Living In Bahrain: An Expat's Guide To Daily Life

Bahrain is an archipelago of over 30 islands in the Persian Gulf, with a population of around 1.5 million people. It is a small but generally flat and arid country, with a hot and humid climate. As a former British protectorate, English is widely spoken, and it has a diverse population, with a large expat community. Bahrain is a semi-constitutional monarchy, ruled by a Sunni king, and has a high-income economy, having developed one of the first post-oil economies in the Persian Gulf region.

Bahrain is considered one of the most liberal Gulf states, with a more relaxed attitude towards dress codes and alcohol consumption compared to its neighbours. It has a diverse range of food options and entertainment, and is known for its friendly people. However, there are concerns about human rights violations and media censorship in the country, with the monarchy accused of systematically eliminating political rights and civil liberties.

In terms of practicalities, Bahrain has a good standard of healthcare and education, although these can be expensive without insurance. Most expats have domestic help, and the country has a well-developed road network, although driving can be dangerous due to erratic local driving habits. Overall, Bahrain offers a unique blend of modern and traditional culture, with a lively social scene and friendly locals, making it an interesting and welcoming place to live for expats.

Bahrain is a liberal Gulf State, with women allowed to drive and work

Bahrain is a relatively liberal Gulf State, especially when compared to its neighbour, Saudi Arabia. Women in Bahrain are allowed to drive and work, and while expat women are not required to cover their heads or wear abayas, modest dress is recommended.

Bahrain is touted as 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 Bahraini men in "political, social, cultural and economic spheres of life, without prejudice to the provisions of the Islamic Shariah." The country is also a member of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and has adopted the unified Personal Status Law (PSL) to protect both Sunni and Shi'ite women under an inclusive legal framework.

In addition to driving and working, women in Bahrain have the right to vote and stand in national elections. Bahrain has the highest share of female founders in the world, with 18% of homegrown startups active in the kingdom founded by women. Women also comprise a significant portion of the workforce in the financial services industries and managerial positions in the financial sector.

Despite these advancements, systemic barriers to women's legal equality and empowerment still exist in Bahrain. For example, Bahraini citizenship for children is determined by the citizenship of the father, and cultural and legal barriers make it difficult for women to obtain a divorce, even in cases of domestic abuse. However, women-led civil society organisations are demanding further reforms and advocating for amendments to the PSL to advance women's equality.

Bahrain has a large expat community, with many well-educated locals

Bahrain is a small island country in West Asia, situated on the Persian Gulf. It is a popular destination for expats, with a large expat community and many well-educated locals. The country has a population of around 1.5 million people, with about half being Bahraini nationals.

Bahrain is one of the most liberal Gulf States, with a more relaxed attitude towards dress codes and religion compared to its neighbours. Women can drive and work, and while modest dress is advisable, expat women are not required to cover their heads or wear abayas. The sale and consumption of pork and alcohol are permitted, and there are well-established Anglican and Catholic churches, as well as a synagogue.

The country has a high standard of education, with many locals having attended western schools and universities. English is widely spoken, so expats will not need to learn Arabic unless they wish to. Bahrain also offers a range of international schools, catering to the diverse expat community.

In terms of accommodation, expats can choose from apartments, stand-alone villas, or gated compounds. Driving is a necessity due to the limited public transportation options, and the driving style can be dangerous, with illegal manoeuvres and accidents being common.

Bahrain has a diverse food scene, with a variety of supermarkets and restaurants catering to different tastes and budgets. Western expats can find familiar options in the large malls, while the local suq offers a more authentic shopping experience.

Overall, Bahrain is a safe and friendly place to live, with a congenial small-town feel. The locals are respectful and proud of their country and culture, making it easy for expats to settle in and make friends.

The country is incredibly safe, with friendly people and a congenial small-town feel

Bahrain is an incredibly safe place to live, with friendly people and a congenial small-town feel. The country is ruled by a Sunni king, whose family holds the main political and military posts. While there is a divide between the Shia majority and the Sunni rulers, which has led to long-running tension and civil disobedience, the country is still considered incredibly safe.

Bahrain is an archipelago of over 30 islands, most of which are uninhabited. The three main islands, Bahrain Island, Muharraq, and Sitra, are linked by bridges and causeways, and it doesn't take long to get your bearings. The country has a well-established Anglican and Catholic church presence, as well as a synagogue, and locals are not obliged to attend prayers, although many do so.

Bahrain has a big expat community, and it is common to see expats living alongside wealthier Bahrainis, with their children attending international schools. English is widely spoken, and it is easy to meet and befriend locals, who are generally proud of their country and culture.

While remnants of Bahrain's past remain in the form of forts, palaces, and souks, the country has largely modernised, with shiny skyscrapers, large highways, shopping malls, hotels, and office blocks. The country has a range of accommodation options, from apartments to stand-alone villas and gated compounds, and finding a native English-speaking real estate agent to help with your search is easy.

Bahrain offers a congenial small-town feel, with a wide variety of entertainment options, from waterparks and excellent museums to heritage areas and random fun activities like board game cafes and mosaic-making. The country has a relaxed atmosphere for an Islamic country, with no dress code outside of religious spaces, and there are plenty of bars and clubs, although smoking is allowed in these venues.

The food in Bahrain is good, with plenty of options, and it can be affordable if you know where to go. There is easy access to pork and alcohol, which can be purchased from special outlets or found in the special pork sections of larger grocery stores.

Overall, Bahrain is a safe, friendly, and laid-back country to live in, with a small-town feel and a modern infrastructure.

There is a wide variety of food options, with affordable options if you know where to go

Bahrain has a wide variety of food options, with plenty of affordable options if you know where to go. The country is home to a large Asian expat community, and as such, there are many specialist Asian supermarkets and local bakeries making delicious Arabic flatbread. The ubiquitous cold stores (corner shops) also have a great supply of goodies and can usually produce whatever you're after from under the counter. Most will deliver small items to your house if you call them, which is handy if you've forgotten something like a pint of milk.

Bahrain also has a host of excellent restaurants catering not only to residents but also to the large influx of weekenders from more conservative neighbouring countries. Unusually for the Gulf, many of the better restaurants are licensed and are not in hotels. The Block 338 area of Adliya is home to many of the best restaurants, ranging from upmarket Italian to Asian fusion and steakhouses.

If you're craving pork, you can buy it from the special pork sections in the larger shops such as Carrefour, Al-Jazeera, or Alosra grocery stores.

For a more authentic shopping experience, you can head to the suq. It's worth dressing appropriately and preparing to be hassled into buying several mosque alarm clocks and a herd of singing camels. It's also a great place to have jewellery made or mended or to buy fabric.

While Bahrain does have tourist attractions (water parks, an excellent museum, and heritage areas), it is small, and you will probably want to explore further afield in the region. Popular weekend destinations include Dubai, Oman, and Abu Dhabi, while India, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Jordan, Greece, and Cyprus are all only a few hours' flight away.

Bahrain has more entertainment options than Qatar

Bahrain is an island country in West Asia, situated on the Persian Gulf. It is recognised by the World Bank as a high-income economy and has a population of 1,501,635 as of May 14, 2023. The country has a rich history and civilisation, dating back almost nine thousand years to the ancient Dilmun civilisation, for which it was famous for its pearl fisheries. Today, Bahrain offers a range of entertainment options for its residents and visitors, which we will explore in this article.

When it comes to entertainment, Bahrain has a lot to offer. Here are some reasons why Bahrain has more entertainment options than Qatar:

• Magic Planet: Magic Planet is one of the best indoor entertainment centres in the region. It offers a range of fun rides, games, and attractions for both children and adults. Magic Planet has the latest video games, arcade games, online games, skill games, and prize games. It also hosts exciting contests and activities throughout the year, making it a popular destination for families.
• Wahooo! Waterpark: Wahooo! Waterpark is the first indoor-outdoor water park in the Middle East, spread over fifteen thousand square meters. It offers exciting rides, slides, and attractions suitable for all ages. The waterpark is 30% indoors and 70% outdoors, with temperature-controlled pools, making it a great option all year round.
• Yalla! Bowling Lanes and Lounge: Yalla! Bowling is a state-of-the-art bowling experience with 12 hi-tech 10-pin bowling lanes, pool tables, and the latest video games. It is a great option for families, as people of all ages can participate and enjoy the facilities.
• Bahrain Yacht Club: The Bahrain Yacht Club, located in Sitra, welcomes anyone passionate about sailing and water sports. The club offers training programs and facilities for amateurs and pros alike. It is built around a lagoon with a beach, a swimming pool, and a lounge area, providing a relaxing environment for its members.
• Cinema Experience: Bahrain takes movie-watching to the next level with its luxurious cinemas. Cineco20 Cinemas at City Centre Bahrain offers a premium experience with plush reclining seats, a hostess service, and online booking options. The cinema caters to a diverse range of audiences, screening Hollywood blockbusters, Arabic films, Indian movies, and more.
• Theme Parks: Bahrain is also known for its theme parks and entertainment parks, providing fun and excitement for children and families. One notable example is Entertainment City, which is home to the Disney character Aladdin.

In addition to these options, Bahrain also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with nightclubs, dance clubs, and live music concerts in Doha. The country also hosts various festivals, such as the Spring of Culture, which features international musicians and artists.

Overall, Bahrain offers a diverse range of entertainment options, from indoor and outdoor amusement parks to cinemas, bowling alleys, and water parks. The country's rich history and cultural sites, such as forts and archaeological complexes, also provide additional entertainment and leisure opportunities for residents and tourists alike.

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