree, thought to be around four centuries old, growing on a sandy rise in the desert of the southern main island.
Venue facts
Where it is
The tree grows on a low sandy ridge in the desert of the southern main island, a few kilometres from Jebel Dukhan, the country's highest point. It is usually combined with a drive through the Sakhir area, and the circuit is not far away.
Why people visit
The tree is a mesquite, a hardy desert species, and is generally estimated to be around four hundred years old. What makes it remarkable is its setting: it stands green and alone in a landscape with no obvious source of water, and how it survives has long been a subject of local stories and scientific curiosity. Its roots are thought to reach far down to underground water.
The landscape around it
The area around the tree is classic Gulf desert: gravel plains, low ridges and wide skies. Archaeologists have found traces of older settlement nearby, and the region is also the setting for the traditional winter camping season, when families pitch tents in the desert during the cooler months.
Visitor notes
There is little shade and no facilities to speak of at the tree itself, so bring water and sun protection, and avoid the middle of the day in the hot months. The tree has been protected with a low barrier after damage from visitors carving and climbing; respect it and keep to the paths. Sunset is the most atmospheric time, but allow enough light for the drive back.
Combining it with Sakhir
A visit to the tree pairs naturally with an event at the Bahrain International Circuit or a drive past Jebel Dukhan. The roads in the south are straightforward, but there is little in the way of services on the final approach, so plan fuel and refreshments before you leave the main roads.