Unveiling Bahrain's Unique Cultural And Religious Prohibitions

The Kingdom of Bahrain is an Islamic country with a variety of laws and customs that travellers must be aware of. While it is a welcoming place, there are certain practices and items that are banned or restricted. For example, the import and consumption of drugs are strictly prohibited, and there are severe penalties for drug offences. Alcohol is available in some places, but drunk behaviour in public and driving under the influence of alcohol are banned. Visitors should also be mindful of cultural sensitivities, especially regarding photography and dress code.

Narcotics, alcohol, and tobacco products

All types of narcotic drugs are banned in Bahrain, including marijuana and CBD oil, heroin, cocaine, hashish, and pills with drug effects. The consumption or carrying of illegal drugs is strictly forbidden in the country, even in residual amounts. Transiting through the airport from one country to another with narcotics in your possession is also illegal. Buying or selling illegal drugs and narcotics is considered a serious crime and can result in life imprisonment.

Some skincare products and e-cigarette refills may contain ingredients that are illegal in Bahrain, such as CBD oil. It is important to carefully check the ingredients of any products you are bringing into the country to ensure compliance with local laws.

Alcohol is legal in Bahrain, and there are several bars, licensed restaurants, and off-licenses. However, drunken behaviour in public and driving under the influence of alcohol are against the law. Offenders may face fines, imprisonment, deportation, and the loss of their driving license. Physical assault and damaging public property while intoxicated are also punishable by imprisonment.

Regarding tobacco, the import, distribution, and sale of electronic cigarettes are banned in Bahrain. Additionally, advertising materials for all types of cigarettes are prohibited from entering the country.

Food imports, including meat and pharmaceuticals

The import and export of goods in Bahrain are monitored by the Ministry of Interior - Customs Affairs, which has established customs border points at all major entry points. While some items are banned from import, others are restricted and require permission from the relevant authorities.

Meat and Meat Products

To import meat and meat products into Bahrain, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs is required. This includes fresh/frozen meat such as beef, veal, goat, lamb, mutton, and pork. All imported meat must be accompanied by a health certificate from the country of origin, as well as a halal slaughter certificate issued by an approved Islamic centre, confirming that the meat has been slaughtered according to Islamic standards. The packaging and labelling must also comply with specific regulations, including bilingual labels in Arabic and English.

Food Products

The Ministry of Health in Bahrain regulates the import of food products, both processed and unprocessed. Importers may need permission from the Ministry of Health for certain food products. All imported beef and poultry products, regardless of their country of origin, must meet specific requirements, including a health certificate and a halal slaughter certificate issued by an approved Islamic centre in the country of origin.

Pharmaceuticals

The Pharmaceutical Products Regulation Department (PPR) of the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) ensures the quality, safety, and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. The Bahraini government requires that pharmaceutical products be imported directly from a manufacturer with a research department and that the products be licensed in at least two other GCC countries, one of which must be Saudi Arabia. Drugs and medicines may only be imported by a drug store or pharmacy licensed by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) after obtaining approval from the Ministry of Health.

Contradiction of Islamic teachings

Bahrain is an Islamic country, and many of its laws are based on the teachings of the Quran. One notable law is the prohibition of attempting to convert a Muslim to another religion. Non-Muslim visitors should be mindful that openly expressing non-Muslim beliefs can be considered offensive and should be avoided. The import of religious materials may also be scrutinised and seen as suspicious.

Islamic teachings emphasise modesty, and this is reflected in Bahrain's laws and customs. Public displays of affection, such as kissing and hugging between married couples, are frowned upon and may offend locals. Additionally, any form of nudity, such as topless sunbathing, is strictly forbidden.

Islamic teachings also shape regulations around alcohol. While alcohol is available in certain outlets, including Bahrain Airport, it is essential to be mindful of local sensitivities. Drunk behaviour in public and driving under the influence of alcohol are illegal and can lead to severe penalties.

Islamic values influence the dress code in Bahrain. Visitors and residents are expected to wear appropriate clothing that aligns with these values. Clothing should not be transparent or indecently expose parts of the body. Offensive pictures or slogans on clothing are also prohibited.

Printed publications, photographs, pictures, books, magazines, sculptures, and mannequins that contradict Islamic teachings, decency, or morality are banned from import into Bahrain. This includes any materials that may be considered immoral or indecent, reinforcing the importance of adhering to Islamic values in the country.

Offensive behaviour and dress

Bahrain is a liberal country compared to other countries in the region, but many Bahrainis hold conservative social views. It is important to respect local traditions, customs, laws, and religions at all times and be mindful of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan and Shia religious festivals.

Offensive Behaviour

Offensive language, spitting, and aggressive behaviour, including 'road rage' hand gestures, are viewed as seriously offensive and can result in imprisonment and deportation.

It is also illegal to swear or make rude gestures. Even behaviour that is considered offensive but not criminal in other countries can be illegal in Bahrain. Punishment may be severe.

Dress

In public places such as shopping malls, restaurants, and parks, you are encouraged to dress appropriately and modestly. Clothing should not be transparent, indecently expose parts of the body, or display offensive pictures or slogans. Be aware that if you enter one of these areas dressed inappropriately, you may be asked to leave. Most of the larger shopping malls display signs warning that respectable clothing should be worn.

Any form of nudity is strictly forbidden, including topless sunbathing. These rules are even more closely observed during Ramadan when modesty is promoted.

Women should cover their shoulders and knees.

Photography

Restrictions on Photography

• It is forbidden to photograph people, especially women, without their permission. This is due to cultural sensitivities in Islamic culture, where the human form is not displayed in art as it is believed that God is everywhere.
• Photographing sensitive buildings such as government offices, embassies, and military installations is prohibited.
• Drone photography is banned in Bahrain.

Photographers Targeted by Authorities

Bahraini authorities have been accused of arbitrarily detaining photographers who cover protests and subjecting them to unfair trials. Photographers have reported being specifically targeted because of their profession and mistreated while in custody. Several award-winning photographers have been jailed or faced criminal charges for their photography of anti-government protests.

Press Freedom

The Constitution of the Kingdom of Bahrain outlines freedoms of expression, press, and telecommunications in Articles 23-26. However, journalists argue that these clauses are open-ended and can be arbitrarily interpreted by officials. In practice, these rights are not always upheld, and Bahrain has been known to jail journalists.

Online Censorship

The government maintains control over the internet by requiring all websites to register with the Information Affairs Authority (IAA) and indirectly controlling Internet Service Providers (ISPs) through the Telecommunications Regulation Authority (TRA). The IAA and select ministries can decide to block certain websites, which is then enforced by the ISP. Over 1,000 websites have been blocked or shut down, including human rights websites, blogs, online forums, and social media pages.

Frequently asked questions