Exploring Sexuality: Bahrain's Sensual Side

Bahrain is a Muslim country with conservative attitudes towards sex. Most of the population in Bahrain is Muslim, and many people frown upon sex before marriage. Sex outside of marriage is illegal in Bahrain, and the country has strict laws against prostitution and sex trafficking. However, prostitution is common, especially in the capital city of Manama, and Bahrain has gained a reputation as a major destination for sex tourism. The country's liberal laws on alcohol and prostitution are considered vital to the tourist industry, but these issues are divisive among the population. While the majority Shia population opposes alcohol and prostitution on religious grounds, the Sunni-led Shura Council has revoked bills to prohibit alcohol.

Sex tourism in Bahrain

Bahrain, a small island country in the Persian Gulf, has gained a reputation as a major destination for sex tourism in the Middle East. Prostitution in Bahrain is illegal, but the trade is prevalent and often operates out of bars and hotels. Sex trafficking is also a problem in the country.

History of Prostitution in Bahrain

Prostitution has been practised in Bahrain for many years, and the country has a history of sex tourism. After World War I, an influx of foreign workers fuelled demand for prostitution, and designated brothel areas were established in Gulba, west Manama, and Muharraq. In the 1970s, the building of hotels led to prostitution spreading beyond these designated areas. Following independence from Britain in 1971, British citizens could enter the country without a visa, and some British prostitutes came to work on the islands. The opening of the Saudi causeway in 1986 also brought an increase in demand for prostitution, as Saudis crossed the border to take advantage of Bahrain's more relaxed attitude towards sex and alcohol.

Sex Tourism Today

Bahrain's capital, Manama, is a popular destination for sex tourists, known for its nightlife and clubs. The Seef district in Manama is also a hotspot, with many Playboy girls working in the area. Juffair, located nearby, is another popular spot with a wide array of nightclubs.

Concerns and Clampdowns

Despite the country's reputation for sex tourism, prostitution and related activities are prohibited by the Bahrain Criminal Code, and there have been occasional clampdowns. In 2009, following Manama's inclusion in a list of the top "sin cities" worldwide, over 300 prostitutes and pimps were arrested within the first week. However, proposals to curb sex tourism, such as restricting visas for women from certain countries, have not been adopted.

There are also concerns about the link between prostitution and other forms of crime, as well as the issue of sex trafficking. Bahrain is a destination country for women subjected to sex trafficking, with victims coming from countries including Bangladesh, India, and Thailand. While the Bahraini government has taken steps to combat trafficking, with convictions and deportations, the problem persists.

Sex trafficking in Bahrain

Sex trafficking is a problem in Bahrain. In 2023, the country was given a score of 8 out of 10 for human trafficking by the Organised Crime Index, with an increase in the number of victims noted.

Bahrain is a source and destination country for men and women subjected to forced labour and forced prostitution. Many migrate voluntarily to work as domestic workers or unskilled labourers in the construction and service industries, but some face conditions of forced labour after arriving in the country. This includes the unlawful withholding of passports, restrictions on movement, contract substitution, non-payment of wages, threats, and physical or sexual abuse.

A study by the Bahrain Government's Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) found that 65% of migrant workers had not seen their employment contract, and 89% were unaware of their terms of employment upon arrival. Many labour recruitment agencies in Bahrain and source countries require workers to pay high recruitment fees, making them highly vulnerable to forced labour. The LMRA study found that 70% of foreign workers borrowed money or sold property in their home countries to secure a job in Bahrain.

Some Bahraini employers illegally charge workers exorbitant fees to remain in the country working for third-party employers (under the "free visa" arrangement). This practice can contribute to debt bondage, with approximately 10% of migrant workers in Bahrain under such arrangements, according to the LMRA. Women from Thailand, the Philippines, Morocco, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Russia, China, Vietnam, South Korea and Eastern European states are subjected to forced prostitution in Bahrain.

The Government of Bahrain has made some efforts to combat sex trafficking. The country ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol in 2004 and enacted the 2008 Law to Combat Trafficking in Persons, which prohibits all forms of trafficking and carries penalties of three to 15 years' imprisonment. In 2021, Bahrain established a specialised trafficking Public Prosecutor's Office and High Court, convicted a complicit government official for sex trafficking, and reported more sex trafficking convictions. However, the government has been criticised for not proactively identifying victims of all forms of trafficking, specifically those involved in commercial sex, and for treating some cases of forced labour as labour law violations rather than potential trafficking crimes.

Dating and hooking up in Bahrain

Bahrain is a small island country located in the Persian Gulf. It is a Muslim country with a population of 1.24 million, making it the third smallest country and fifth least populated country in Asia.

Dating Culture in Bahrain

Bahrain is a conservative country, and the majority of the population belongs to Islam. Most girls in Bahrain refrain from talking to unknown men. However, the dating scene is improving due to increased internet exposure. Many young women are now present on dating websites, bars, and nightclubs.

If you want to date in Bahrain, it is important to note that most Muslim girls prefer slow, emotional relationships instead of casual hookups. They often prefer to get to know someone well before becoming physically intimate. Additionally, premarital sex is culturally frowned upon, and some men will not marry a woman who has had sex before.

If you are looking to date Muslim women in Bahrain, it is important to approach them with respect and avoid coming across as sex-hungry. Dress well, be confident, and have a positive attitude. It is also helpful to be in good physical shape and smell nice.

Hooking Up in Bahrain

Hooking up in Bahrain can be more challenging due to the conservative nature of the country. Most women in Bahrain are Muslim and may not be open to casual encounters. However, there is a presence of women from other religions, such as Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism, who may be more open to hookups.

To increase your chances of hooking up, it is recommended to visit popular tourist destinations, beaches, and nightclubs. Beaches like Bahrain Al Beach, Amwaj Beach, and Jazair Beach are great spots to meet people. If you are looking for a more private beach experience, you can visit beaches like the Ritz Carlton Beach or Coral Bay Beach.

Another option for hookups is to visit spas, which usually have Thai and Russian women who may offer additional services for a fee. Clubs and bars are also a good place to find potential partners, but be prepared for possible rejection.

It is important to note that prostitution is illegal in Bahrain, but it is still prevalent, especially in Manama. Sex trafficking is also an issue in the country, with many foreign women being trafficked and exploited.

Tips for Staying Safe

When approaching women in Bahrain, it is important to be respectful and cautious. Avoid coming across as creepy or aggressive. Additionally, be mindful of the conservative nature of the country and respect the local culture and traditions.

If you engage in sexual activity, always practice safe sex and use protection. It is also important to be aware of the laws and regulations regarding sex in Bahrain. Homosexuality, for example, is not explicitly criminalized in the penal code, but you may encounter officers who respond as if it is.

In conclusion, while dating and hooking up in Bahrain can be challenging due to cultural and religious factors, it is not impossible. By being respectful, mindful of local customs, and knowing where to look, you can increase your chances of finding a partner.

Sex and the law in Bahrain

Bahrain is a small island country located in the Persian Gulf. It is a Muslim country, with 70.2% of its population practising Islam. As a result, the country is generally conservative, and prostitution is illegal. However, it has gained a reputation as a major destination for sex tourism in the Middle East.

Prostitution

Prostitution in Bahrain is common, especially in Manama, the capital city. It occurs in bars and hotels, with some prostitutes attracting customers in malls and on the street. Most prostitutes are foreign, with women coming from Russia, Thailand, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, China, and South Korea. Each hotel or bar tends to have one nationality of prostitutes. In some cases, prostitutes will knock on guests' doors late at night looking for customers. Hotels and bars tolerate this as it brings in male customers and increases alcohol sales.

Sex Trafficking

Sex trafficking is a problem in Bahrain. The country is a destination for women subjected to sex trafficking, with victims coming from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Nepal, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Thailand, Syria, and Kenya. In 2015, the Bahraini government convicted 17 sex traffickers, imposing 10-year prison terms, fines, and deportation.

Legal Consequences

Prostitution and related activities are prohibited by the Bahrain Criminal Code. The Criminal Code includes the following articles:

• Article 324: Entices or assists another to commit an act of immorality or prostitution (unspecified prison sentence, up to 5 years if the victim is under 18)
• Article 325: Forcing a person to commit acts of immorality or prostitution by coercion, threat, or deceit (2-7 years imprisonment, 3-10 years if the victim is under 18)
• Article 326: Living on the proceeds of immorality or prostitution (up to 5 years)
• Article 327: Increase the penalty of Articles 324, 325, and 326 if the perpetrator is the spouse, in-law, guardian, or person having authority over the victim (up to 15 years)
• Article 328: Establishes, runs, or assists in the running of a premises for immorality or prostitution (2-5 years)
• Article 329: Soliciting in a public place for immorality or prostitution (up to 2 years)
• Article 330: Any perpetrator of immorality or prostitution shall undergo a medical examination. If they have a venereal disease, a court will order them to a medical institute for treatment.
• Article 331: Any foreigner convicted of immorality or prostitution may be deported, either permanently or for at least 3 years.

Alcohol and Sex

The sale of alcohol is a divisive issue in Bahrain. Alcohol is sold via private license in certain hotels and is only sold to non-Muslims. Drinking alcohol in public is a crime, and those caught can face imprisonment.

Online Dating

Online dating is not prevalent in Bahrain due to the conservative nature of the local women. However, the increasing exposure to the internet and Western culture has led to more women embracing dating and joining dating websites.

LGBT Rights

There is no mention of LGBT rights in Bahrain in the sources provided.

Contraception and Abortion

There is no mention of contraception or abortion in Bahrain in the sources provided.

Sex workers in Bahrain

Prostitution is illegal in Bahrain, but the country has gained a reputation in the Middle East as a major destination for sex tourism. Sex trafficking is a problem in the country, and prostitution is common, especially in Manama, where it occurs in bars, hotels, malls, and on the streets. Most prostitutes in Bahrain are foreign nationals from countries such as Russia, Thailand, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, China, and South Korea.

In 2007, the Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights reported that there were over 13,500 prostitutes in the country, and the number was rising. The same year, the Gulf Daily News reported that 200 Thai women escaped their traffickers in Bahrain, with some having to "service" at least five men a day.

Prostitution in Bahrain is fuelled by the country's more liberal laws on sex and alcohol compared to its neighbouring countries, as well as its thriving tourist industry. Many of the customers are Saudis who drive to Bahrain, where the laws are less strict than in their homeland.

In 2009, Manama was listed as number 8 in the top 10 "sin cities" of the world by AskMen magazine. This prompted a crackdown during which 300 prostitutes and pimps were arrested within the first week. Despite this, prostitution remains prevalent in the country, with Google Maps marking out the many bars where sex is sold.

One bar in particular, an Australian-run outback-themed bar, is synonymous with prostitution in Bahrain. On entering the bar, customers are approached by smartly-dressed Chinese and Filipino women who proposition them for sex. The women are direct, with one example being a Chinese woman who gripped a customer's forearm and said, "I have an apartment", before negotiating a price.

Another well-known establishment is the Platinum bar at the four-star Golden Tulip hotel, where Russian women perform in luminous bikinis and karaoke. Purchasing a bottle of champagne entitles the buyer to a slow dance with one of the women, and a later rendezvous can be arranged.

While some prostitutes may enjoy their work, there is also a darker side to prostitution and trafficking in Bahrain. Women are often lured from their native countries with promises of high wages as housemaids, only to be forced into prostitution upon arrival. They live and work illegally, without protection, and are subjected to horrific physical and emotional treatment, enslavement, and entrapment.

The Bahraini government has made some efforts to combat sex trafficking, meeting the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. They have investigated labour trafficking cases, prosecuted and convicted traffickers, and provided training on proactive victim identification. However, they have also been criticized for not consistently screening vulnerable populations for trafficking indicators and for inadequate legal protections for domestic workers, who are highly vulnerable to exploitation.

Frequently asked questions