Arad Fort is a 15th-century seaside fortress in Bahrain, constructed by Omani Arabs during their rule and featuring robust Islamic military architecture with a distinctive square layout and cylindrical corner towers. Built from coral stone and limestone, the fort's two seaward-facing towers overlook various sea passages while the other two overlook residential areas, demonstrating its strategic importance as a key military outpost guarding the Arabian Gulf. The fortress endured multiple occupations—Portuguese, Persian, and Omani—until the 19th century reign of Shaikh Salman Bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa. Restored between 1984 and 1987 using exclusively traditional materials including coral stone and lime, Arad Fort maintains its historical authenticity while serving as a testament to centuries of regional maritime defense.
