Horseback Riding in Manama: Arabian Horses at Sunrise

The horses on these trails have carried riders for over 2,300 years.

Horseback riding in Manama near Bahrain Fort with early morning hotel pickup, a local guide, and an approximate one-hour trail ride on Arabian horses matched to your skill level. Ride past the UNESCO-listed fort silhouetted against the sunrise, then toward Karbabad beach, following ancient Kassite, Greek, Portuguese and Persian trade routes. Add traditional Arabic breakfast and a photo session in Bahraini costume with a decorated Arabian stallion.

The experience

The ride starts with a 20-minute drive from your hotel to the stables near Bahrain Fort. Once there, you'll meet the horses while professionals prepare them for the trail. If you've chosen the breakfast package, sit down first for traditional Arabic coffee or tea with local delicacies. A safety briefing follows, then you're paired with a tame Arabian horse suited to your riding level for the approximate one-hour trail ride.

Single-file along routes used since 2300 BC, you'll pass villages and ride toward the fort as it rises against the sunrise. Karbabad beach comes next: a breezy stretch where the shore opens up. The Manama skyline appears in the distance if conditions are clear. Bring a camera. The fort silhouetted at dawn is the shot most riders want. After the ride, head to the stables lounge for refreshments. If you've added the photo package, you'll wear traditional Bahraini attire and pose next to a fully decorated Arabian stallion, and hear stories from a local equestrian jumping champion about the breed's history and temperament.

The entire experience leaves you back at your hotel with the rest of the day free to explore Manama. Helmets are provided and required for all riders 12 and under. Adults may request one. The trail does not permit running or galloping. This is a controlled, single-file pace suitable for riders with moderate fitness and at least some comfort in the saddle.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• local guide in English.
• bottled water.
• helmet.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges. Traditional Arabic breakfast and photos in Bahraini costume with a decorated Arabian stallion are available as add-on packages at checkout.

Options for this experience

3 options

Ride OnlyGuide in English · 08:00Arrive and ride

Ride with Arabian breakfastGuide in English · 08:00Savor a local Bahraini breakfast served with traditional Arabic coffee and tea.

Ride, breakfast and photosGuide in English · 08:00Enjoy an Arabic breakfast and dress in traditional Bahraini attire for photos beside a fully decorated Arabian stallion in native costume, and hear about these remarkable animals from a local riding legend.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Visit Bahrain

Is this one for you?Book the ride-only option if you want to focus on the horses and the ancient trails without adding time for breakfast or photos; add the breakfast package if you'd like to start with traditional Arabic coffee and local delicacies before mounting; choose the full package with photos if you want the costume experience and stories from a local jumping champion about the Arabian breed.

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Top questions

What are the ancient horse trails like that we'll be riding on?

The trails near Bahrain Fort follow routes used by Kassites, Greeks, Portuguese and Persians dating back to 2300 BC. You'll ride past villages and the fort itself as it's silhouetted against the sunrise, then continue toward Karbabad beach for a breezy coastal stretch before returning to the stables.

Can I add breakfast and photos to just the ride?

Yes. You can book the ride alone, or add a traditional Arabic breakfast package, or add both breakfast and a photo session in Bahraini costume with a decorated Arabian stallion. Choose your option at checkout.

How do I know if the horse will suit my riding ability?

You'll be paired with a tame Arabian horse matched to your skill level before the ride begins. The guide and stable staff assess your experience during the safety briefing and assign accordingly.

What is Bahrain Fort like from the saddle?

Bahrain Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating to 2005. From the trail, you'll see it silhouetted against the sunrise as you ride past, and again from the direction of Karbabad beach. The fort museum sits near the shore where the trail passes.

Is this ride suitable for someone who has never ridden before?

Riders need at least a moderate level of physical fitness and should be comfortable in the saddle, but the tame horses and controlled single-file pace make it accessible to those with some riding experience. The minimum age is 7 years old, and children 12 and under must wear a helmet.