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With all the terrifying parts taken out (or at least placed in perspective), this is the shortest expat overview you’ll ever find if you decide to live in Bahrain, written by actual expats!
It is normal to get panicked about making a move to the Middle East.
How devoted to Islam are its citizens?
Tell me the ins and outs; what can and cannot I do?
Even before you begin packing, the removal company’s list of prohibited items (no pork, no alcohol, no offensive material, be aware of many traditions, etc.) has you frantically searching your bookcases and DVD collections.
Not to mention where you can live, what is the cost of living in Bahrain, what you should consider when living in Bahrain, and so on.
But no worries at all!
The Sakan platform has covered you with a long list of apartments for rent in Bahrain, villas for rent in Bahrain, or a studio for rent in Bahrain. You can even find properties around the capital, Manama, apartments for rent in Tashan, Bahrain, and apartments for rent in Bilad Al Qadeem, Bahrain.
Bahrain is a Liberal-Country
Among the Gulf States, Bahrain is among the most liberal countries in the region.
It is easy to find pork and alcohol, and many restaurants are permitted to serve them; women can drive and work; expat women are not required to cover their heads or wear abayas (floor-length cloaks), though modest dress is encouraged, and so on.
Citizens don’t need to go to mosques during the praying times, and people of other faiths are free to worship as they see fit.
There is a synagogue as well as long-standing Anglican and Catholic churches.
Bahrain has beautiful Beaches
Many tourists visit the pearl of the Arabian Gulf and other unique attractions.
Your stay in Bahrain will definitely include beach times.
Indeed, Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 natural islands with more than 100 stunning beaches. The water is warm and pristine, making it a perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
The best beaches in Bahrain are:
1. Al Jazayer Beach
2. Bahrain National Museum Beach
3. Budaiya Beach
4. Durrat Al Bahrain Beach
5. Ghuraira Corniche Beach
6. Karranah Beach
7. Seef Beach
Historical Attractions in Bahrain
Bahrain has been inhabited for over 5000 years and was once part of the ancient civilization of Dilmun.
The Bahrain National Museum is one of the best historical attractions in Bahrain. It chronicles the country’s history from its earliest inhabitants to the present day.
You will have a great time there, discovering many exhibits, including archaeological artefacts, traditional handicrafts, and photographs.
Another tremendous historical attraction in Bahrain is Fort Riffa. This fort was built in the 18th century and served as a military base for the British Empire. Today, it houses a museum that tells the story of Bahrain’s military history.
The old Bahrain was covered in palms and fishermen, and pearl divers strolled from their houses to the sea. Forget about it; it is long gone, but its traces remain in the form of forts, palaces, and the suq.
Manama’s glittering skyscrapers, motorways, shopping centers, hotels, and office towers have replaced it.
Also, you can make your way to discover Bahrain’s villages to communicate with locals and the authentic cultural aspects.
However, a trip there might be worthwhile if you are here to learn more about the country.
Language in Bahrain
Bahrain is a culturally diverse country with a rich history. The official language of Bahrain is Arabic, but English is also widely spoken. There are also several other languages in Bahrain, including Hindi, Urdu, Farsi and Tamil.
But you might notice the use of Arabic has declined in recent years. It’s because of the increasing use of English in schools and the workplace. However, Arabic remains the language of choice for many Bahrainis and is used for religious purposes.
There are several dialects spoken in Bahrain. The most common is Gulf Arabic, which is spoken by around 70% of the population. Other dialects include Egyptian Arabic, Levantine Arabic and North African Arabic.
The people of Bahrain are kind and welcoming, and they take great pride in their homeland and culture.
A lot of foreigners in Bahrain have found good acquaintances among the locals.
You won’t have to study Arabic unless you’re determined to stand out from the crowd, as nearly everyone here does.
The Geography of Bahrain
Bahrain is about 33 km (20 mi) east of the coast of Saudi Arabia and 77 km (48 mi) west of the Qatar peninsula. The main island, which accounts for seven-eighths of the country’s area, is about 30 km (19 mi) long and 10 km (6 mi) wide. Bahrain has a total land area of 780 square kilometres.
The climate in Bahrain is generally hot and humid, with temperatures averaging around 30 degrees in summer and 22 degrees in winter. Most rainfall occurs between October and March, with December being the wettest month.
The terrain is mostly flat and arid, with low hills in the northwestern part of the island country.
Where you can live in Bahrain as an Expat
As an expat, you have a few options for where to live in Bahrain. You can choose to live in the capital, Manama, or one of the other major cities, like Muharraq or Isa Town. Or, you could opt for a more suburban or rural area.
Where you live will depend on a few factors, like your budget, lifestyle preferences and whether you have children attending school. But, in general, most expats find that living in Manama is the best option as it offers the most amenities and things to do.
If you want to stay in the heart of Bahrain and enjoy a more cosmopolitan lifestyle, then Manama is probably the right choice. There are plenty of apartments and villas available to rent or buy, plus all the shops, restaurants and entertainment venues you could ever want.
As an expat, Bahrain is a great place to live. There are many things to do, and the people are friendly and welcoming. The cost of living is also very reasonable. Therefore, Bahrain is an excellent choice for those looking for a new place to call home.
