Riffa

Ar Rifa or Al-Riffa or Riffa is a city in the South Governorate of central Bahrain. It is divided into two main cities, East Riffa and West Riffa, which are the two largest cities in the Southern Governorate. Most of the inhabitants are Sunni Muslims.

The city is growing fast and as of the 2001 census it had a population of 79,550 but the 2008 estimate is 111,000.

East Riffa has a beautiful shopping street, commonly called Riffa Bazaar. East Riffa has many attractions, one such attraction is Riffa Fort, which is also known as Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmad Al Fateh Fort. Riffa Golf Club is another attraction in East Riffa. A new development, created by Arcapita, called Riffa Views, is an upcomming large residential and commercial center.

West Riffa is predominately a residential area. Most of the ruling family and other high ranking families, ministers and business investors live there. His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain lives there, as well as the Prime Minister, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa. Riffa’s famous clock tower is located in the centre of West Riffa.