Bahrain: A Safe Country To Visit And Live In?

Is Bahrain a Safe Country?

Bahrain is a small Middle Eastern country with a reputation for being safer than most places in the world. However, like any other destination, it has its own set of safety considerations that travellers should be aware of before visiting. This article will explore various aspects of safety in Bahrain, including crime rates, road safety, cultural sensitivities, terrorism threats, and more, to provide a comprehensive answer to the question: Is Bahrain a safe country?

Crime rate in Bahrain

Bahrain has a low crime rate. However, incidents of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, are reported, especially in old market areas (souks). Violent crime is uncommon but increasing. There is a small but growing underground drug market in the country. According to Emile Nakhleh, approximately 65% of violent crime and theft are committed by foreign citizens residing in Bahrain.

Bahrain is a relatively safe country for women. While it is a patriarchal society, the crime rate against women is low. However, women are advised to dress conservatively, covering their legs and shoulders.

Scams are not very common in Bahrain, but unlicensed taxis may overcharge passengers. Using ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem can help avoid this.

Bahrain is considered the most tolerant country in the Middle East towards the LGBTQIA+ community, as homosexuality has been decriminalised. However, there are still some restrictions and homophobic attitudes. LGBTQIA+ travellers are advised to research their personal safety situation before travelling to Bahrain.

Terrorism is a potential threat in Bahrain, but the risk is low. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Government of Australia has advised travellers to "exercise a high degree of caution" due to the threat of terrorism.

Road safety in Bahrain

Bahrain's traffic safety standards are in line with regional and global standards. The country's Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Traffic, holds regular awareness campaigns to educate the public about traffic safety and the importance of adhering to laws and safety guidelines.

Traffic Laws

Bahrain's Traffic Law No. 23 of 2014, which includes the installation of smart systems to catch offenders who speed and run red lights, has led to a decrease in overall traffic accidents and fatal incidents. The law also introduced a points system to penalize repeat traffic violators and an electronic system for driving licenses, vehicle registrations, traffic fines, and communication with the public.

Traffic Week

The Kingdom of Bahrain observes Traffic Week in March each year, giving road users the opportunity to interact with traffic authorities and highlight the importance of road safety for all.

Traffic Signs and Signals

Bahrain uses colour-coded traffic signs to remind drivers to drive safely. Protective metal or concrete barriers are strategically placed along highways to prevent pedestrians or stray animals from causing accidents and to keep cars in their lanes.

The traffic lights in Bahrain use a green intermittent flashing system, giving drivers adequate warning before switching to yellow and then red. This system improves road safety and reduces accidents.

Driving Culture

While roads are generally good in Bahrain, drivers can be aggressive. If you are involved in an accident, you may be found at fault, regardless of who caused it. Drifting sands and roaming animals can also pose hazards. Off-road driving is not recommended unless you are in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles with an experienced guide.

Public Transport and Taxis

Taxis are generally safe, but it is recommended to use only officially marked taxis and to negotiate fares in advance or insist that the driver uses the meter to avoid overcharging.

Safety for women

Women in Bahrain are provided with freedoms in every aspect of their lives, and their personal liberties are respected by the laws of Bahrain and Bahraini society. Women in Bahrain have opportunities in all positions and industries, and Bahrain was the first Gulf state to have women in high government roles.

However, there are still no laws to protect women against domestic violence, and there are problems with migrant workers being lured to Bahrain with the promise of high wages, only to unwittingly end up working in prostitution. Women looking for work in Bahrain should be wary of offers of "free visas" and "visa waivers", which may not be genuine.

Travelling to Bahrain

Bahrain is generally considered safe for women, with a low crime rate against women. However, it is a conservative and patriarchal society, and women travellers are advised to dress conservatively and cover their legs and shoulders, while head coverings are expected in mosques. Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse, and it is recommended to avoid isolated areas at night.

There is a threat of terrorism in Bahrain, with potential targets including tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, hotels, and other sites frequented by foreigners. There is also a risk of being detained when reporting sexual assault, as women must prove that sex was not consensual to avoid being charged under extramarital sex laws.

Living in Bahrain

Bahrain is a safe place for women to live, with good career opportunities. However, women are expected to have husbands and children, and those living alone may be subject to curiosity and unwanted attention. Women are expected to cover their heads and arms in public, and to refrain from wearing tight or revealing clothing.

Advice for Women in Bahrain

• Dress conservatively, covering legs and shoulders, and the head if entering a mosque.
• Avoid isolated areas at night.
• Be aware of your surroundings, particularly when visiting tourist spots.
• Keep valuables secure to reduce the risk of petty crimes such as pickpocketing.
• Be wary of offers of "free visas" or "visa waivers" when looking for work.
• Carry a photo of your "husband" or "children" to avoid unwanted attention.
• If you are being harassed, walk into a shop or restaurant and ask for help.

Safety for LGBTQIA+ people

While same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in Bahrain in 1976, LGBTQIA+ people in the country continue to face legal challenges and discrimination. There is no law that prohibits discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation, and authorities have used vague penal code provisions against "indecency" and "immorality" to target sexual and gender minorities.

Legal Challenges

LGBTQIA+ individuals in Bahrain face legal challenges due to the remaining laws against indecency, which are used to target gender and sexual minorities. These laws allow for sentences of imprisonment, fines, and deportation. Despite the lack of explicit criminalisation of same-sex relations, authorities have utilised vague provisions in the penal code to target these minorities.

Discrimination

LGBTQIA+ people in Bahrain experience entrenched social stigma and discrimination not faced by non-LGBTQIA+ residents. There is no legal protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, or sex characteristics.

Public Attitudes and State Capacity to Protect

Bahrain has witnessed a significant crackdown on LGBTQIA+ individuals in recent years, despite the legality of homosexuality. There is a notable silence around sexual orientation and gender identity in Bahrain, partly due to family dynamics and intimidation by authorities. Public opinion is largely hostile towards LGBTQIA+ rights, with strong conservative sentiments influencing the treatment of these individuals.

Gender Recognition and Expression

Bahrain allows individuals to change their legal gender in limited circumstances, provided it aligns with Islamic understandings of sex and gender. Non-binary, intersex, or gender non-conforming options are not available. While gender-affirming care is legal, medical transition is not possible.

LGBTQIA+ Organisations and Support

There is a lack of known organisations working with and supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals in Bahrain. The formation of community groups or associations for LGBTQIA+ rights faces legal and social barriers.

Recent Developments

In 2021, legislators proposed a bill to criminalise symbols and gatherings related to homosexuality. In 2023, a Bahraini lawyer stated that same-sex relationships outside traditional Islamic marriage are criminalised. In 2024, a controversial video involving students pretending to propose to each other sparked a debate about cultural norms and the treatment of minority groups.

Terrorism in Bahrain

Terrorism is a serious threat in Bahrain, with terrorists likely to try to carry out attacks in the country. These attacks could be indiscriminate and occur in places visited by foreigners, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport, and aviation interests, as well as crowded public places such as restaurants, hotels, beaches, shopping centres, and mosques.

Bahrain has experienced past incidents involving explosive devices in public places that have resulted in deaths and injuries. For example, on 27 October 2017, Shia militants detonated an explosive device along a major highway, targeting a Ministry of Interior police bus and killing one officer while injuring eight others. While there have been no successful attacks in recent years, terrorists continue to issue statements threatening attacks in the Gulf region, including Bahrain.

The country's proximity to other nations facing terrorist threats, such as Israel and Lebanon, further escalates the risk of terrorism in Bahrain. Additionally, ongoing hostilities and political tensions in the region, including between Israel and Iran, can quickly escalate and pose risks for Bahrain and the wider region.

To mitigate the threat of terrorism, Bahrain has implemented security measures and maintains a strong partnership with the United States and other allies to enhance its counter-terrorism capabilities and ensure regional stability. However, travellers to Bahrain are advised to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially during high-profile events and in public places that are potential targets for terrorist attacks.

Frequently asked questions