Culture Shock in Bahrain

Despite its small size and its large exposure to a multitude of nationalities and ethnicities, Bahrain culture has essentially maintained its Arab roots. Islamic mores govern personal, business, legal and economic life; though the nation is quite liberal compared to its neighbours.

Bahrainis often speak English and are extremely friendly.

It's highly recommended expats read about the Arab way of life before arrival to better understand local priorities and to ease the transition process as a westerner living in the Middle East.

How to dress in Bahrain

On arrival, expats may be surprised to see just how smartly dressed locals can be. Even at the supermarket men can be found in their pristinely ironed white dishdashas and gutras, and women in abayas with detailed decoration at the neck or sleeve edges, heads or faces often uncovered.

In general, a woman’s shoulders and knees should be covered; although, it’s only a formal requirement when visiting the Grand Mosque; hair should be covered too. That being said, skimpy tops or shorts can attract harassment even in the shopping mall.

For business meetings, dress conservatively for at least the first meeting.
On the beach anything goes as long as you wear something, even Bahraini men swap dishshasha’s for long shorts and scruffy t-shirts.

Ramadan in Bahrain

Ramadan can be a period of severe culture shock for expats who have never experienced the holiday in a Muslim country. No food or drink (even water) can be consumed in public between sunrise and sunset, and it follows that working hours are adjusted and many restaurant's opening times are altered. However, some companies provide a room where non-Muslim staff can eat during the month.

Customs and etiquette in Bahrain

If invited to a Bahraini home always take a non-alcoholic gift. You’ll be amazed at how many chocolates and flower shops there are, and many of these offer a wrapping service as well. Your gift will not be opened until after you’ve left which can be disconcerting.

In Bahrain culture, men greet other men with handshakes plus kisses on the cheeks if they know each other. Women shouldn’t expect a man to shake hands with them, whereas a woman friend may welcome her with a hug and kisses. Men should not touch a Bahraini woman unless the woman offers her hand.

Always accept any coffee or tea proffered as it is considered rude to turn it down.

Bahrainis love to socialise, but be aware that the event may be same-sex only. Furthermore, make an effort to reciprocate the hospitality if you can. Social small talk will always precede a business meeting or a meal, but don’t inquire too closely about female members of the family if you are a man or talk business at a social occasion.

When visiting someone’s home check if they’ve removed their shoes and do likewise; this rule applies no matter the nationality. Leaving footwear at the door avoids tramping the ubiquitous island dust through the house.

Alcohol is forbidden to Muslims and available at a price to everyone else over the age of 18. For home consumption it is sold in specific outlets usually located away from schools and residential areas. Five-star hotels, some restaurants and expat social clubs are permitted to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises. Club membership is controlled by the government; therefore, the joining process may seem tedious, but will provide a lively social life with like-minded people of all nationalities including Bahrainis.

Commercially, Bahrainis do business with people they trust, usually people from the same tribe. A letter of introduction works well for expats.

One cultural idiosyncrasy that makes Bahrain unique to its Middle Eastern neighbours is the fact that the nation has a democratically elected parliament and local councils. Still, the king’s rule is absolute; meaning parliamentary decrees do not necessarily become law (eg. recent attempts to ban alcohol completely).