East Riffa's Clock Tower: A City Landmark

Riffa, the second-largest city in Bahrain, is divided into three parts: East Riffa, West Riffa, and North Riffa. The city has a rich history and was formerly the principal settlement on Bahrain Island. It is known for its impressive desert scenery, bustling city life, and diverse cultural attractions. One of the most notable landmarks in Riffa is the clock tower, which is located in the centre of West Riffa. This tower is an emblematic reference point and has become a symbol of the city, celebrating Bahrain's heritage in its design.

The Riffa Clock Tower is in West Riffa

Riffa is the second-largest city in Bahrain and is divided into three parts: East Riffa, West Riffa, and North Riffa. All three parts are located in the Southern Governorate.

Riffa has a rich history and was formerly the principal settlement on Bahrain Island before being replaced by Manama in the 19th century. The city has seen significant growth in recent years, with a population of 122,000 as of the 2020 census.

East Riffa has many attractions, including the Bahrain National Stadium, several shopping malls, and a thriving restaurant scene. It is also known for its cultural diversity, housing a mixed Shia-Sunni population along with expats.

West Riffa, on the other hand, is predominantly a residential area where most of the ruling family, ministers, and business investors reside. It is also home to various landmarks, including the Riffa Palace, the well-known springs of Al Hunaynya and Umm Ghwayfa, and the iconic Riffa Clock Tower.

The Riffa Clock Tower is located in the centre of West Riffa. It is a landmark roundabout monument that marks the beginning of the West Riffa town. The tower celebrates Bahrain's heritage in its design and is a symbol of the blend of modernity and tradition that characterises the city.

In addition to the clock tower, West Riffa also boasts the Riffa Fort, also known as Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmad Al Fateh Fort. This fort has a long history, dating back to the 17th century when it was built by the Safavid Persian Empire. It was later converted into a residential and defensive complex by Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa in the 19th century.

Overall, Riffa is a vibrant and rapidly growing city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern development, making it a popular destination for both locals and expats.

Riffa is the second-largest city in Bahrain

Riffa has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with a population of 79,550 in the 2001 census, increasing to an estimated 111,000 by 2008. The city was once the principal settlement on Bahrain Island until it was replaced by the port of Manama in the 19th century.

East Riffa has a thriving restaurant scene and various attractions, including the Bahrain National Stadium and the Royal Golf Club. It has a mix of shopping malls and traditional markets, such as the East Riffa Market and the Bukuwara Street Market. East Riffa has historically been an urban working-class area but is now attracting more residents due to its affordable housing and new development projects.

West Riffa, on the other hand, is predominantly a residential area where the royal family, ministers, and business investors reside. It is home to landmarks such as the Riffa Palace, the former residence of Bahrain's rulers, and the city's iconic clock tower.

North Riffa, along with East Riffa, is known for its affordable housing options, making them attractive areas for both locals and expats. Riffa, overall, offers a mix of cultural diversity, historical sites, and modern developments, contributing to its status as the second-largest city in Bahrain.

Riffa is divided into three parts: East Riffa, West Riffa and North Riffa

Riffa is the second-largest city in Bahrain in terms of area. It is located in the Southern Governorate and is divided into three parts: East Riffa, West Riffa, and North Riffa.

East Riffa

East Riffa has many attractions, including the Bahrain National Stadium, and a thriving restaurant scene. It is also home to several shopping malls and two main shopping streets: Riffa Market (سوق الرفاع, Souk ar-Rifa) and Bukuwara Street Market. The former is larger, while the latter is more modernised. Playing golf in the Royal Golf Club is considered one of the top activities in the area.

East Riffa has predominantly been an urban working-class area, but it is now becoming one of the fastest-growing areas in Bahrain due to new developments, making it more popular with locals and expats. It is also one of the most affordable places to live in Bahrain, especially due to government housing projects.

East Riffa has a proportionally mixed Shia-Sunni population along with expats, which sets it apart from West Riffa.

West Riffa

West Riffa is predominantly a residential area where most of the ruling family, ministers, and business investors live. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain and the Prime Minister, Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, both reside in West Riffa.

West Riffa is also home to various landmarks, including the Riffa Palace, where former rulers of Bahrain lived, and well-known springs, Al Hunaynya and Umm Ghwayfa, once considered to be Bahrain's purest and finest water.

West Riffa is also where you will find Riffa's famous clock tower, located in the centre of the area. The majority of West Riffa's population is Sunni.

North Riffa

North Riffa, along with West Riffa, is ranked as one of the most affordable areas for villa rentals.

The tower is a monument marking the beginning of West Riffa

Riffa, the second-largest city in Bahrain, is divided into three parts: East Riffa, West Riffa, and North Riffa. All three parts are located in the Southern Governorate.

The city's famous clock tower is located in the centre of West Riffa. The tower is a monument marking the beginning of West Riffa, a predominantly residential area. The majority of the ruling family, ministers, and business investors live in West Riffa, including the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Prime Minister, Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

West Riffa is known for its landmarks, including the Riffa Palace, the former residence of Bahrain's rulers, Sheikh Salman bin Hamad and Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. The area also boasts well-known springs, Al Hunaynya and Umm Ghwayfa, once considered the purest and finest water in Bahrain.

In contrast to East Riffa, which has a proportionally mixed Shia-Sunni population along with expats, West Riffa has a predominantly Sunni population. This demographic difference is due to unwritten laws that make it challenging for Shias and Ibadis to find housing in the area, contributing to political tension and unrest between the Sunni and Shia communities.

Despite these challenges, Riffa as a whole is a growing and developing city, with new projects and increasing popularity among locals and expats.

Riffa is home to the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa

Riffa, the second-largest city in Bahrain, is known for being the home of the country's royal family. Among the notable residents of Riffa is the current King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who lives in the West Riffa area of the city.

Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa was born in Riffa on 28 January 1950. He attended Manama secondary school in Bahrain before being sent to England to attend Applegarth College in Godalming, Surrey, and later The Leys School in Cambridge. After completing his schooling, Hamad underwent military training with the British Army at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, Hampshire, graduating in September 1968. He was designated as heir apparent by his father on 27 June 1964 and was appointed commander of the Bahrain National Guard in 1968, a position he held until 1969 when he became commander-in-chief of the Bahrain Defence Force. Hamad became head of the Bahraini department of defence and vice-chairman of the administrative council in 1970, holding both offices until 1971. From 1971 to 1988, he served as the minister of state for defence.

In 1999, Hamad became Emir of Bahrain following the death of his father, Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. As Emir, he brought about several political reforms, including the release of all political prisoners, the dissolution of the State Security Court, and the abolition of the 1974 Decree on State Security Measures. In 2002, Hamad declared himself King of Bahrain, becoming a constitutional monarch. As King, he wields wide executive powers, including the authority to appoint the prime minister and ministers, command the army, and chair the Higher Judicial Council.

Riffa is divided into three parts: East Riffa, West Riffa, and North Riffa, all located in the Southern Governorate. West Riffa, where the King resides, is predominantly a residential area that is home to most of the ruling family, ministers, and business investors. The area also features several notable landmarks, including the Riffa Palace, where former rulers of Bahrain lived, and the city's iconic clock tower, situated in the centre of West Riffa.

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