Hijab In Bahrain: A Choice Or Compulsory?

Bahrain is a Muslim-majority country with conservative dress standards for both men and women. While the hijab is not mandatory, women are expected to cover their heads and arms in public. In 2022, a restaurant in the country's capital, Manama, was closed after it allegedly refused entry to a woman wearing a hijab. However, this incident was an exception, and generally, Bahraini society is open-minded and progressive regarding women's dress. Women in Bahrain have the freedom to wear whatever they want and are not restricted to any specific type of clothing. While covering the head and hair with a hijab or abaya is common among local women, it is not compulsory.

Hijab is not mandatory for non-Muslim women in Bahrain

In Bahrain, an Islamic country, there are certain dress standards that both residents and tourists are expected to observe. However, non-Muslim women visiting Bahrain are not required to cover their heads. While Bahraini women often wear a black abaya, a long, loose-fitting dress, and a black hijab (head covering) in public, this is not mandatory for non-Muslim women.

When visiting certain places in Bahrain, such as the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, women are required to be completely covered in loose-fitting clothing. If a visitor is not sufficiently covered, they can borrow an abaya and hijab. In other traditional and public areas, such as souqs and shopping centres, the dress code is less strict.

While Bahrain is a conservative society where most local women cover their heads and arms, non-Muslim women are advised to cover up with long-sleeved clothing and trousers or a longer skirt, refraining from wearing tight or revealing clothes, including strapless and skimpy tops, and shorts. It is recommended to carry a scarf, which can be used when visiting places of worship or other places that require a covered head.

In Bahrain, women's rights have been a topic of discussion, and there have been attempts to change laws. For example, women only gained voting rights in 2001, and there are still no laws protecting women against domestic violence. When it comes to alcohol, it is generally frowned upon, as the focus in Bahrain is on family values, and women are typically expected to be married with children.

Dress Code Recommendations for Women in Bahrain:

• Cover shoulders and knees.
• Skirts and shorts are acceptable but avoid anything too short or revealing.
• Leggings can be worn underneath anything you feel might be too short.
• Regular T-shirts or blouses are fine, but avoid low necklines that reveal cleavage or show the midriff.
• Avoid spaghetti straps or boob tube-style tops.
• Loose-fitting clothing made from materials like silk, cotton, or linen is recommended for the heat.
• Long, loose, and flowy skirts and maxi dresses are great, along with three-quarter trousers or culottes.
• Bring a shawl or pashmina for modesty and to protect against the sun.

In conclusion, while Bahrain has dress standards and is a conservative society, hijab is not mandatory for non-Muslim women. Visitors are advised to dress modestly and follow the general guidelines provided, adapting their attire to the specific context, whether it's a private resort, a shopping mall, or a place of worship.

Women in Bahrain are expected to cover their heads and arms in public

The exact dress code depends on the setting. For example, in private beach resorts, the rules are more relaxed than in shopping malls. In traditional and public areas such as souqs and shopping centres, the dress code is far less strict than when visiting religious sites. When entering a mosque, women are expected to be covered from head to toe in loose-fitting clothing. If a visitor is not dressed appropriately, an abaya and hijab can usually be borrowed.

In Bahrain, most local women dress in traditional regional clothing, which includes a long, loose-fitting black abaya worn over their usual clothing when out in public, along with a black hijab. On special occasions, they wear colourful and delicately embroidered Jalabiyas. It is uncommon, but some local women may also wear a niqab (full face covering except for the eyes).

Non-Muslim women visiting Bahrain are not required to dress in this manner, nor do they need to cover their heads. However, it is recommended to dress modestly and conservatively out of respect for the culture and to avoid unwanted attention. This includes covering the shoulders and knees, avoiding skimpy or revealing clothing, and wearing loose-fitting garments.

It is also important to note that alcohol is generally frowned upon in Bahrain, and women are expected to have husbands and children. Women travelling alone may be the subject of curiosity or unwanted attention, so it is advisable to remain vigilant and seek help if needed.

Women-only parties in Bahrain are opportunities for future mothers-in-law to find suitable wives for their sons

Women in Bahrain have liberties and freedoms in all aspects of their lives, and Bahraini society and law respect their personal freedoms. Bahraini women have the freedom to choose their careers and are not restricted to conventional female roles in society. They have achieved high government rankings and roles, such as ministers and ambassadors, and have the right to vote and stand in national elections.

In this progressive society, women-only parties are common, and these gatherings are an opportunity for future mothers-in-law to find suitable wives for their sons. At these events, women are expected to dress modestly and conservatively. The traditional garments of women in Bahrain include the jellabiya, a long, loose dress, which is one of the preferred clothing styles for the home. Bahraini women may practice the muhtashima, partially covering the hair, or the muhajiba, fully covering the hair. When in public, they usually wear a long, loose-fitting black abaya over their clothing, along with a black hijab (head covering). On special occasions, they wear colourful and delicately embroidered Jalabiyas.

While non-Muslim women are not required to cover their heads, they are expected to dress modestly and conservatively when visiting Bahrain. They should cover their shoulders and knees, and avoid wearing anything too revealing or tight.

In Bahrain, there is no law that makes wearing the hijab mandatory. However, in neighbouring conservative countries like Iran and Afghanistan, it is compulsory for women to wear the hijab in public, including in schools.

Bahrain is undergoing a period of instability and most foreign offices advise against travel to the country

Bahrain Travel Advisory

Latest Update: 4th October, 2024

Bahrain is currently undergoing a period of instability, and most foreign offices advise against travel to the country. Here is some essential information for anyone considering travelling to Bahrain.

Security and Terror Threats

There is a high threat of terrorist attacks in Bahrain, with targets potentially including tourist sites, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and government facilities. Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate and occur with little or no warning. Therefore, it is recommended to stay alert in locations frequented by tourists and Westerners and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Previous attacks using explosive devices in public places have resulted in casualties.

Protests and Demonstrations

Demonstrations and protests are common in Bahrain, particularly during evenings and weekends. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent, with participants throwing rocks, Molotov cocktails, and using makeshift explosive devices. Security forces have been known to use tear gas and stun grenades to disperse crowds. Areas prone to demonstrations include the Budaiya Highway and surrounding villages. It is advised to avoid areas of demonstrations and large gatherings and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Crime and Safety

While violent crime is rare in Bahrain, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching do occur. Women travelling alone may be subject to harassment and verbal abuse. It is recommended to exercise caution in old market areas, villages, and poorer districts, especially after dark.

Health

Adequate medical services are available in Bahrain, but immediate payment is required. It is advised to obtain travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and hospital stays. Additionally, there is a risk of contracting diseases like hepatitis A, rabies, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in the country.

Laws and Customs

It is important to respect local traditions, customs, laws, and religions in Bahrain. Dress conservatively in public places, especially religious sites, covering arms and legs if you are a woman and avoiding shorts if you are a man. Nudity, including topless sunbathing, is strictly forbidden. During the holy month of Ramadan, certain behaviours are restricted, such as eating, drinking, smoking, or playing loud music in public during daylight hours. Respecting these restrictions is crucial to avoid causing offence.

Travel and Transportation

When travelling within Bahrain, it is advised to use only reputable taxi companies for personal safety. There is a curfew in effect on the waterways around Bahrain from 6 pm to 4 am, and vessels may be inspected or detained. Driving in Bahrain can be hazardous due to aggressive drivers, drifting sands, and roaming animals. Off-road driving should only be attempted in a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles with an experienced guide.

Bahrain is one of the more liberal countries in the Middle East

Bahrain has traditionally been one of the most liberal countries in the Arab world. This is partly due to its historic role as a centre for commerce in the Gulf, which has given the country an outward-looking nature. This was further strengthened by education reforms at the beginning of the 20th century, which spurred the development of the Kingdom's middle class and gave Bahrain a very different class structure to its neighbours.

Bahrain is socially more liberal than other Gulf states and has become the party capital of the Middle East. Alcohol flows freely, diverse religions are practised, and women can live relatively freely. Homosexuality is legal in Bahrain, which sets it apart from many other countries in the region.

However, Bahrain is still an Islamic country, and there are dress standards that tourists and residents are expected to observe. The exact dress code depends on the setting and whether the place is private or public. For example, the dress code on private beach resorts differs significantly from that of shopping malls. In public but touristy places like the beach, it is advisable to dress more conservatively than on private resort beaches.

Non-Muslim visitors are not required to dress in traditional clothing, and women are not obliged to cover their heads. However, it is recommended to show respect for the country's culture and dress modestly.

Bahrain's liberalism should be viewed in the context of its political authoritarianism. The majority Shia population is ruled and oppressed by the Sunni minority, represented by the ruling family of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The Shia political opposition is severely repressed, and their leaders are imprisoned.

Frequently asked questions