Exploring Qatar And Bahrain: Which Country Excels?

Qatar and Bahrain are two small countries in the Arabian Gulf with economies based on oil and gas. They have some similarities, but there are also some notable differences between the two. This article will explore the pros and cons of each country in terms of their infrastructure, economy, social life, and safety, to help you decide which is better, Qatar or Bahrain.

Cost of living: Bahrain is cheaper than Qatar

The cost of living in Bahrain is notably cheaper than in Qatar. According to Expatistan, as of June 2024, living in Manama, Bahrain's capital, is around 12% cheaper than living in Doha, Qatar's capital. This is largely due to the significant difference in housing costs, with rents in Manama being 38% lower than in Doha. However, food prices in Manama are slightly higher, at around 8% more expensive than Doha.

A more detailed cost comparison between the two countries can be found below:

Housing:

• Rent in Bahrain is significantly cheaper than in Qatar, with rents in Manama being about 38% lower than in Doha.
• For example, monthly rent for an 85 m2 furnished apartment in an expensive area of Manama would cost around 727 Bahraini Dinar (7,025 Qatari Riyal), while the same apartment in Doha would cost 34% more at 8,092 Riyal (7,814 Dinar).
• Similarly, a 45 m2 furnished studio in a normal area of Manama would cost around 261 Dinar (2,519 Riyal), while the same studio in Doha would cost 40% more at 1,529 Riyal (1,476 Dinar).

Utilities:

• Utilities in Manama are also more affordable, with a 33% lower cost than in Doha.
• For instance, utilities for a month for two people in an 85 m2 flat in Manama would be around 131 Dinar (1,261 Riyal), while in Doha, it would cost 33% more at 541 Riyal (522 Dinar).

Transportation:

• Transportation costs in Manama are slightly higher, at about 6% more expensive than in Doha.
• For example, a monthly public transport ticket in Manama costs around 14 Dinar (135 Riyal), while in Doha, it is 11% cheaper at 120 Riyal (116 Dinar).
• However, taxi fares in Manama are more affordable, with a taxi trip of 8 km in Manama costing around 1.74 Dinar (17 Riyal), while the same trip in Doha would be 23% more expensive at 22 Riyal (21 Dinar).

Food:

• Food prices in Manama are generally higher than in Doha, with an average of 8% more across various food items.
• For instance, a kilogram of tomatoes in Manama costs around 0.43 Dinar (4.16 Riyal), while in Doha, it is 16% cheaper at 0.36 Riyal (0.35 Dinar).
• Conversely, a loaf of fresh white bread in Manama is slightly cheaper at 0.39 Dinar (3.72 Riyal), compared to 0.41 Riyal (0.39 Dinar) in Doha.

Clothing and Entertainment:

• Clothing and entertainment costs are relatively similar between the two countries.
• For example, a pair of jeans in Manama would cost around 22 Dinar (216 Riyal), which is almost identical to the price in Doha at 217 Riyal (224 Dinar).
• A basic dinner for two in a neighbourhood pub in Manama would be around 21 Dinar (207 Riyal), while in Doha, it is slightly cheaper at 193 Riyal (200 Dinar).

Salaries and Purchasing Power:

• While Bahrain has lower costs overall, it is important to consider salaries and purchasing power.
• The local purchasing power in Bahrain is significantly lower than in Qatar, at about 38% less.
• Additionally, the average monthly net salary after tax in Bahrain is around 7,933 Dinar (1,540 Riyal), while in Qatar, it is almost double at 14,885 Riyal (1,540 Dinar).
• As a result, the average after-tax salary in Bahrain covers living expenses for 1.3 months, while in Qatar, it covers 2.1 months.

In summary, while Bahrain offers a more affordable cost of living, especially in terms of housing and utilities, it is important to consider the lower purchasing power and generally lower salaries in the country. Qatar may have higher costs, but higher salaries could potentially offset these expenses.

Healthcare: Qatar ranks 6th globally, Bahrain ranks 42nd

Qatar and Bahrain have both made significant strides in improving their healthcare systems in recent years. However, Qatar's healthcare system is currently ranked 6th in the world, while Bahrain's is ranked 42nd. This difference in ranking indicates that Qatar has a more advanced and effective healthcare system than Bahrain, according to global indices.

Qatar's healthcare system has consistently ranked among the top 20 countries in the Numbeo Healthcare Index, even scoring as high as 6th place in the 2015 Numbeo Quality of Life Index. This achievement is a result of the country's substantial investments in healthcare. Qatar's healthcare spending is among the highest in the Middle East, with a focus on medical technology and competent staff. In 2014, the country invested $4.7 billion in healthcare, demonstrating its commitment to advancing healthcare services. As a result, Qatar has achieved remarkable improvements in health outcomes, such as reducing child mortalities by over 50% since the 1990s. Additionally, Qatar has made significant progress in addressing specific health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and genetic disorders, which were once prevalent in the country.

On the other hand, Bahrain has also been recognised for its high-quality healthcare services, ranking second only to Japan in a global quality of life index by Numbeo in terms of overall healthcare system quality, healthcare professionals, equipment, staff, doctors, and cost. Bahrain has a universal healthcare system dating back to 1960, providing free healthcare to citizens and subsidised care for non-citizens. The country's healthcare expenditure accounts for 4.5% of its GDP, and it has established institutions like the National Health Regulatory Authority to oversee and improve healthcare services. Bahrain also ranked ahead of the UK and Australia in the Numbeo Quality of Life Index 2015 for safety.

While both countries offer notable healthcare services, Qatar's higher ranking and significant investments in healthcare technology and staff development give it an edge over Bahrain. Qatar's focus on healthcare aligns with its economic diversification strategy, and the industry is expected to reach a valuation of $12 billion by 2024.

Education: Qatar hosts top-tier universities from the USA, UK and France

Qatar is home to a diverse range of prestigious universities from around the world, with satellite campuses located in the heart of Education City. These include top-tier universities from the USA, UK, France, and Canada.

The Education City project in Doha offers students the chance to receive a world-class education from well-renowned universities abroad. The city is a hub for international branch campuses, with opportunities to build industry connections through nearby facilities such as the Qatar Science & Technology Park and the RAND-Qatar Policy Institute.

Some of the universities hosted in Qatar include:

• Cornell University’s Weill Cornell Medical College
• Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Virginia Commonwealth University
• Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism
• Texas A&M University
• University of Calgary
• College of the North Atlantic
• HEC Paris
• University College London (until 2020)
• Qatar Academy
• Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies

The academic year in Qatar is divided into two semesters: fall and spring. Some universities offer a trimester system. For degree programs in the natural sciences, engineering, and business, the primary language of instruction is English. Arabic is used for other subjects, except in foreign universities, which generally use English.

International students usually pay the same fees as local students, which are approximately $20,000 per year. Some universities charge per credit hour, with around 12 credit hours per semester, amounting to $2,600 to $3,000. Medical degrees are significantly more expensive, with fees starting at $16,500 and climbing to $33,000 in the clinical years.

Infrastructure: Qatar has better infrastructure than Bahrain

Qatar has better infrastructure than Bahrain. Qatar's capital city, Doha, is well laid out, easy to navigate by car, and walkable. The city has a modern architectural feel while retaining its traditional Muslim roots. The Qatari government has invested in cultural infrastructure and art, such as the Museum of Islamic Art and the falcon souq. In addition, Qatar has a tram and underground system that is well-connected in Doha, which is not available in Bahrain. The roads in Qatar are also wider and more modern.

On the other hand, Bahrain is slightly less prosperous and more socially relaxed than Qatar. Its capital, Manama, has a unique charm and is connected by modern bridges. The National Museum of Bahrain, located in Manama, is an example of how the country invests in cultural attractions. While Bahrain may have fewer infrastructure developments than Qatar, it still offers a high quality of life. For example, Bahrain has more hospital beds per 1,000 inhabitants, a lower inflation rate, and a lower population density, contributing to a better living environment for its residents.

Overall, Qatar seems to have a more advanced infrastructure in terms of transportation and city development, while Bahrain offers a more relaxed and socially progressive environment with a strong focus on cultural preservation and development.

Culture: Bahrain is more relaxed, open and tolerant than Qatar

When it comes to culture, Bahrain is considered more relaxed, open, and tolerant than Qatar. This is evident in several aspects of daily life and societal norms.

One notable difference is in the attitude towards alcohol. In Bahrain, the sale and consumption of alcohol are more freely available and accessible. In the past, Bahrain was one of the few countries in the Middle East where alcohol could be purchased without a license, and it was possible to buy alcohol for personal use from online delivery services and shops. In Qatar, on the other hand, alcohol is only available at licensed restaurants and bars and tends to be quite expensive.

Bahrain also has a reputation for being more tolerant and accepting of different cultures and lifestyles. This is reflected in how they treat their citizens and residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the height of the pandemic, Bahrain was the only country in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that allowed both citizens and residents to enter the country without any issues, while other countries primarily permitted only citizens.

Additionally, Bahrain is known for its friendly and down-to-earth locals, who are described as "more feet on the ground." In Bahrain, locals can be found working in various professions, including food delivery, mechanics, and taxi drivers, which is uncommon in other GCC countries, except for Oman and Saudi Arabia. This indicates a greater level of social interaction and equality among the people of Bahrain.

Furthermore, Bahrain's capital, Manama, is described as charming and socially relaxed compared to Doha, the capital of Qatar. Manama offers a blend of traditional and modern attractions, with a comprehensive souq selling everything from luggage to clothing and food. The old quarter on Muharraq Island, with its intricate architecture and quiet streets, is especially peaceful and pleasant to explore.

In summary, Bahrain's culture is characterized by a more relaxed and open-minded approach, offering a blend of traditional and modern influences. The country's tolerance, friendly locals, and charming capital city contribute to a unique and welcoming atmosphere that sets it apart from Qatar in terms of cultural experience.

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