Hawar Islands

Bahrain, Bahrain

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The Hawar Islands are an archipelago of desert islands mostly belonging to Bahrain, located in the Gulf of Bahrain near the coast of Qatar. They consist of about 36 islands, with Bahrain owning all but one, Jinan Island, which is administered by Qatar. The largest island, Hawar, is about 17 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide.

The islands are known for their pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and diverse natural environment, including migratory birds, vibrant coral reefs, and endangered marine life like sea cows. Historically settled by a Bahraini tribe in the 19th century, the islands are now largely uninhabited except for a police garrison and a hotel on Hawar Island. The area is environmentally significant, considered Bahrain's last true wilderness, and there are restrictions on access to most islands to protect their delicate ecosystems.

The Hawar Islands form part of Bahrain’s Southern Governorate and cover around 52 square kilometers in land area.