Bahrain's Strict Social Laws: What You Need To Know

Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy with a democratically elected parliament and local councils, but the King's rule is absolute. The country is rooted in Islamic traditions and tribal heritage, and its laws and customs are based on the teachings of the Quran. While Bahrain is considered more liberal than other Middle Eastern countries, it has strict rules and penalties for several offences. For example, it is illegal for unmarried couples to live together or for women to get pregnant outside of marriage. Homosexuality is also considered an offence, and there are strict penalties for drug possession, including the death penalty. In addition, drinking in public and drunk driving are not tolerated, and there are conservative dress codes and restrictions on public displays of affection.

Strict penalties for drug possession

Bahrain is an Islamic country with laws based on the teachings of the Quran. While it is considered a liberal state, it has strict penalties for drug possession.

Drug possession is illegal in Bahrain, and even a residual amount can result in severe consequences. The penalties for drug possession can range from a custodial sentence to the death penalty. Consuming or carrying illegal drugs, even when transiting through the airport, can lead to imprisonment and deportation. The import of certain substances, such as CBD oil, is also prohibited and can result in legal repercussions.

Buying or selling illegal drugs and narcotics is considered a serious crime in Bahrain and can result in life imprisonment. The country has a zero-tolerance attitude towards drug offences, and penalties are strictly enforced.

Additionally, Bahrain has strict laws regarding alcohol consumption. While alcohol is available in some outlets, including the airport, drunk behaviour in public and drink-driving are against the law. Offenders are subject to fines, imprisonment, deportation, and the withdrawal of their driving licence.

It is important for visitors and residents in Bahrain to be aware of and respect the local laws and customs to avoid prosecution and ensure a safe and pleasant stay in the country.

Restrictions on public behaviour during Ramadan

Bahrain is a liberal country compared to its neighbours in the region, but many Bahrainis hold conservative social views. During Ramadan, it is forbidden for Muslims to eat, drink, smoke, play loud music or dance in public during daylight hours. These rules apply to everyone in the country, including non-Muslims, and are punishable by law.

During the holy month, modesty is promoted, and it is recommended that both men and women dress conservatively. Eating and drinking in public is considered very offensive and can attract a fine or a reprimand from the police. If an individual wants to eat or drink during daylight hours, it must be done indoors and out of sight.

Public displays of affection are considered offensive and are disallowed during Ramadan. While married couples may hold hands, living together and sexual relationships outside of marriage are considered illegal. Homosexuality is considered an offence and can cause social discrimination and legal action.

It is also important to be respectful when taking photographs. People, especially women, do not like to be photographed. It is best to ask before taking photos, as there have been reports of locals becoming angry with visitors who try to take a photograph without permission.

Laws against public displays of affection

Bahrain is an Islamic country with laws based on the teachings of the Quran. While it is a liberal state, most of the local population is conservative. The country is considered more progressive than other Islamic nations, with women having the right to vote and participate in elections since 2002. However, there are still strict laws and customs that visitors and expatriates should be aware of to avoid offending locals or facing legal consequences.

Public displays of affection are considered offensive and are generally not tolerated in Bahrain. While holding hands for married couples is tolerated, kissing and hugging in public are considered offences against public decency. These displays of affection may offend local people and can lead to legal repercussions. It is important to respect local customs and religious beliefs in Bahrain, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, when modesty and abstinence from food, drink, and smoking during daylight hours are strictly observed.

In addition to the laws against public displays of affection, there are other regulations regarding the behaviour between men and women in Bahrain. Sexual relationships outside of marriage are illegal, and cohabitation, including in hotels, is also prohibited. Homosexuality is considered an offence and can lead to social discrimination and legal action, despite being legal between consenting adults.

Expatriates and visitors should also be mindful of the dress code in Bahrain, as dressing modestly in public is expected, especially for women. Clothing that is transparent, exposes the body indecently, or displays offensive pictures or slogans may result in being asked to leave public places. Any form of nudity, including topless sunbathing, is strictly forbidden.

Dress codes and modesty expectations

Although Bahrain is considered one of the most tolerant countries in the Middle East when it comes to dress code, it is still a Muslim country and therefore has certain expectations for clothing. The general rule is to dress modestly in public.

For Women

• Cover shoulders and knees.
• Avoid anything too short, high or skimpy.
• Wear leggings underneath anything you feel might be too short.
• Avoid low necklines, revealing cleavage or midriff.
• Avoid spaghetti straps, boob tubes, and tight or clingy clothing.
• Avoid see-through clothing.
• Bring a shawl or pashmina to cover up when necessary.
• Wear a hat in the heat.
• Wear light, natural fabrics to keep cool.
• Cover hair with a scarf when visiting a mosque or other religious site.
• Wear sunglasses to avoid eye contact.

For Men

• Wear long trousers, even in the summer.
• Avoid shorts, except at the beach.
• Avoid sleeveless tops.
• Avoid offensive slogans on t-shirts.

For Children

There are no restrictions on what children before puberty should wear. Teenagers should dress in the same way as adults, avoiding revealing clothing.

In Traditional Areas

Traditional areas include souqs (public markets), villages, and central markets. Here, the dress code is more conservative.

• Women should wear long skirts or trousers, covering the knees. Longer clothing is preferable.
• Men should wear long trousers, not shorts.
• Avoid sleeveless tops, low necklines, and revealing cleavage or midriff.

In Malls and Restaurants

The dress code in malls and restaurants is casual.

• Women should wear skirts below the knee.
• Men should dress neatly.

At the Beach

• In private beach resorts, normal swimwear is acceptable.
• In public beaches, casual wear is preferred, but swimming outfits are not allowed. Cover up with a t-shirt and shorts over your swimwear.
• Topless sunbathing is not allowed.

In Mosques

• Wear loose clothing that covers the hair, arms, and legs.
• Men should not wear shorts.
• Avoid sleeveless tops.
• Wear clean, unobtrusive perfume or cologne.
• Remove shoes before entering.

Heavy fines for drunk driving

Bahrain is an Islamic country with a number of laws based on the teachings of the Quran. While it is a liberal state, most of the local population is conservative. The country is perceived as being more liberal than its neighbouring Middle Eastern countries, but it still has moral rules that govern almost every aspect of life.

Bahrain has a zero-tolerance attitude towards drink driving, which is punished severely. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in a fine of between BD 500 and BD 1000, and/or imprisonment for up to a year. If a traffic accident is caused while driving under the influence, the fine is between BD 1000 and BD 2000, and/or imprisonment for up to two years.

Alcohol is available in some outlets, including Bahrain Airport, but drunken behaviour in public or driving under the influence of alcohol is against the law. Drunk driving is a significant global issue that endangers lives and public safety. Bahrain, like the United Arab Emirates, is known for its rigorous approach to enforcing laws that combat this dangerous behaviour.

The penalties for drunk driving in Bahrain include heavy fines, imprisonment, and deportation for violations. The specific penalties depend on the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels and whether injuries or fatalities occur. A BAC level of over 0.08% can result in imprisonment of up to six months. If the drunk driving incident results in injury or death, offenders may be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.

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