Bahrain Weekend by Road: Causeway Hotels Things to Do

Quick answer

Drive from Dubai or Abu Dhabi via the King Fahd Causeway, clear Saudi immigration at Al Batha, then Bahrain immigration at King Fahd Bridge. 2026 toll is AED 40 each way. Hotels near the bridge accept walk-ins after 2 pm Friday. Main weekend activities are Manama Souq, Tree of Life, Qal’at al-Bahrain, Al Jasra handicraft village, and beach clubs near Juffair. Return Sunday before 6 pm to avoid evening queues.

Border crossing and driving route 2026

Leave Dubai Friday 6 am or Abu Dhabi 7 am. Take E11 to Al Batha border. At Al Batha you queue for Saudi exit stamp. Car plate scanning takes 10-15 minutes. Drive 25 km through Saudi then hit Bahrain immigration at King Fahd Bridge. Have passport, Emirates ID, and car registration ready. 2026 fee is AED 40 toll plus AED 10 bridge fee. Open 24 hours.

Documents needed

Valid UAE residence visa or tourist entry stamp
Original car mulkiya and insurance
International driving permit for non-GCC plates

Best causeway hotels for weekend stay

Arrive Friday afternoon. Most hotels near the bridge accept walk-ins after 2 pm. 2026 weekend rates average AED 380-520 per night for 3-star properties. Below are options sorted by distance to border.

Al Jasra Beach Resort

15 km from bridge. Rooms AED 420 Friday-Saturday. Private beach, pool, breakfast included. 10 minutes drive to Tree of Life.

Manama Plaza Hotel

22 km from bridge. Rooms AED 380. Metro station 300 m away. No pool but cheap transfers to Juffair beach clubs.

Amwaj Islands Resort

28 km from bridge. Rooms AED 520. Water sports centre hire kayaks for AED 60 per hour. 15 minutes to Qal’at al-Bahrain.

Things to do Saturday

Start at Manama Souq after breakfast. Reach by 9 am to beat heat. Buy spices, perfumes, gold jewellery. Lunch at Al Jabri Restaurant – lamb machboos AED 28.

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