Hand-Holding In Bahrain: A Sign Of Friendship Or Love?

In Bahrain, a country made up of 33 islands, only three of which are inhabited, it is common for men to hold hands as a form of greeting or to show affection. This is done without sexual connotation and is instead a sign of solidarity and kinship. While Bahrain is considered to be a relatively westernised country, it is important to respect local customs and culture, especially in more religious areas.

Holding hands is a common greeting for men in Bahrain

This custom is deeply rooted in the historical context of Arab culture, where segregation between the sexes was prevalent. As a result, men often channelled their emotions and affections towards other men. The physical expression of greeting someone with a handshake, holding hands, or kissing cheeks is considered a sign of respect and sincerity in Bahrain. Failing to do so can be interpreted as a sign of distance or disdain.

However, it is important to note that these customs are evolving with changing societal norms. With increased urbanisation and more interaction between the sexes, such gestures are becoming less common in some parts of the Arab world. While it is still prevalent in countries like Saudi Arabia, where sex segregation is more pronounced, it is less frequently observed in cities like Beirut, where men and women mingle openly.

In Bahrain, the country's western influence also plays a role in shaping social norms. While traditional greetings are common, the country's modernisation and exposure to different cultures may lead to a shift in these customs over time. Nevertheless, it is always important for visitors to respect the local culture and traditions, especially when it comes to greetings and displays of affection.

Men holding hands in Bahrain is not a romantic gesture

In Bahrain, a country with a population that is approximately 70% Shi'i Muslim, men holding hands is not a romantic gesture. Instead, it is a common way for men to express affection, solidarity, and kinship with one another. This custom is rooted in the historical segregation of the sexes in Arab culture, which has led to men directing their emotions and feelings towards the same sex.

While Bahrain is a relatively liberal and diverse country, it is important to respect local customs and traditions. Public displays of affection (PDA) between couples, such as hugs, kisses, and hand-holding, may offend some people in more religious areas. However, in general, it is acceptable for couples to hold hands in public, although they should refrain from kissing.

In Arab culture, greetings are important, and it is considered rude to refuse to shake hands when meeting someone or saying goodbye. Men may shake hands using their right hand, while women should wait for a man to extend his hand first. It is also customary for men to greet each other with a handshake and a kiss on the cheek, which is a sign of amity, devotion, and equality in status.

Overall, while men holding hands in Bahrain may be misinterpreted as a romantic gesture by those unfamiliar with local customs, it is actually a common expression of friendship and solidarity, and it is important to respect this cultural difference.

Women should wait for a Bahraini man to extend his hand for a handshake

In Bahrain, it is customary for women to wait for a man to extend his hand for a handshake. This is because, in Arab culture, personal interaction and relationship-building are highly valued, and it is important to respect the comfort level of the individual. While Bahrain is a relatively westernised country, it is still important to be mindful of local customs and traditions.

When greeting a Bahraini man, it is customary for women to wait for the man to initiate a handshake. This is because, in Arab culture, men and women are often segregated, and public displays of intimacy between men and women are forbidden. By allowing the man to initiate the handshake, women can respect the cultural norms and avoid any potential discomfort or offence.

In addition to handshake etiquette, there are other cultural norms that women should be aware of when interacting with Bahraini men. For example, it is considered disrespectful to use the left hand during a handshake or when eating, as it is the hand used for washing after visiting the toilet. It is also important to dress conservatively and avoid tight clothing or exposing too much skin, as this can cause offence in more religious areas of the country.

While Bahrain is known for its hospitality and tolerance towards foreigners, there are certain behaviours that can cause offence, such as over-familiarity with women. Therefore, it is important for women to be respectful and mindful of cultural norms when interacting with Bahraini men. By waiting for the man to extend his hand for a handshake, women can demonstrate their respect for local customs and build positive relationships with their Bahraini colleagues and counterparts.

In conclusion, when interacting with Bahraini men, women should be mindful of cultural norms and allow the man to extend his hand for a handshake. This demonstrates respect for local traditions and helps to build positive relationships. While Bahrain is a relatively westernised country, being mindful of local customs can help foster mutual understanding and respect between individuals of different cultural backgrounds.

Public displays of affection between men and women are forbidden in Bahrain

Bahrain is a relatively liberal and diverse country that is quite westernized. While public displays of affection between men and women are generally frowned upon in Bahrain, there are no clear-cut rules prohibiting them. However, it is important to exercise discretion and respect local customs and cultural sensitivities.

In the Arab world, including Bahrain, physical contact between members of the same sex is common and holds significant cultural value. Men often greet each other with long handshakes, cheek kisses, and hand-holding, which signify amity, devotion, and equality in status. These displays of affection between men are devoid of any sexual connotation and are considered a "warm expression of affection."

On the other hand, due to the traditional segregation of the sexes in Arab culture, public displays of intimacy between men and women are typically discouraged. While it may not result in legal repercussions, it can cause discomfort and offence to locals. This includes behaviours such as overly enthusiastic greetings, animated and joking conversations, and casual invitations, in addition to physical contact like holding hands, linking arms, kissing, or prolonged touching.

As a foreigner, it is essential to be mindful of these cultural nuances and adapt your behaviour accordingly when in Bahrain. While the country is undergoing changes with increased urbanisation and contact between the sexes, it is respectful to refrain from excessive public displays of affection with your partner to avoid causing offence.

Bahrain is westernised, so customs are not that important to consider

Bahrain: Customs and Culture

Bahrain is a small, Middle Eastern island country in the Persian Gulf, situated between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. It is officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain and is recognised as a high-income economy by the World Bank. Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy with a bi-cameral legislature, consisting of a Chamber of Deputies and a Shura Council. The country has a population of around 1.5 million, with over two-thirds of the population residing in the capital, Manama.

Bahrain is considered a relatively liberal and cosmopolitan country compared to its neighbours, Iran and Saudi Arabia. Its culture has been described as 'Middle East lite', with fewer restrictions on women's rights and a greater tolerance of other religions. The country is also known for its friendly and welcoming attitude towards expats, with a relaxed attitude towards other cultures.

Customs and Etiquette

While Bahrain is a Muslim country, governed by Islamic rules and traditions, its westernisation means that customs are not as important to consider when visiting. However, it is still beneficial to be respectful and knowledgeable of the local customs and culture. Here are some key points to consider:

• Greetings: When meeting Bahraini colleagues or business contacts, the usual greeting is "Asalamu alaiykum" ("peace be upon you"), to which the reply is "Wa alaikum as-salam" ("and upon you be peace"), along with a firm handshake. It is important to shake with the right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean. Bahrainis are tactile, and it is common for men to hold hands and kiss. When greeting a woman, wait for her to extend her hand first.
• Business Culture: Bahrainis have a formal and non-confrontational communication style in business. Decisions are made from the top down, and employees are not expected to question these decisions. Building trust and personal relationships is crucial, and initial meetings will focus on getting to know each other. Business attire is formal, with men typically wearing traditional thobes or suits, and women dressing conservatively, covering their shoulders, knees, and elbows.
• Punctuality: Bahrainis have a relaxed attitude towards punctuality, and lateness is not considered rude. It is common for meetings to start later than scheduled, and schedules may change without notice.
• Language: Arabic is the official language of Bahrain and is spoken by around half of the population. English is also widely spoken and understood, with many Bahrainis speaking a good level of English. Some Bahraini words have been borrowed from Turkish, Hindi, and English, and there are accent differences between urban and rural areas.
• Dining Etiquette: It is customary to eat with the right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean. Pork is forbidden in Islam, and while visitors may find pork products in cordoned-off sections of supermarkets, it is generally not available in restaurants. Alcohol, while not illegal, is typically limited to hotels and certain restaurants.
• Dress Code: Although there are no strict rules on female attire, it is generally recommended to dress conservatively, covering shoulders, knees, and elbows.
• Public Displays of Affection (PDA): While not illegal, PDAs may cause offence, so it is advisable to keep hugs, kisses, and hand-holding to a minimum in public.
• Religion: The country's constitution affirms the importance of religion, with the family as the cornerstone of society. The majority of the population is Muslim, with a cultural, religious, and political divide between the ruling Sunni minority and the majority Shia population.
• Ramadan: During the month of Ramadan, it is forbidden to eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours. Most restaurants are closed during the day, and social life generally moves to the evenings.
• Dressing Conservatively: While Bahrain is more liberal than some neighbouring countries, it is advisable for women to dress conservatively to respect local customs and avoid attracting unwanted attention.
• Photography: When taking photographs, especially of people, it is polite to ask for permission first.

While Bahrain is a westernised country, it is still important to be respectful and mindful of local customs and traditions. By understanding and adhering to local etiquette, visitors can ensure they do not cause offence and can build positive relationships with the local people.

Frequently asked questions