Working in Bahrain
Expats working in Bahrain will fast find the high salaries and no personal taxes an easy incentive for putting in the hours the daily grind demands.
According to the 2010 HSBC Expat Explorer Survey, Bahrain ranked third overall as a wealth hotspot for expat professionals, second in terms of the disposable income foreigners said they had access to, and first when it came to the luxuries they were able to acquire.
Salaries are usually higher in this Middle Eastern nation, even when compared with similar positions in the West. It follows that the majority of the workforce is actually made of foreign nationals. As of late 2010, Trade Arabia reported that nearly 77% of those working in Bahrain were expats, a roughly 75% increase from figures recorded in 2006.
What's more, expats hired on a contract basis are privy to an 'indemnity', a legally required 'thank you' of sorts awarded to foreigners at the end of the year. The amount allocated varies according to the time of the contract, but generally, 15-20 days of basic pay is given to those employed for three years or less and thereafter a month’s salary is given.
Oil was discovered in 1932, and while the industry is largely responsible for the country's initial rapid modernisation, Bahrain has taken large leaps toward diversification. The archipelago is still a petroleum player - more than half of export receipts and government revenue is derived from the oil sector, but Bahrain is also the banking and financial capital of the region.
As a result many multinational companies have made their regional headquarters in Manama, Bahrain's capital and commercial centre. Highly skilled expats will find plenty of opportunity in this sector; though, jobs can generally be obtained across the economy as a whole.
Besides oil and banking, key sectors include:
• tourism
• trading
• construction
• metal smelting and ship repairing
Bahrain is credited with having the freest economy in the Middle East, so if you're a woman, it's not only possible, but actually commonplace to participate in the working world.
Expats will need a work permit to legally be employed in Bahrain. In order to obtain this documentation it's necessary to have an employer sponsor; in fact, in most cases the hiring company bears the burden of organising visas and paperwork.
While it's possible to arrive in Bahrain on a tourist visa and attempt to find work, it's difficult to find a job in the limited amount of time allotted.
Most expats working in Bahrain are hired from abroad by recruitment agencies, or are head-hunted by individual firms.
According to the 2010 HSBC Expat Explorer Survey, Bahrain ranked third overall as a wealth hotspot for expat professionals, second in terms of the disposable income foreigners said they had access to, and first when it came to the luxuries they were able to acquire.Salaries are usually higher in this Middle Eastern nation, even when compared with similar positions in the West. It follows that the majority of the workforce is actually made of foreign nationals. As of late 2010, Trade Arabia reported that nearly 77% of those working in Bahrain were expats, a roughly 75% increase from figures recorded in 2006.
What's more, expats hired on a contract basis are privy to an 'indemnity', a legally required 'thank you' of sorts awarded to foreigners at the end of the year. The amount allocated varies according to the time of the contract, but generally, 15-20 days of basic pay is given to those employed for three years or less and thereafter a month’s salary is given.
Bahrain's working world
Oil was discovered in 1932, and while the industry is largely responsible for the country's initial rapid modernisation, Bahrain has taken large leaps toward diversification. The archipelago is still a petroleum player - more than half of export receipts and government revenue is derived from the oil sector, but Bahrain is also the banking and financial capital of the region.
As a result many multinational companies have made their regional headquarters in Manama, Bahrain's capital and commercial centre. Highly skilled expats will find plenty of opportunity in this sector; though, jobs can generally be obtained across the economy as a whole.
Besides oil and banking, key sectors include:
• tourism
• trading
• construction
• metal smelting and ship repairing
Bahrain is credited with having the freest economy in the Middle East, so if you're a woman, it's not only possible, but actually commonplace to participate in the working world.
Expats will need a work permit to legally be employed in Bahrain. In order to obtain this documentation it's necessary to have an employer sponsor; in fact, in most cases the hiring company bears the burden of organising visas and paperwork.
While it's possible to arrive in Bahrain on a tourist visa and attempt to find work, it's difficult to find a job in the limited amount of time allotted.
Most expats working in Bahrain are hired from abroad by recruitment agencies, or are head-hunted by individual firms.
Business culture in Bahrain
- Although Bahrain is more liberal than other countries in the region, businesswomen are still expected to wear conservative clothing and businessmen should wear smart suits with a tie.
- When meeting a business contact for the first time, it is always helpful to have a letter of introduction from someone the person does know.
- Business meetings are generally conducted in English. Small talk is a big part of any business relationship and will take up a major part of any business meeting. Having a personal relationship with business partners is seen to build trustworthy relationships.
- Use titles when greeting colleagues or business acquaintances.
- Any sign of impatience in a business context is ill-advised, but punctuality is integral to any business relationship.
- Expats should ensure that their business cards are printed in both English and Arabic. Business cards are often distributed to everyone in a business context. When receiving a business card, expats should study the card first before placing it in their cardholder.
- Business hours are generally from 7am to 2pm, a break is often taken during the day and then businesses carry on later in the afternoon and evening. Business hours are slightly shorter during Ramadan.
