Driving In Bahrain: Women Taking The Wheel

Women in Bahrain face widespread discrimination and inequality in many areas of life, despite the country being considered one of the most progressive Middle Eastern nations in terms of women's equality and advancement. Women gained the right to vote in 2002, and since then, the country has witnessed a wave of women in positions of authority, including ministers, councillors, and activists. However, women's rights activists in Bahrain have described the government's reforms as artificial and marginal. In terms of driving, women in Bahrain are now allowed to get behind the wheel, marking a significant shift in the country's driving culture.

Women in Bahrain are allowed to drive

While women in Bahrain do have the right to drive, there are still some challenges and barriers to their overall equality and empowerment. For example, Bahraini citizenship for children is determined by the father's citizenship, and women who are victims of domestic abuse face legal and cultural barriers to divorce. Additionally, Bahrain faces challenges with traffic congestion and aggressive driving, which can make driving in the country intimidating for locals and tourists alike.

Despite these challenges, Bahrain has made significant strides towards women's rights and gender equality. In 2002, women were given the right to vote and stand as candidates in elections, and several women have since held positions of authority in government. Additionally, Bahrain has well-maintained and efficient road systems, with over 3500km of mostly paved routes connecting the country's main islands and urban areas.

To drive in Bahrain, both locals and tourists need a valid driver's license from their home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). While an IDP is not strictly required by law, it is strongly recommended, especially if your native license is not in Arabic or English. Renting a car in Bahrain is a common choice for those looking to explore the country at their own pace, and there are several reputable car rental companies to choose from.

An International Driving Permit is recommended for foreigners driving in Bahrain

Women in Bahrain have faced widespread discrimination within society and political institutions, but the country is considered one of the most progressive in the Middle East for women's equality and advancement. Women gained the right to vote in 2002, and since then, there has been a conscious drive to promote women to positions of authority within the government. While women in Bahrain can drive, they still face gender inequality in many areas of life.

If you are a foreigner and plan to drive in Bahrain, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended. This document is a translation of your national driving license and allows you to drive in foreign countries. It is recognised in 150-180 countries, including Bahrain, and is available in 12 languages. While it is not a legal requirement, it is especially useful if your license is not in English or Arabic. Car rental companies in Bahrain typically require an IDP, along with your native license.

The process of obtaining an IDP involves filling out an online application and submitting a passport-style headshot. The cost of an IDP starts at $25 and can be as much as $35. You can receive digital copies of your IDP instantly or within a few hours, and the physical license can be mailed within 30 days or the next business day.

In addition to an IDP, there are a few other things to keep in mind when driving in Bahrain. Firstly, remember that they drive on the right side of the road. Secondly, the minimum age to drive a car is 18 years old, and you must be 21 years old to rent a car. It is also important to follow Bahrain's traffic laws, such as always wearing a seatbelt, not using a mobile phone while driving (unless it's a hands-free device), and abiding by the speed limits.

Driving in Bahrain requires adhering to specific road rules and regulations

Road Regulations and Safety

Bahrain's traffic safety standards are in line with regional and global standards. The country has implemented Traffic Law No. 23 of 2014, which includes smart systems to catch offenders who speed or run red lights. This law has helped reduce overall traffic accidents and fatalities. The law also introduced a points system to penalize repeat traffic violators and streamline processes related to driving licenses, vehicle registrations, and traffic fines.

Traffic Rules

Bahrain follows right-hand traffic, so drivers from left-driving countries will need to adjust. It is essential to use turn signals for lane changes and turns, and understanding specific signals like headlight flashing is crucial for smooth driving interactions. Always stop your vehicle behind the white line at traffic lights, as many roads have sensors to detect cars for signal changes.

Pedestrian Safety

It is important to slow down at pedestrian crossings and in crowded areas. Use your horn to alert pedestrians when approaching a crossing. Stay within your lane and be cautious at "Give Way" points, yielding to emergency vehicles.

Seatbelt and Child Safety

Wearing seatbelts is mandatory for drivers and front-seat passengers in Bahrain. Failing to wear a seatbelt can result in fines. Children under 10 should be seated in the back with appropriate restraints.

Drink-Driving and Mobile Phone Usage

Drink-driving is strictly prohibited in Bahrain. The legal blood alcohol level is 0%, and violations can result in a minimum fine of 500 Bahraini Dinar (BHD500) or a month to a year in prison. Using a handheld phone while driving is also prohibited, and violations can lead to significant fines or imprisonment.

Speed Limits

Bahrain uses kilometers per hour (kph) for speed measurement. Adhere to the speed limits: 60 kph in cities, 80 kph on rural roads, and 120 kph on expressways. Exceeding speed limits can result in hefty fines or imprisonment.

Roundabouts

Understand the rules for roundabouts: vehicles already inside the roundabout have priority. Use the correct lane based on your intended direction. If you want to turn left at a roundabout or go back the way you came, you must hold the left lane. It is not permitted to turn right at a red traffic light.

Parking

Car parking in Bahrain is generally convenient, with free parking available in many areas. For busier areas, metered parking spots are maintained by the Ministry of Works. Parking on the road is not permitted except in marked bays.

International Driver's Permit

If you're a foreigner driving in Bahrain, it is strongly recommended to have an International Driver's Permit (IDP), especially if your native license is not in Arabic or English. This supplementary document facilitates smoother interactions with local authorities and car rental agencies.

Bahrain has a low crime rate and violent incidents are rare

While women in Bahrain continue to face gender inequality and discrimination in many areas of life, they are allowed to drive. Bahrain is considered one of the most progressive countries in the Middle East for women's equality and advancement. Legally, Bahraini women are recognised in the Bahraini Constitution as equal to men in "political, social, cultural and economic spheres of life, without prejudice to the provisions of the Islamic Shariah".

While the threat of terrorist attacks is low in Bahrain, it is still a concern. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian government advised travellers "to exercise a high degree of caution in Bahrain" due to the threat of terrorism. According to the DFAT, terrorists could target shopping areas, supermarkets, embassies, hotels, restaurants, clubs, cinemas, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events, and tourist areas.

In terms of corruption, Bahrain was ranked 46th out of 179 countries in the 2007 Corruption Perceptions Index, with a rating of 5.0 out of 10 on the Transparency International scale (where 0 is the most corrupt and 10 is the most transparent).

Women's rights in Bahrain have been a cornerstone of the political reforms initiated by King Hamad

In 2002, Bahrain's constitution was amended to set women equal to men, guaranteeing gender equality in "political, social, and economic spheres, without breaching the provisions of Islamic law." This was a significant step forward, as before 2002, women had no political rights and could neither vote in elections nor stand as candidates. The extension of equal political rights has been accompanied by a conscious drive to promote women to positions of authority within the government. However, it is important to note that this progress does not mean that gender inequality has been eradicated in Bahrain.

Following the constitutional reform, Bahrain's first female minister, Dr. Nada Haffadh, was appointed to the position of Health Minister in 2004. In 2005, Dr. Fatima Albalooshi became the second woman minister appointed to the cabinet, and Houda Ezra Nonoo, a Jewish activist, was appointed to the Shura Council. That same year, Shura member Alees Samaan became the first woman to chair a parliamentary session in the Arab world. These appointments represented significant milestones in the advancement of women's rights in Bahrain.

In addition to political participation, King Hamad's reforms have also impacted women's roles in the public and private sectors. Studies have shown that the percentage of women working in the government has reached 48%, higher than the number of women in the United States government. Women are also increasingly occupying jobs in the private sector, with a 73.5% increase in female employment from 2002 to 2011.

However, despite these advancements, women in Bahrain still face widespread discrimination within society and political institutions. The country's laws are a complex combination of royal decrees, civil and criminal codes, and Sharia law, which can create conflicting outcomes for women's rights. While some policies allow for women's freedoms, others are based on religious norms that may hinder progress. For example, while women have the right to vote and stand in elections, they are underrepresented in decision-making positions due to cultural and structural barriers.

Furthermore, while Bahrain has passed a personal status law that grants women the right to consent to marriage and have conditions in a marriage contract, these laws only apply to Sunni Muslim women, excluding Shi'ite Muslims. This highlights an ongoing challenge in the country's efforts to achieve true gender equality.

Frequently asked questions