Bahrain In September: What Clothes Should Female Tourists Pack?

Bahrain is a Muslim country with conservative values and modest dress expectations. Women travelling to Bahrain in September should be mindful of the country's dress code and pack accordingly. While the country is more tolerant compared to its neighbours, it is important to respect the local culture and dress sensibly, especially in public spaces.

Dressing for the weather in September

September falls within Bahrain's hot season, which runs from April to October. During this time, temperatures can reach 37-40°C in the afternoons. So, if you're visiting Bahrain in September, prepare for hot weather!

Despite the heat, Bahrain is a conservative Muslim country with expectations about clothing choices. As a female tourist, you should aim to keep your clothing choices conservative and modest. Here are some tips to help you dress appropriately and comfortably during your visit:

• Cover your shoulders and knees: It is generally recommended to keep your shoulders and knees covered when in public areas. This applies to both women and men.
• Avoid tight or revealing clothing: Refrain from wearing tight or revealing clothes, including strapless or skimpy tops, shorts, and anything that is too low-cut or shows your midriff.
• Opt for loose, breathable fabrics: Go for light and natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk to stay cool in the hot weather.
• Bring layers: While it will be hot outdoors, the air conditioning indoors can be strong, so bring a light layer like a pashmina or cardigan that you can easily carry with you.
• Sun protection: Don't forget to pack a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong sun.
• Swimwear: If you plan to swim, note that modest swimwear is expected at public beaches and pools. Bikinis are typically reserved for private beaches or pools at resorts or hotels.
• Shoes: Sandals are a good choice for the hot weather, but you may also want to bring a pair of sneakers for walking and closed-toe shoes for any desert activities.
• Evenings: For cooler evenings, you may want to pack some long trousers and a light jacket or cardigan.
• Respect cultural differences: Remember that you are visiting a country with different cultural norms and dress expectations than you may be used to. While Bahrain is more lenient than some of its neighbouring countries, it is still important to respect and adhere to their dress expectations as a visitor.

Dressing modestly

Although Bahrain is considered more liberal than its neighbouring countries in the Middle East, it is still a Muslim country with conservative values and modest dress expectations for both men and women.

Clothing guidelines for women

When visiting Bahrain, women should generally aim to keep their knees and shoulders covered. This includes avoiding clothing that is too revealing, tight, or see-through. Sleeveless tops, skimpy or strapless tops, and very short skirts or shorts are not recommended and may attract unwanted attention. Instead, opt for loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing and longer skirts or trousers. If you do wear shorts, make sure they cover your knees even when sitting down. Leggings can also be worn underneath skirts or dresses for extra coverage.

It is also advisable to carry a scarf or shawl with you, which can be used to cover your head when visiting mosques or other religious sites. A light cardigan or pashmina can also come in handy when entering heavily air-conditioned spaces like malls, cinemas, or restaurants.

While Bahrain is generally tolerant of other cultures and expats, it is important to respect the local culture and dress modestly, especially in traditional areas like souks, villages, and central markets. In these areas, avoid wearing sleeveless tops, showing cleavage, or revealing your midriff.

Clothing guidelines for men

Men should also cover their knees and shoulders when in public. Shorts are generally frowned upon except at beaches or resorts. Light chinos, cargo trousers, or linen trousers are recommended instead.

Beachwear guidelines

At public beaches or swimming pools, modest dress is expected. Bikinis and other revealing swimwear are not appropriate. Instead, opt for a one-piece swimsuit or a burkini. If you are at a private beach or pool, such as those at resorts or hotels, you may wear regular swimwear, but it is still recommended to be respectful of the local culture and avoid very revealing outfits. Topless sunbathing or swimming is illegal in Bahrain.

Visiting religious sites

When visiting religious sites like the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, women should be prepared to cover themselves from head to toe in loose-fitting clothing. If you are not sufficiently covered, an abaya and hijab can usually be borrowed. Men should wear full-length trousers and shirts that cover at least their elbows.

Packing recommendations

When packing for Bahrain, it is important to consider both the dress code and the weather. The country experiences hot summers, with temperatures reaching up to 46°C, and cooler winters, with temperatures dropping to around 15°C.

Recommended items for women include:

• Maxi skirts and dresses: These are both modest and cool, but make sure they don't have slits above the knee.
• T-shirts or blouses with sleeves: Avoid low necklines and revealing styles.
• Longer-length shorts: Make sure they cover your knees even when sitting.
• Pashminas or scarves: These can be used for added modesty or as a head covering when visiting religious sites.
• Lightweight, breathable fabrics: Silk, cotton, and linen are good choices.

For men, recommended items include:

• Light chinos or linen trousers: These are more appropriate than shorts in most public places.
• Knee-length or longer shorts: If you prefer shorts, make sure they are at least knee-length.
• Sandals or flip-flops: These are suitable for most occasions, but closed-toe shoes may be needed for desert activities.
• Sneakers: Comfortable walking shoes for indoor activities and exploring.

Dealing with inappropriate dress

If you are approached about your dress, stay calm and polite. Apologise and offer to change or buy something more appropriate. Avoid getting angry or arguing, as this may escalate the situation. Remember that causing offence, even unintentionally, can have consequences, and it is always better to respect the local culture and dress modestly.

Dressing for the beach

What you wear to the beach in Bahrain depends on whether it is a public or private beach. On public beaches, modesty is expected, so consider wearing a burkini. Private beaches, on the other hand, are more relaxed, and you may see anything from bikinis to one-piece swimsuits.

Topless sunbathing is illegal on all beaches in Bahrain. If you're wearing a bikini, opt for one that provides more coverage to be respectful of the local culture.

When you leave the beach, remember to cover up. It is polite to wear a cover-up when walking through a public place or hotel.

Don't forget to pack a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses—these are necessary all year round.

Dressing for religious sites

When visiting religious sites in Bahrain, it is important to remember that Bahrain is a Muslim country and dressing conservatively is advised. The Al Fateh Grand Mosque, for example, has a strict dress code that requires women to be completely covered from head to toe in loose-fitting clothing. If you arrive at the mosque without the appropriate attire, you can borrow an abaya and hijab.

• Cover your head with a scarf or hijab. This is a requirement at many mosques, including the Al Fateh Grand Mosque.
• Wear long, loose-fitting clothing that covers your body from wrists to ankles.
• Avoid wearing tight or revealing clothes, including strapless or skimpy tops, shorts, and anything that shows your cleavage or midriff.
• Long sleeves and long trousers or skirts are recommended.
• Bring a pashmina or shawl that can be used to cover your head or add extra modesty to your outfit.
• Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless tops when visiting mosques or other religious sites.
• Remember that the dress code at religious sites is stricter than in other public places, and modest dress is expected.
• Remove your shoes before entering a mosque.

Dressing for indoor spaces

When visiting indoor spaces in Bahrain, it is important to remember that the country is a conservative Muslim country and has certain expectations for clothing. While Bahrain is more tolerant than some of its neighbouring countries, it is important to dress modestly and conservatively when in public spaces.

When visiting indoor malls, cinemas, and restaurants, it is advisable to cover your knees and shoulders. This could include wearing a long skirt, trousers, or a dress with cap sleeves. It is also recommended to avoid revealing clothing, such as sleeveless tops, low necklines, and tight-fitting outfits. Instead, opt for loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton, silk, or linen.

In addition to the above, when visiting religious sites such as the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, women are expected to cover their hair with a headscarf and wear long, loose-fitting clothing that covers them from head to toe. Men are expected to wear full-length trousers and shirts that cover their elbows.

It is also important to note that the air conditioning in indoor spaces can be very strong, so it is advisable to carry a light layer, such as a pashmina or cardigan, to stay warm.

Overall, when dressing for indoor spaces in Bahrain, it is important to prioritise modesty and respect the cultural and religious expectations of the country.

Frequently asked questions