Expat Life In Bahrain: A Comprehensive Guide

Bahrain is a small island country in the Persian Gulf, known for its liberal and modern society, especially when compared to its more conservative neighbours. This openness is particularly appealing to expatriates and international workers who find the cultural environment accommodating to diverse lifestyles and beliefs.

Bahrain is recognised as the happiest country in the Arab world, and ranks highly in terms of ease of settling in, work and leisure, and quality of life. The country is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and its rich cultural heritage.

However, moving to Bahrain does come with some challenges, including the high cost of living, extreme summer heat, and cultural adjustments.

Social life and making friends

Bahrain ranks 9th out of 53 destinations in the Expat Insider 2023 survey for ease of settling in, with 64% of expats finding it easy to make local friends. The local population is generally friendly towards foreign residents, and the social life is a particular highlight for many.

The country's small size means that you'll soon start recognising people wherever you go. There are plenty of opportunities to meet people at expat clubs, such as the British Club, the Dilmun Club, the Yacht Club, and the Rugby Club. There are also groups for specific nationalities, such as Americans in Bahrain and Filipinos in Bahrain.

There are groups and activities to suit a range of interests, including sports like tennis, golf, and horse riding, as well as book clubs, language schools, and classes in everything from pilates to pottery.

Bahrain is a Muslim society, so it's important to respect local traditions and customs, particularly when it comes to the way you dress, consume alcohol, and date. While Bahrain is a liberal state, large parts of the population are conservative, and it's important to dress modestly and refrain from public displays of affection, particularly during Ramadan.

English is widely spoken in Bahrain, so it's easy to get by without speaking Arabic. However, learning the local language will open up more opportunities to connect with locals and will be appreciated by Bahrainis.

The Bahraini people are known for their warmth and hospitality, and it's common for expats to have good Bahraini friends. The social scene is very friendly and active, and many expats feel that it's the people who make the place special.

Housing and accommodation

Accommodation is one of the most critical aspects of moving to Bahrain. The type of accommodation you choose will depend on your budget and personal preferences.

Options

There is a wide variety of accommodation available in Bahrain, ranging from apartments to stand-alone villas and gated compounds.

• Apartments: Expats can choose from a range of options, including luxury, fully furnished apartments with resort-style amenities such as hospitality services and 24/7 security.
• Flats: Furnished flats are ideal for expats who want a hassle-free move and don't want to worry about furniture or appliances.
• Villas: Standalone villas are another option for those who prefer more space and privacy.
• Compounds: Many expats live in new, purpose-built flats in compounds or gated communities. These compounds offer added benefits such as reception areas, onsite gyms, swimming pools, tennis courts, and restaurants. However, they may lack cultural diversity and character.
• Urban areas: Standard apartment blocks in urban areas offer a greater mix of people, nationalities, and cultures.

Finding a Place to Live

There are several ways to find accommodation in Bahrain:

• Real estate agents: Many expats work as real estate agents, so finding a native English speaker to help you is easy.
• Newspapers: The main English-language newspaper, the Gulf Daily News, has a good online property section.
• Driving around: Simply driving around and looking for 'to let' signs can also be a good way to find accommodation.
• Word of mouth: Talking to the porter or reception office at compounds or apartment buildings you're interested in can help you learn about upcoming vacancies.
• Relocation agents: If you're sent to Bahrain on an expat assignment, your company or a relocation agent may help you find accommodation. Some companies even keep a stock of apartments for their expat workforce.

Renting Accommodation

Rental apartments can be either furnished or unfurnished, with unfurnished being more common and cheaper. They are typically high-quality and well-maintained. A "Lease Law" was introduced in 2014 to create a more unified approach to rental properties, setting standards for property maintenance, rent increases, and rights to terminating leases.

Cost

While accommodation is plentiful in Bahrain, it is not necessarily cheap. It will likely be an expat's biggest expense, along with the cost of a car due to the island's limited public transport network. That said, some companies may include these benefits in an expat's employment package.

Utilities

• Gas: Most cookers in older rental accommodation run on gas. Bahrain does not have mains gas, so you'll need to order cylinders from a gas supply company like Bahrain Gas.
• Water: The water quality in Bahrain is improving but is still not great, so everyone drinks bottled water. You'll need to sign up with a water delivery company and buy a water cooler from a large supermarket.
• Electricity: Bahrain introduced a "Lease Law" in 2014 to create a more unified approach to rental properties, which includes standards for property maintenance.

Things to Consider

When finding a house in Bahrain, make sure you agree in advance with the landlord on any work that needs to be done, especially regarding air conditioning. Some landlords become unresponsive once you are settled and paying rent. Repainting and cleaning are the norm, but many tenants also negotiate new appliances, bathrooms, kitchens, and curtains.

Overall, Bahrain offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Expats can expect to find modern, well-maintained properties, but they should also be prepared for the high cost of living and the need for additional expenses such as a car.

Culture shock and cultural adjustment

Bahrain is a blend of modernity and traditional Islamic culture. It is often referred to as 'Middle East lite' as it is considerably more progressive than its neighbours, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, but it still maintains its Islamic roots.

Culture Shock

Despite its small size, Bahrain has maintained its Arab roots. Islamic morals govern personal, business, legal, and economic life, but the country is regarded as quite liberal compared to its neighbours.

Expats unused to the Arab way of life may experience some level of culture shock. Ramadan, for example, can be a period of severe culture shock for expats who have never experienced the holy event in an Islamic country. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and work a maximum of six hours a day. Expats are not required to fast, but they should not consume any food or drink in public between sunrise and sunset.

The dress code in Bahrain may also be surprising to newcomers. Local men usually wear a long white garment known as a thobe and a linen headwrap called a gutra. Local women wear headscarves and abayas – loose-flowing garments, usually black, sometimes with detailed decoration at the neck or sleeve edges. Expat women need not dress in the traditional manner, but loose-fitting clothing covering the shoulders and knees is generally best.

Bahrainis' customs and etiquette may also be unfamiliar to expats. For example, when invited to a Bahraini home, it is customary to bring a non-alcoholic gift, such as chocolates. In Bahraini culture, men greet other men with a handshake and kiss on the cheek if they know each other. Women should not expect a man to shake hands with them, but a female friend may welcome her with a hug and a kiss. Men should not touch a Bahraini woman unless the woman offers her hand first.

Cultural Adjustment

To adjust to life in Bahrain, it is important to respect local customs and laws. Bahrain is a liberal state, but large parts of the population are rather conservative. Foreigners, especially Western women, should refrain from wearing revealing clothing in public or behaving immodestly in any way.

Bahrainis often speak English and are friendly towards newcomers. Many expats have good Bahraini friends. It is easy to meet Bahrainis, and they are generally friendly and enormously proud of their country and culture.

Bahrain has a busy and engaging city life. The earning potential for expats is high, and many report enjoying a higher standard of living than they had in their home country. There is a wide range of accommodation, ranging from apartments to stand-alone villas and gated compounds.

The climate in Bahrain can be a significant adjustment for newcomers, with extreme heat during the summer months. The weather is marked by extreme heat and an uncomfortable humidity is present throughout the year. This may be quite a shock for expats when they first move to Bahrain, and adjusting to this could be difficult.

Employment and career prospects

Bahrain has been an expat hotspot for decades, with the expat population outnumbering the locals. Expats moving to Bahrain for professional reasons will find that salaries are high, and there are no personal taxes, making it an appealing expat destination. Most expats report earning a larger disposable income and enjoying a higher standard of living than in their home country.

As a financial centre of the Middle East, highly skilled foreigners will find a variety of positions available in the banking and construction sectors. Additionally, Bahrain has made efforts to diversify its economy beyond the petroleum industry, resulting in many jobs in multinational firms.

The earning potential for expats in Bahrain is high, and the cost of living is still reasonable compared to its neighbours. However, accommodation and transport will be significant expenses for expats, as the island has limited public transport. Some companies may include these benefits in an expat's employment package.

Groceries in Bahrain are reasonably priced, but Western products are expensive due to import costs. Eating out is also costly, so expats looking to save money should buy local produce and cook at home.

To work legally in Bahrain, a sponsoring employer must file an application on the expat's behalf, stating why the specific skills could not be sourced from the local workforce. Expats hired on a contract basis are eligible for an 'indemnity' at the end of the contract period, which is like a bonus that an employer is required by law to pay.

There are some cultural differences to be aware of in the workplace. For example, small talk is common and beneficial for getting to know colleagues on a personal level. Punctuality is also essential, as being late or unprepared can reflect poorly on one's reputation. Work hours in Bahrain are typically from 7 am to 2 pm, with a break in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day. During Ramadan, working hours are shorter.

English is widely spoken in Bahrain, so expats are unlikely to have any difficulty communicating with colleagues. However, business attire is strictly formal, and both men and women are expected to dress conservatively.

Overall, Bahrain offers excellent employment and career prospects for expats, with high salaries, a strong economy, and a diverse range of job opportunities.

Healthcare and health insurance

Bahrain has a solid healthcare infrastructure, with options for treatment in both the public and private sectors. The country offers a mix of state-sponsored hospitals, private institutions and clinics, and specialty hospitals. The standard of healthcare in Bahrain is generally high, and the country has become known for its large number of efficiently-run hospitals and minimal waiting lists. As a small country, you are never far from a hospital, and it is realistic to expect to see a doctor within 24-48 hours of making an appointment.

While Bahrain's healthcare services have improved over the years, the country is struggling to meet the demands of its booming expat population. Expats are partially covered by Bahrain's national health insurance scheme, but many choose to purchase international healthcare insurance to cover the costs of private facilities and any necessary medical evacuation.

Public Healthcare in Bahrain:

Bahrain's government plans to implement a health insurance scheme for both expats and Bahraini nationals, with compulsory and optional packages. While expats have access to the public system, they are required to make a small co-payment for treatment and care, as it is not as heavily subsidised for foreigners as it is for nationals.

Private Healthcare in Bahrain:

Many expats opt for private medical insurance and private facilities, as the standard of care is excellent in Bahrain. However, it is important to be aware that specialist treatment centres may be limited, and in some cases, it may be necessary to seek treatment outside the country.

Health Insurance in Bahrain:

While expats benefit from being covered by Bahrain's national health insurance scheme, comprehensive health insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, is still recommended. Many employers provide their employees with health insurance, but top-up insurance policies may be needed to ensure complete coverage.

Pharmacies and Medicines in Bahrain:

Pharmacies are easily found in Bahrain, some of which operate 24 hours a day. Most medications are readily available, and if a particular medicine is unavailable, the pharmacist can usually order it. It is important to note that medications available over the counter in your home country may require a prescription in Bahrain, and vice versa. Any prescription medicines brought into Bahrain must be accompanied by a letter from a registered medical practitioner stating that they are for personal use.

Health Hazards in Bahrain:

Due to the extreme temperatures, heatstroke, sunburn, and dehydration are common ailments among expats in Bahrain. The continuous construction, coupled with sand and dust from the island, can also aggravate respiratory problems, especially for those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma.

Emergency Services in Bahrain:

While emergency medical services tend to be well-equipped, they are not always quick to respond. Therefore, expats are advised to get themselves to the hospital in the event of a medical emergency. The number to call for emergency services in Bahrain is 999.

Frequently asked questions