Riffa; a Historic City in Bahrain

Riffa (Arabic: الرفاع‎, transliteration: Ar Rifa`) (Urdu: رفاع) is the second largest city in the Kingdom of Bahrain. 

Riffa is divided into two parts; East Riffa and West Riffa. The city is mainly located in the Central Governorate, while smaller parts are in the Southern Governorate. Most of the city's 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.

Riffa Fort, Bahrain

East Riffa: 

East Riffa has many attractions, one such attraction is Riffa Fort, which is also known as Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmad Al Fateh Fort. The city has several shopping malls and two main shopping streets; Riffa Bazaar(in Arabic: سوق الرفاع‎, Souk Ar Rifa) and Bukuwara Street Market. The former is larger, while the latter is more organised and modernised. Playing golf in the Royal Golf Club is considered as one of the top activities to do in the area. A new development, created by Arcapita, called Riffa Views, is an upcoming large residential and commercial center. The project will open in stages for the public to live.

The whole development will include artificial lakes, an international school, commercial districts, supermarkets, and will have access to the recently opened Royal Women's University. Lulu Hypermarket is new addition to the rapidly increasing commercial centres in East Riffa.

West Riffa:

West Riffa is predominately a residential area. Most of the ruling family, 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. 

East Riffa is home to Bahrain National Stadium, where most football matches and important sports events in Bahrain take place. West Riffa and East Riffa, each has its own football club and stadium.