Bahrain Travel: What To Do And Avoid

As a Muslim country, Bahrain has a distinct set of customs and practices that may differ from those in the West. While Bahrain is relatively liberal and westernised, it is important for foreigners to be mindful of and adapt to the local culture and society. Here is a guide to some of the do's and don'ts to follow when visiting or living in Bahrain.

Dress modestly, covering shoulders, arms, and legs

Bahrain is a Muslim country, and its people adhere to certain rules and guidelines pertaining to their faith. As a foreigner, it's important to adapt to the Kingdom's customs and practices.

Dress Code for Women

Bahraini women usually wear the abaya, an ankle-length garment with long sleeves and a high neckline, and cover their hair with a headscarf. Foreign women are expected to dress modestly, covering their shoulders, arms, and legs. It is recommended to wear loose clothing, such as an abaya, when going out in public and a headscarf when visiting public areas. Tight-fitting or revealing clothes are not considered appropriate.

While the dress code for women in Bahrain is generally conservative, there are some exceptions. In private homes, women may adopt Western dress, particularly younger women, and there are no restrictions on how foreign women dress in private. Additionally, restaurants offer more freedom, as women are allowed to wear revealing clothing, such as showing their cleavage. Private beaches also offer significant freedom to women in the small country as anything—apart from going nude—is allowed.

Dress Code for Men

While Bahraini men wear Muslim garments, foreign men are not expected to do so. However, they should follow certain guidelines. In public areas, it is recommended to avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts. For work, long-sleeved shirts and long pants are appropriate, and a suit and tie may be required for special occasions. When visiting a mosque, it is respectful to remove your shoes before entering, and wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts inside is not permitted.

Cultural Sensitivity

It is important to remember that the way of life in Bahrain, as a Muslim country, may be significantly different from what you are used to in the West. Respecting and adhering to the conservative dress code for both men and women are essential when visiting or living in Bahrain. By following these guidelines, you will show respect for the local culture and avoid causing offence.

Remove shoes before entering a mosque

The Kingdom of Bahrain is a Muslim country, and as such, it is important to respect and adhere to certain rules and guidelines pertaining to the Islamic faith. One such guideline is the removal of shoes before entering a mosque. This custom is rooted in the belief that shoes are unclean, bringing dirt and dust into the holy space.

When visiting a mosque in Bahrain, it is imperative to remove your shoes before entering. This act of removing your shoes is a sign of respect, recognising the holiness of the space you are entering. It is considered sacrilegious to touch books with one's feet and to point one's feet at someone in many cultures. Therefore, by taking off your shoes, you are showing reverence to the religious practices and beliefs of Islam.

In many Muslim countries, including Bahrain, it is customary for worshippers to remove their shoes before entering a mosque. This tradition is also observed in other religions that originated in the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, such as Hinduism, Christianity, and Judaism. In these faiths, feet are considered unclean, and removing shoes before entering a place of worship is seen as a way of acknowledging one's personal uncleanness in the presence of the divine.

When visiting a mosque in Bahrain, it is important to follow this custom and remove your shoes. This practice is not limited to mosques but is also observed in other places of worship, such as churches, synagogues, and temples. Additionally, in many homes and cultural spaces in Bahrain and the wider Middle East, removing shoes is a sign of respect and an important part of maintaining a clean and hygienic space.

It is worth noting that while Bahrain is a Muslim country, it is also a relatively westernised nation. As a foreigner or visitor, you may find that the local population is accommodating and understanding if you inadvertently fail to follow certain customs or guidelines. However, it is always best to be respectful and informed about the local culture and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites such as mosques.

Avoid drinking alcohol in public

As a Muslim country, Bahrain has certain rules and guidelines that its people adhere to pertaining to their faith. One of these guidelines is to avoid drinking alcohol in public. Here are some things to keep in mind regarding alcohol consumption in Bahrain:

Firstly, it is important to note that the legal drinking age in Bahrain is 21 years old and above. If you are a non-Muslim, you are permitted to purchase and consume alcohol, but only in licensed establishments such as bars, pubs, hotels, and special restaurants, clubs, and bars. It is considered highly offensive to offer alcoholic beverages to a Muslim.

When consuming alcohol, it is important to do so responsibly. Public drunkenness is strictly prohibited and can result in fines and even jail time. Driving under the influence of alcohol is also illegal and can lead to serious consequences, including prison time and hefty fines.

During the month of Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims, there are even stricter rules regarding alcohol consumption. During this month, it is forbidden to consume alcohol in public during daylight hours. This means no drinking, smoking, or even consuming water or coffee in your car, on the street, or in any public place. Establishments that serve alcohol, such as bars and clubs, may also be closed during this month.

While Bahrain is considered a relatively westernized country, it is important to remember that some areas are deeply religious. As a foreigner, it is respectful to adapt to the local customs and guidelines, especially when it comes to alcohol consumption. By following these guidelines and being mindful of the local culture, you can ensure that you are a responsible citizen and avoid any conflicts or misunderstandings during your time in Bahrain.

Greet with Salam alaykum and use right hand to shake

Greeting someone with "Salam alaykum" and using your right hand to shake is an important custom in Bahrain. Here are some detailed guidelines to follow when greeting people in this country:

Firstly, "Salam alaykum" translates to "Peace be upon you" and is considered a respectful greeting in the Muslim culture. The correct response to this greeting is "Wa alaykum as-salam," which means "And upon you be peace." Learning this common greeting shows respect for the local culture and can help you build positive relationships with the locals.

When greeting Bahraini men, it is customary to shake their hand. Men in Bahrain typically use their right hand for handshakes, as the left hand is considered unclean in their culture due to its association with toilet purposes. Remember to always offer a handshake with your right hand to avoid causing offence.

However, when greeting Bahraini women, it is important to wait for them to offer their hand first. Some devout Muslim women may not feel comfortable shaking hands with men who are not family members. If a woman does not extend her hand, you can place your hand over your heart as a respectful alternative greeting.

Additionally, it is customary to inquire about the other person's health and well-being after shaking hands. This is an important part of the greeting ritual in Bahrain, and it is considered polite to ask about their family as well. Take the time to engage in this social ritual, as it is valued in Bahraini culture.

When greeting people in Bahrain, it is also important to be mindful of your body language. Avoid crossing your legs when sitting, as this can be considered offensive. Instead, keep your feet flat on the ground to avoid showing the soles of your shoes or feet, which is highly disrespectful.

By following these guidelines, you will be able to greet people in Bahrain in a respectful and culturally appropriate manner. Remembering to use the greeting "Salam alaykum," shaking hands with your right hand, and being mindful of cultural differences in social etiquette will help you navigate social interactions in Bahrain successfully.

Avoid physical affection in public

Bahrain is a Muslim country, and as such, it is important to respect the local culture and customs. While the country is quite westernised, it is still important to be mindful of religious traditions, especially during Ramadan.

Public displays of affection (PDA) are generally frowned upon in Bahrain, and it is important to avoid physical affection in public to respect local norms and avoid causing offence. While you may see some locals holding hands or giving quick hugs or kisses, especially among younger people, it is generally best to refrain from such displays as a visitor.

In Arabic cultures, it is common for friends of the same gender to hold hands, particularly men. However, it is important to avoid doing this with people you don't know well. Any contact between men and women in public, especially if they are not related or married, is generally not acceptable. This includes hugging, kissing, and even touching, as it may be considered a violation of public decency.

While Bahrain is a relatively liberal Islamic country, it is important to remember that excessive displays of affection can cause offence and may even lead to legal consequences. For example, couples have been arrested in the past for kissing in public, and there have been reports of people facing jail time or fines for displaying affection in front of others.

Therefore, it is best to avoid physical affection in public places, including on public transportation. Keep in mind that this applies during Ramadan as well, when public displays of affection are especially discouraged.

Frequently asked questions