Muharraq

Muharraq (Arabic: المحرق, romanized: al-Muḥarraq) is Bahrain's third most populous city and served as its capital until 1932 when it was replaced by Manama. The population of Muharraq in 2020 was 263,373.

Muharraq served as the country’s capital until 1932. It rose to prominence during the 19th century as the center of Bahrain’s pearling industry, playing a vital economic and cultural role. The city retains much of its traditional character, with historic buildings, mosques, and markets that reflect its maritime heritage. Today, Muharraq is recognized for its preservation efforts and is part of the UNESCO-listed Pearling Path.

The city of Muharraq lies on the eastern edge of Bahrain, directly across the water from Manama, and is connected to the capital by a series of causeways. It is a densely built urban area bordered by the Persian Gulf and features a mix of old neighborhoods and modern infrastructure. Muharraq’s compact layout preserves a traditional Gulf urban pattern, with narrow streets and close-knit communities near the coast.

Muharraq, part of Bahrain’s urban landscape, reflects the country’s relatively high HDI, which benefits from investment in education, health care and economic growth. The city has experienced development through infrastructure expansion and economic diversification, including tourism and finance, while maintaining its cultural heritage. Geopolitically, Muharraq’s location near Bahrain International Airport and along the Persian Gulf situates it within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a regional bloc focused on cooperation among Gulf states.