South Africans In Bahrain: A Thriving Community

Bahrain is a melting pot of cultures, with non-nationals making up more than half of its population. While there are no exact figures for the number of South Africans in Bahrain, there is a strong community of South African expatriates in the country. They are spread across various cities, including Hamad Town, Muharraq, and Manama, and enjoy a variety of South African delicacies and traditions.

South African expats in Bahrain can connect through InterNations

South African Expats in Bahrain

Connect Through InterNations

If you're a South African expatriate living in Bahrain, you may be wondering how to connect with other South Africans in the country. InterNations is the leading platform for expatriates and global minds, and our community of South African expats in Bahrain is strong and growing. Whether you already live in Bahrain or are planning an upcoming foreign assignment, InterNations has everything you need to feel at home in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Socializing and Community

Socializing with fellow South Africans is an important part of expat life, and it can be a huge help in getting to know the Bahraini mentality and way of life. Our community of South African expatriates in Bahrain call cities such as Hamad Town, Muharraq, and Manama home, and InterNations can help you connect with them. Our network is the best place to meet expats from South Africa, and on our Bahrain Expat Forums, you can get answers to all your expat-related questions, like where to find South African delicatessen or how to get in touch with other South Africans in your city.

Events and Activities

InterNations also hosts regular events and activities that can help you meet other South Africans in Bahrain. Our get-togethers are sure to cater to your taste, whether you want to enjoy some traditional Bahraini muhammar, join expat celebrations in Manama, or discover the country by visiting landmarks like Qala'at al-Bahrain. Our events and activities offer wonderful opportunities to mingle with expatriates from South Africa and dozens of other countries in a casual setting.

Feeling at Home in Bahrain

Bahrain is a polyglot state, with a diverse population of religious and racial backgrounds. It has a population of around 1.4 to 1.57 million people, with non-Bahrainis accounting for 52.6% to 53.9% of the population. The country's population is concentrated in the two principal cities, Manama and Al Muharraq, and the northern and southern governorates. Bahrain has one of the highest rates of internet penetration in the Arab world, and with InterNations, you can connect with other South African expatriates in Bahrain and feel at home abroad.

South African delicacies like biltong, boerewors, and bunny chow are available in Bahrain

South African cuisine is a diverse and vibrant reflection of the country's history and culture, with influences from various cultures, including pre-colonial, Cape Dutch, Cape Malay, French, Indian, Portuguese, Mozambican, and local indigenous cuisines. For South Africans living in Bahrain, or those visiting, there are several South African delicacies available to satisfy their cravings.

Biltong, a cured meat made with beef and seasoned with various spices, can be found at Boere Biltong in Saar, or ordered online. For those who enjoy boerewors, a type of sausage, The Butcher Shop and Grill, a South African steakhouse in Bahrain, offers a range of wors and other meat cuts perfect for a South African braai (barbecue).

Another popular South African dish, bunny chow, can be found at Popina in Salmabad. Bunny chow is a traditional dish that involves filling half a loaf of unsliced bread with curry, and it is a must-try for those looking to explore South African cuisine.

In addition to these specialties, there are other South African treats available in Bahrain. For a sweet breakfast option or a savoury side dish, Alosra Supermarket in Saar offers pap, a maize powder that can be served in different ways. Rusks, hard, crusty biscuits made for dunking in tea or coffee, can also be found at Alosra Supermarket and are perfect for early mornings.

With these options available, South Africans in Bahrain can enjoy a taste of home and share their delicious cultural cuisine with others.

South Africans in Bahrain can be found in cities like Hamad Town, Manama, and Muharraq

South Africans in Bahrain are part of a diverse and vibrant community, with members hailing from various cities across South Africa, such as Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. This community is well-integrated into Bahraini life, with many expats calling cities such as Hamad Town, Manama, and Muharraq home.

Manama, one of the two principal cities of Bahrain, is a popular destination for South Africans, with its vibrant culture and diverse population. It is known for its delicious seafood and exciting events, such as the InterNations Manama Seafood September Networking event, which brings people together to socialise and enjoy local cuisine. Manama also offers a taste of home for South Africans, with restaurants like Popina, which serves the traditional South African dish "bunny chow", a curry served in a loaf of bread, and The Butcher Shop and Grill, a South African steakhouse and deli.

Hamad Town, another city with a significant South African population, is located in Bahrain, offering a unique blend of cultures and traditions. The city has a mix of modern and traditional architecture, with bustling markets and vibrant community events.

Muharraq, the other principal city of Bahrain, is a cultural melting pot with a rich history. It is home to the indigenous Baharna people, who have lived in the area for centuries and speak a distinct dialect. Muharraq also has a significant population of Shia Arabs, who migrated from Al-Hasa and speak the Sunni dialect due to their proximity to surrounding Sunni Arabs and Africans.

The South African community in Bahrain is tight-knit and supportive, with many expats turning to platforms like InterNations to connect with fellow South Africans. These online communities provide a space to socialise, seek advice, and stay connected to their South African roots, no matter where they are located in Bahrain.

Whether it's through savouring familiar foods, participating in cultural events, or connecting with fellow expats, South Africans in Bahrain have found a way to make this island nation feel like home, with Hamad Town, Manama, and Muharraq serving as cultural hubs for the South African community.

South Africans in Bahrain can attend InterNations events like savouring Asian flavours or celebrating InterNations' birthday

South Africans in Bahrain make up a part of the country's diverse expat community. While the exact number of South Africans in Bahrain is unclear, the country is home to people from all over the world, with non-nationals accounting for more than half of the population.

InterNations is a platform that helps expatriates connect with their fellow countrymen and people from other countries. South Africans in Bahrain can use InterNations to connect with other South African expatriates and get answers to their expat-related questions.

InterNations hosts regular events and activities for its members, and South Africans in Bahrain can attend these events to socialise, enjoy hobbies, and make friends. For example, on 20 September 2024, InterNations members can "Savour Asian Flavours" at "David's Stir Fry Crazy," a restaurant serving Chinese and other Far-Eastern Asian cuisine.

Additionally, InterNations will be celebrating its 17th birthday with an official event on 25 September 2024. South Africans in Bahrain can join the celebrations and connect with other InterNations members, whether they are long-time members or new.

Through InterNations, South Africans in Bahrain can find a sense of community and support as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of expat life.

South Africans in Bahrain can find their compatriots through the InterNations community

InterNations is the ideal place to meet expats from South Africa, with members from across the country, including Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. The community hosts regular events and activities, such as monthly gatherings, birthday celebrations, and excursions to local landmarks. Through these events, South Africans can meet and mingle with fellow expatriates, sharing their hobbies and interests.

The InterNations community also provides a wealth of information and resources for South Africans in Bahrain. The Bahrain Expat Forums offer answers to a range of expat-related questions, from finding babysitters who speak your native language to locating South African delicatessens in Manama. Additionally, the InterNations Places database provides details on important institutions, such as the nearest South African embassy.

With its strong community of South African expats, InterNations makes it easy for South Africans in Bahrain to connect, socialize, and feel at home in their new country. Whether you're looking for advice, companionship, or just a taste of home, InterNations has something to offer. So, if you're a South African living in Bahrain, be sure to check out the InterNations community and all the benefits it has to offer!

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