Bahrain

Understand

Bahrain is the smallest of the independent Persian Gulf states, and has often had to walk a diplomatic tightrope in relation to its larger neighbours. The country has few oil reserves, but it has established itself as a hub for refining and for international banking, while also achieving a socially liberal monarchy. A string of political unrest culminating in the demonstrations in 2011 and the subsequent brutal government crackdown exposed significant discomfort as well as sectarian and social cleavages. Although the population is predominantly Shi'a Muslim, the royal family is Sunni Muslim.

Despite being much closer to Qatar, the Hawar Islands are part of Bahrain after a long, drawn-out sovereignty dispute between the two nations, with the International Court of Justice affirming sovereignty to Bahrain in 2002.

It displays relative social liberalism compared with more conservative neighbouring countries, where Islamic law is applied in a much stricter way. For example, alcohol is legal here. Although Bahrain has a heavily petroleum-based economy, its political, social, and cultural peculiarities helped it develop a fairly cosmopolitan middle class and a politically conscious working class.

Bahrain means "two seas" in Arabic.

See

Despite being an island, don't expect to find any good beaches (unless they are private and part of a resort hotel). Where there are beaches, they are usually construction sites or used as a dump for construction waste.

thumb|300px|Closeup of the restored Bahrain Fort thumb|The Tree of Life thumb|Burial mounds near A'ali

Do

center|thumb|600x600px|It does get hotter than this!

Bahrain has a history dating back 5000 years, from the ancient Dilmun period through the Islamic era. The country offers three forts which have been meticulously restored and opened to the public, although a lack of signs and general promotion by the country's tourist industry sometimes makes finding these sites difficult.

The high temperatures in Bahrain make sea activities seem extra tempting and water sports are extremely popular in Bahrain, with tourists and locals indulging in their sport of choice all year round in the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf. Sailing and scuba diving are particularly popular.

Although a desert country, Bahrain boasts an international 18-hole grass golf course, which is about 15 minutes outside the capital, Manama. The par 72 championship course features five lakes and is landscaped with hundreds of date palms and desert plains.

City Centre Bahrain is the most popular mall in Bahrain, which includes a cinema, a water-park, and a lot of western brands, but there are many others scattered across the country of varying sizes.

Enjoy riding a camel along a highway.

Purchase souvenirs and buy some authentic pottery at A'ali Village Pottery.

Haggle for goods at the local souk markets.

Bahrain, despite being largely Muslim, has luxurious hotels that are known for observing Christmas, because of a number of emigrant Christian expats. The festive event also sees malls display wreaths decorated …

Eat

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Bahrain has an impressive dining scene, with numerous restaurants to choose from. The main dining area is Adliya, where you can take your pick among numerous cafes, trendy lounges and restaurants. There are also traditional Arabic restaurants around the country.

Restaurants in Bahrain run the gamut from cheap stalls offering local food to fancy restaurants in fancy hotels. American fast food franchises are ubiquitous. Western (mostly American) style-foods and franchises can be found around the malls and in the city centre, offering food for upper mid-range prices.

There is even a popular alley in Juffair called 'Americans' Alley', due to the huge variety of American-based restaurants in that area.

In Ramadan, restaurants are closed during daylight – while they may appear to be open after lunchtime, that's actually them preparing for the meal that breaks the fast, so you will not be able to order anything until Iftar.

Traditional Bahraini food is very hard to find in restaurants, and is typically confined to the homes of locals. If you have Bahraini friends, being invited home for a meal is the best chance you have to sample the local cuisine.

Signature dishes Machboos (also known as kabsa) – mainly made from a mixture of spices, rice (usually long-grain basmati), meat and vegetables Muhammar – a sweet rice dish which is typically served with fish

Snacks and bread Samosa – a fried or baked pastry with a savory filling, such as spiced potatoes, onions, pe…

Stay safe

thumb|Shops in Manama

During 2011, a state of near civil war broke out in Bahrain, with many deaths, hundreds of injuries, and a large number of activists and health professionals arrested and tortured. Though the crisis has mostly died down since then, problems occasionally occur, and visitors should be cautious when visiting sensitive areas (black billowing smoke from burning tyres is a telltale sign that something is wrong there).

Pregnant women without a marriage certificate should consider their legal situation; pregnancy outside marriage can lead to a conviction. Also consult the hospital at your destination to ensure access to emergency care.

Islamic Sharia law applies in certain cases, including alcohol abuse, adultery (extramarital affairs) and homosexuality. The "wearing of gender-unconforming clothing" is also prohibited. However, compared to neighboring Saudi Arabia, the laws are much more permissive, and therefore some Western expatriates who work in Saudi Arabia prefer to live in Bahrain.

Drug use is punishable up to life and penalties for possession of even small quantities of drugs are severe.

While freedom of expression is often better than its neighbouring countries, that does not mean that you can make unnecessary comments - defamation of the king is a punishable offence and the local newspapers are generally pro-government. Bahrain is religiously tolerant by the standards of the Gulf, and is the only Gulf country with native Christian and Jewish commu…

Stay healthy

Drink plenty of water. April through August can be very hot (up to 50°C) and humid, and can occasionally feel like a lot hotter. Use an umbrella to protect you from the harsh sun. It is important to stay hydrated, especially if you are outdoors during the day. Bottled water is sold practically everywhere in the city from "cold stores" to major supermarket chains at reasonable prices. In the souk, walking vendors offer small chilled bottles but you may end up paying more than the bottle is really worth. If you are living in Bahrain for an extended period of time, you can set up an arrangement for a neighbourhood cold store to deliver bottled water to your flat, or sign up for water delivery through several companies on the island. Many cold stores (and some hotels) also deliver your goods (or food) free to your hotel or flat, though you may wish to tip the delivery person, who often has to ride in the hot sun for a low salary.

Though tap water is reported to be potable, bottled or boiled water is recommended for drinking.

In an emergency, call . There are many public health centres (that charge BD 7 per visit for expatriates); the Salmaniya Medical Complex is the largest government hospital and is free to all residents and citizens.

Respect

Bahrain is a fairly gracious host nation but it is imperative to demonstrate respect and courtesy in reference to their particular cultural practices and religion at all times. Bahrain is an Islamic country where you should behave conservatively. For example, appearing in public places under the influence of alcohol, wearing overly revealing outfits and public displays of affection should be avoided. While the Bahraini government has made peace with Israel, Bahrainis are staunchly pro-Palestine, so posting otherwise on social media can lead to heavy criticism and you may find yourself without a job, or even arrested.

When out in places where local Arabs can be found it is advisable to wear long trousers, rather than shorts (it is not possible to visit some government offices and museums if you're wearing shorts), and women shouldn't wear a see-through dress. However, in beach clubs and hotels, swimsuits, bikinis and shorts are okay to wear. Do not show signs of affection to members of the opposite sex in public. Couples have been arrested for kissing in public and it is just not socially accepted. Always avoid any confrontation and never become involved in an argument, especially with a local.

As an Islamic country, Bahrain has a negative attitude towards children born out of wedlock.