Doing business in Bahrain
Expats anticipating doing business in Bahrain will find an environment that's well-acquainted with foreign influence, and that's 
arguably the freest in the Middle East. Nearly 50 percent of Bahrain's population is made up of other nationalities, but nonetheless, the nation still takes its mandate from the Muslim religion, and expats will need to familiarise themselves with appropriate customs and practice.
The World Bank has rated Bahrain 28th out of 183 countries for "Ease of Doing Business". Specific business criteria where Bahrain ranked well included paying taxes, registering property, dealing with construction permits, and closing a business.
Similar to the working world in most Arab countries, business culture in Bahrain is based on personal relationships. A letter of introduction from a mutual acquaintance is a great way to facilitate meetings, as Bahrainis generally prefer to do business with people they can trust. It follows that initial meetings focus on building a relationship rather than hammering out details.
Expats using a representative as a contact point in Bahrain should keep in mind that changing this individual will often cause negotiations to start over completely, as a new relationship must be cultivated.
Business moves slowly in Bahrain, and any attempt to rush it is considered improper. Meetings in Bahrain generally include coffee, or kahwa, as a ceremony symbolising friendship.
Business language tends to be indirect, and care is taken to 'save face' and avoid disappointing others with flat refusals. It is considered impolite to fast track discussions or to openly contradict another person.
Business attire in Bahrain is strictly formal. No matter how hot the weather, a suit and tie are always mandatory. Women should dress modestly, keeping arms and legs covered at all times and wearing closed-toed shoes. Local businessmen may wear western attire or a dishdasha, a flowing robe seen at nearly every type of occasion.
It is important to use formal titles when addressing local businesspeople: Doctor, Shaikh (chief), Mohandas (engineer), and Ustadh (professor). Those of other nationalities are generally addressed by their first names, however ( Adam Smith would be Mr Adam).
Business culture in Bahrain is welcoming to foreign investment. Expat business owners are required to be respectful of Islamic culture and tradition, however they are not required to practise it themselves.
Starting a business in Bahrain is a relatively simple process, involving seven procedures that take an average of nine days to complete. Businesses in Bahrain are required to have a local partner or shareholder owning at least 51 percent of the business.
Business language: English, Arabic
Hours of Business: Sunday to Thursday 8am
Dress: formal and conservative
Gifts: Small gifts are acceptable (don't give pork-related products or alcohol to Muslims, as both are illegal in the Islamic religion)
Gender Equality: Men and women are treated equally in business
arguably the freest in the Middle East. Nearly 50 percent of Bahrain's population is made up of other nationalities, but nonetheless, the nation still takes its mandate from the Muslim religion, and expats will need to familiarise themselves with appropriate customs and practice.The World Bank has rated Bahrain 28th out of 183 countries for "Ease of Doing Business". Specific business criteria where Bahrain ranked well included paying taxes, registering property, dealing with construction permits, and closing a business.
Business culture in Bahrain
Similar to the working world in most Arab countries, business culture in Bahrain is based on personal relationships. A letter of introduction from a mutual acquaintance is a great way to facilitate meetings, as Bahrainis generally prefer to do business with people they can trust. It follows that initial meetings focus on building a relationship rather than hammering out details.
Expats using a representative as a contact point in Bahrain should keep in mind that changing this individual will often cause negotiations to start over completely, as a new relationship must be cultivated.
Business moves slowly in Bahrain, and any attempt to rush it is considered improper. Meetings in Bahrain generally include coffee, or kahwa, as a ceremony symbolising friendship.Business language tends to be indirect, and care is taken to 'save face' and avoid disappointing others with flat refusals. It is considered impolite to fast track discussions or to openly contradict another person.
Business attire in Bahrain is strictly formal. No matter how hot the weather, a suit and tie are always mandatory. Women should dress modestly, keeping arms and legs covered at all times and wearing closed-toed shoes. Local businessmen may wear western attire or a dishdasha, a flowing robe seen at nearly every type of occasion.
It is important to use formal titles when addressing local businesspeople: Doctor, Shaikh (chief), Mohandas (engineer), and Ustadh (professor). Those of other nationalities are generally addressed by their first names, however ( Adam Smith would be Mr Adam).
Attitude to foreigners in Bahrain
Business culture in Bahrain is welcoming to foreign investment. Expat business owners are required to be respectful of Islamic culture and tradition, however they are not required to practise it themselves.
Starting a business in Bahrain
Starting a business in Bahrain is a relatively simple process, involving seven procedures that take an average of nine days to complete. Businesses in Bahrain are required to have a local partner or shareholder owning at least 51 percent of the business.
Doing business in Bahrain: Fact facts
Business language: English, Arabic
Hours of Business: Sunday to Thursday 8am
Dress: formal and conservative
Gifts: Small gifts are acceptable (don't give pork-related products or alcohol to Muslims, as both are illegal in the Islamic religion)
Gender Equality: Men and women are treated equally in business
Do’s and don’ts of business in Bahrain
- DO - always wear a suit and tie.
- DON’T - rush into business talk.
- DO - arrive on time, though locals may be late.
- DON’T - use high-pressure sales tactics.
- DO - have one side of your business card translated into Arabic.
- DON’T - schedule meetings for July and August when many businesspeople are out of town.
