British Expats' Favorite Bahrain Neighborhoods

Bahrain is a popular choice for British expats, with around 8,000 to 10,000 British nationals choosing to call this Middle Eastern country home. The country offers a more liberal environment than its neighbours, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, while still maintaining its Islamic roots. British expats tend to be drawn to the capital city of Manama, as well as the trendy suburb of Adliya, which offers a thriving nightlife and a large British community. Other popular areas include the Amwaj Islands, Juffair, and Saar. The cost of living in Bahrain is generally lower than in the UK, with the exception of certain items like alcohol, gym memberships, and imported goods. Expats can expect to find a wide range of accommodation options, from apartments to villas, with a variety of amenities.

British expats in Bahrain can enjoy a higher standard of living than in their home country

Bahrain is a popular choice for expats relocating to the Middle East, as it is considered a more liberal location than its neighbours. The country is known for its welcoming and friendly attitude towards foreigners, and its progressive attitude has earned it the nickname "Middle East lite".

One of the biggest draws for expats is the lucrative employment opportunities. The country is a financial centre of the Middle East, with a thriving banking and construction industry. Expats can also find jobs in the petroleum industry or with multinational firms. The earning potential is high, and many expats report a higher standard of living than they had in their home countries.

In addition to career opportunities, Bahrain offers a high standard of living in other aspects as well. The country boasts an impressive education system, with excellent state-funded and international schools. Healthcare is also robust and well-managed, with excellent private and public sector options.

The cost of accommodation in Bahrain is generally lower than in the UK, and expats can choose from towering high-rises, standalone villas, or homes in secure compounds. While groceries are reasonable, eating out and Western products can be expensive. However, the overall cost of consumer goods and basic essentials is around 31% lower than in the UK.

Bahrain also offers a wide range of leisure activities, including water parks, wildlife sanctuaries, museums, malls, and beaches. The country has a vibrant social scene, with clubs and associations catering to a variety of interests.

While there are cultural adjustments to be made, Bahrain is a fantastic choice for British expats looking for career advancement and a higher standard of living.

The capital city of Manama is a popular choice for British expats

The city is home to the renowned British Club, the country's biggest British expat community, with over 1700 members. The club offers a wide range of activities, including Zumba classes, Taekwondo, Bridge, a library, a health club, and a restaurant. It also provides a great range of children's activities, such as swimming lessons and a theatre group.

In addition to the British Club, Manama offers a variety of other social clubs aimed at the expat community, including a rugby club and a karate centre. The city also boasts a trendy suburb, Adliya, which has an active and thriving nightlife, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and clubs. Adliya has the largest British expat community anywhere in Bahrain and offers a good mix of other ethnicities and nationalities.

The cost of living in Manama is relatively affordable, with rental prices lower than in London, UK. The city provides a wide range of accommodation options, from apartments in towering high-rises to standalone villas or homes within secure compounds.

Manama also offers excellent educational opportunities, with a blend of state-funded and international schools. The city's public and private education system is highly valued by expat parents, who believe their children have a better quality of life and greater wellbeing in Bahrain than in their home country.

Overall, Manama provides a blend of modernity and traditional Arab culture, making it a popular choice for British expats seeking a more liberal environment in the Middle East.

Expats in Bahrain can easily get by without speaking Arabic

Arabic is the official language of Bahrain, and it does play an important role in the country's politics. For example, fluency in Arabic is a requirement to run for a parliamentary seat. However, government communications that are targeted towards non-Arabic speakers are often translated into English. Additionally, many newspapers, magazines, TV channels, and radio broadcasts are in English. Commercial road signs are bilingual, displayed in both English and Arabic.

While Arabic is widely spoken, there are also many non-Arabic speaking expats in Bahrain. The large expat community, as well as the need to adopt a foreign language, has led to the widespread use of English.

The British expat community in Bahrain is sizeable, with around 8,000 to 10,000 British nationals calling the country home. British expats tend to be drawn to Adliya or Manama, with the latter being the economic epicentre of the country. Manama is home to the renowned British Club, the country's biggest British expat community, with over 1,700 members.

In addition to English, other languages spoken in Bahrain include Farsi, the official language of Iran, and Urdu, the official language of Pakistan. The Persian language is actively used by Persian immigrants, who have a long history in Bahrain, and the indigenous Bahrani dialect has borrowed many words from Persian.

There is a large British expat community in Bahrain

Bahrain is a popular choice for British expats, with around 8,000 to 10,000 UK citizens calling the country home. The country offers a more liberal environment than its neighbours, while still retaining its Islamic culture and values.

Where do British expats live in Bahrain?

British expats tend to be drawn to the capital city of Manama, which has a high density of expats from a range of nationalities. Manama is home to the renowned British Club, the country's biggest British expat community, with over 1,700 members. The city also offers a wide range of social clubs aimed at expats, including a rugby club and a karate centre.

Another popular area for British expats is Adliya, a trendy suburb of Manama. Adliya has an active and thriving nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs, and is reported to have the largest British expat community in Bahrain. It offers a good mix of ethnicities and nationalities, and rental prices are lower than in some other areas.

Other areas that are popular with British expats include the Amwaj Islands, Juffair, Saar, and Seef. These areas offer a mix of beaches, bars, boutiques, and restaurants, and tend to be popular with families.

Bahrain offers lucrative employment opportunities, particularly in the banking and construction sectors. The earning potential for expats is high, and many report a higher standard of living than in their home country. The country also has an impressive education system, with a range of international schools, making it attractive to families.

In addition, Bahrain is considered a more progressive and liberal alternative to neighbouring countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The country is described as "Middle East lite", with a blend of modernity and traditional Islamic culture. English is widely spoken, making it easier for British expats to get by without speaking the local language.

British expats in Bahrain often live in apartments or gated compounds

British Expats in Bahrain: Apartment or Gated Compound Living

British expats in Bahrain have a variety of accommodation options, from towering high-rises to standalone villas. However, apartments and gated compounds are the most popular choices for those relocating to this Gulf state.

Apartments

Apartments are the most common type of housing for expats in Bahrain. The size and cost of apartments vary significantly depending on their location. For example, a one-bedroom flat in the capital city of Manama costs around £700 per month, while prices in Saar are just over £500, and in Seef, they can exceed £1,200.

Gated Compounds

Many expats, especially those with families, prefer the security and community feel of gated compounds. These compounds often feature shared facilities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and gardens. Villas within these compounds offer spacious living for families, and the enclosed space provides a sense of safety.

A Blend of Cultures

Bahrain is often referred to as 'Middle East Lite' due to its more progressive nature compared to its neighbours. It offers a blend of modernity and traditional Islamic culture. While respecting the local customs and values is essential, expats can enjoy a laid-back lifestyle with a thriving social scene.

Practical Considerations

The cost of living in Bahrain is generally lower than in the UK, but accommodation and transport are significant expenses. Groceries are reasonably priced, but eating out and Western products can be expensive. Additionally, while the variety of accommodation is vast, finding affordable options can be challenging.

A Welcoming Expat Community

Bahrain has a sizeable expat community, with an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 British nationals among them. This community is welcoming and active, with clubs like the renowned British Club in Manama offering a range of social and leisure activities. Expats can easily connect and socialise with others from the UK and around the world.

Frequently asked questions