Living In Bahrain: An Expat's Perspective

Bahrain is a small, liberal Gulf state with a high quality of life. It is a popular destination for expats, who outnumber the locals, and is known for its friendly, welcoming people, vibrant social scene, and diverse culture.

Bahrain has a rich history and culture, with forts, palaces, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. However, its modern landscape is dominated by skyscrapers, highways, shopping malls, and hotels. The country offers a range of residential options, from apartments to stand-alone villas, and is known for its high salaries and low taxes, making it an attractive destination for professionals seeking a high disposable income.

While Bahrain is considered liberal, most locals are conservative, and it is important to respect local customs and dress modestly in public. The country has a mix of religions, with Islam as the official religion, and a variety of cuisines, art, and entertainment options.

Overall, Bahrain offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, providing a high standard of living and a vibrant social scene for its residents.

Bahrain is a liberal state, but most locals are conservative

There are regulations regarding the behaviour between men and women in Bahrain. Public displays of affection are frowned upon and can be considered offensive, especially during Ramadan. While married couples may hold hands, living together and sexual relationships outside of marriage are considered illegal.

Bahrain's liberal nature is also reflected in its visa policies, which are easy and supportive. Nationals of 67 countries can obtain a one-month visa upon arrival, with the ability to renew for an additional three months. eVisa eligibility has also been extended to 114 countries.

The country's liberal economy is the most liberal among all the Middle Eastern countries, with women in the workforce. Bahrain is also one of the easiest Middle Eastern countries to live in, with a high quality of life. It is ranked highly in several expat surveys, including InterNations' Expat Insider Survey, where it was ranked 5th globally in 2021 as the easiest place to settle in.

There is a high level of religious tolerance, but local customs must be respected

Bahrain is a liberal state, but most of the local population is conservative. While there is a high level of religious tolerance in daily life, it is important to respect local customs and religious traditions.

Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy with a democratically elected parliament and local councils. However, the King's rule is absolute, and parliament rulings do not always become law. The country's legal system combines Islamic law with English common law. The official religion is Islam, but as overseas nationals make up a large part of the population, Muslims account for 70% of the population, with Christians making up around 14.5%.

While there is freedom of religion, and other religions are openly practised, it is important to be mindful of local customs and expectations. Foreigners, especially Western women, are expected to dress modestly in public. Public displays of affection are considered offensive and are not allowed, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. While married couples may hold hands, living together and sexual relationships outside of marriage are considered illegal.

Bahrain is unique among its Middle Eastern neighbours in that women can drive and work; they are not obliged to cover their heads or wear abayas, although modest dress is advisable. Pork and alcohol are available, and many restaurants are licensed to serve alcohol. However, it is still illegal to drink in public, and drunken behaviour is taken seriously.

Bahrain is a melting pot of nationalities and ethnic backgrounds, and its people are known for their friendliness and pride in their country. While the country is more liberal than its neighbours, it still has moral rules that govern many aspects of life, and it is beneficial for expats to familiarise themselves with the Arab lifestyle before moving.

There are regulations around behaviour between men and women

Bahrain is considered a liberal state, but the majority of the local population is conservative. While there is a high level of religious tolerance in daily life, it is important that local and religious customs are not disregarded. There are regulations around behaviour between men and women, which are important to be aware of.

Public displays of affection are considered offensive and are therefore not allowed, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. While married couples may hold hands, outside of marriage, living together and sexual relationships are considered illegal. This means that unmarried couples cannot live together and are not permitted to engage in sexual activity. This regulation is strictly enforced, and a woman who becomes pregnant outside of marriage may face imprisonment.

While homosexuality is legal in Bahrain, as it takes place between consenting adults, it can still cause social discrimination and legal action under laws pertaining to the protection of public morality. Same-sex couples should therefore be cautious and avoid public displays of affection, as these could be deemed offensive and result in legal consequences.

Bahrain's regulations around behaviour between men and women also extend to dress code. Foreigners, especially Western women, are expected to dress modestly in public. Women are advised to cover their shoulders and knees, and wearing revealing clothing may result in harassment. Men and women are expected to dress conservatively, particularly in business settings.

It is also important to be mindful of cultural norms during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During this time, food and drink can only be consumed after sunset and before sunrise, and work hours may be adjusted accordingly. Many companies provide a designated area for non-Muslim employees to eat during the fasting period.

Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy with a democratically-elected parliament

Bahrain's current monarchical system has been in place since 2002, with the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, appointing the government. The head of the government is Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who is also the Prime Minister and Deputy Commander of the Bahrain Defence Force. The parliament is a bicameral legislature, with the Council of Representatives elected by universal suffrage, and the Shura Council (or Consultative Council) appointed directly by the king.

The country's political system has been a source of tension, with a divide between the Shia majority and the Sunni rulers. While Bahrain was once seen as a promising model for political reform and democratic transition, the monarchy has more recently been criticised for eliminating a broad range of political rights and civil liberties.

Despite these criticisms, Bahrain remains one of the most liberal Gulf States. Women have the right to drive and work, and while modest dress is advisable, expat women are not required to cover their heads or wear abayas. The country also allows the consumption of pork and alcohol, and the practice of religions other than Islam.

The country is a hub for commerce and culture

Bahrain is a hub of commerce and culture. Located in the heart of the Persian Gulf, it is a small sovereign state with a population of nearly 1.3 million, making it the fourth most densely populated destination in the world.

Bahrain has a long history as a commercial crossroads, and today it is a major player in the petroleum industry, with more than half of its exports and government revenue coming from that sector. It has also emerged as a big player in the banking industry and is an integral financial capital hub in the region. Due to economic growth, many multinational companies have set up headquarters in Bahrain's capital city of Manama. Some of the other fields in which Bahrain is actively involved include trading, construction, ship repairs and tourism.

Bahrain is known for its liberal economy, with women participating in the workforce. The country is ruled by a constitutional monarchy, with King Hamad bin Salman Isa Al-Khalifa as its chief of state since 1999. Unlike other Middle Eastern countries, Bahrain has a democratically elected parliament and local councils. The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken, and the country is known for its high quality of life.

Bahrain's cultural heritage stretches back millennia, with a powerful legacy of archaeological and historic treasures, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Bahrain Fort, the Pearling Trail, and the Dilmun Burial Mounds. The country also boasts a rich cultural diversity, with 45% of its population being expats from different countries, creating a unique blend of lifestyles and cuisines.

The country offers a high standard of living, with competitive costs. There is no income tax, and the government subsidises essential commodities such as gas, meat, electricity, water, and internet services to keep them affordable for all. Bahrain has been ranked highly in various expat surveys, with its friendly and tolerant society, ease of settling in, and excellent healthcare system being notable draws for foreigners.

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