The Kingdom of Bahrain is a small island nation off the coast of Saudi Arabia. For 4,000 years, it served as a vital link between India and the Middle East. Today, it’s a major commercial center that attracts people from all over the globe, mostly Asia, but an increasing number of Europeans and Americans as well. From its dusky bazaars to its gleaming skyscrapers, living in Bahrain is an intriguing blend of history and modernity. So whether you’re yearning for a bit of adventure or simply curious about life in the Pearl Kingdom, it’s time you discovered what turned this archipelago from a windswept trading post into an international destination.
Diversified Economy
Bahrain’s adaptive mindset has elevated its economy above most of its neighbors. Though it was the first country to discover oil in the Persian Gulf, the kingdom has invested in several other key sectors as well, including:
- Finance. Bahrain is a world leader in conventional and Islamic banking - home to over 350 financial institutions that manage billions at the international, regional, and local level. Capital markets are overseen by the Central Bank of Bahrain, whose open-market policies have helped promote growth and foreign investment.
- Technology. Thanks to the government’s digital transformation initiatives, Bahrain has become a leading hub for computing and software services. Since adopting its cloud-first policy in 2017, the kingdom has attracted significant investment from technology giants such as Amazon Web Services. It’s also a major provider of financial software, thanks to support from its national labor fund (Tamkeen), which assists startups and entrepreneurs in the country.
- Logistics. Due to its proximity to major shipping routes, Bahrain acts as the gateway to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), an economic union encompassing six countries and more than 50 million consumers. Investments in world-class freight, storage, distribution, and air transportation facilities, as well as tax incentives and streamlined customs procedures, have made the country the regional headquarters for several multinational shipping companies such as DHL and Agility.
Americans are often found in technical, engineering, managerial, or consultancy roles throughout the economy. A benefit of working in Bahrain is all salaries are tax-free. Many companies also offer additional benefits to attract foreign workers, such as transportation, housing allowances, medical insurance, and education stipends for children.
High Quality of Life
Though the cost of living in Bahrain is high by Middle Eastern standards, it’s low compared to the United States. A Bahraini Dinar (BHD) is worth approximately thirty-eight cents and daily necessities such as water, electricity, and gasoline are subsidized. Besides saving money, low prices also allow Americans to take advantage of Bahrain’s high-income society, which includes:
- Spacious Housing. Most Americans tend to settle in villas, townhouses, or apartments in upscale communities near the business districts in Manama, the nation’s capital. Though foreigners are allowed to buy property in designated areas, the majority prefer to rent. Bahrain has a wide range of 1-3 bedroom apartments purpose-built for expats, normally in gated neighborhoods with onsite amenities such as gyms, swimming pools, tennis courts, air conditioning, and even restaurants.
- Advanced Medical Care. Though Bahrain has a universal healthcare system, most expats receive private health insurance through their employer. The country is known for its high standards of care. Most of its doctors and nurses are trained overseas and speak fluent English, so Americans generally don’t have any problems communicating with medical staff.
- Modern Education. Because most lessons are conducted in Arabic, American children are at a significant disadvantage in Bahraini public schools. Fortunately, due to the large number of foreign families moving into the country, it’s developed a highly regarded international school system, with several prominent institutions that follow the United States curriculum.
Most Americans living in Bahrain also employ housekeepers. A few may even knock on your door the day you move in. Though it seems extravagant, it’s often the only practical way to keep your home clean. Bahrain is dusty. Even with the doors and windows closed, dust filters in constantly, especially in spring and summer, when the Shamal winds create sandstorms that last 3-5 days at a time.
Tolerant, Accepting Culture
Like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain is a multiethnic country. The native population makes up less than half the kingdom, with the rest composed of expat communities from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, and the Philippines. There is also a sizable number of Westerners, mostly British and American, though you’ll find small numbers of other Europeans, New Zealanders, and Australians as well. Due to the size of the country (the main island is only 30 miles long), expatriates are especially tight-knit, with several active expat organizations such as the Dilmun Club, Bahrain Yacht Club, and the American Woman’s Association to help you make friends and socialize.
Though seventy percent of the country is Muslim, the country is welcoming of other faiths. There are Christian churches and Hindu temples, even a synagogue. Alcohol and pork products are available, though not at every store and restaurant. You’ll mostly find them at licensed establishments in tourist areas or international districts. While foreigners are not expected to follow Muslim traditions, natives do ask them to respect Islamic sensibilities, by not eating publicly during Ramadan, for instance.
Fun and Adventure
Bahrain often feels like a small town instead of a country. Its cities are more like neighborhoods, each with their own distinct flavor. However, the more time you spend here, the more you realize how many hidden gems there are, just waiting to be discovered.
In Jannusan, there’s the Raven’s Nest, a café dedicated to board games and books, where you can enjoy a sweetened coffee while rolling dice to become lord of Cataan. Or the Mosaic House, a craft shop in Al Maqsha where you can learn to create gifts from colored stone while relaxing in their desert garden. Not to mention a kebab grill with its own aviary, where children can play in a bounce house and pet baby chicks before dinner. But you can’t say you’ve truly experienced Bahrain until you’ve explored its:
Shopping Malls
Bahrain gives new meaning to “retail therapy.” Hospitality is integral to Bahraini society, with gift-giving a major part of weddings, holy days, and religious festivals. As a result, malls are more than a place to purchase goods. They’re cultural and social hubs, a one-stop destination for leisure, dining, and recreation. Some of the most popular include:
- Seef Mall. Known for its modern architecture and appealing mix of international and local brands, Seef Mall contains over 370 outlets, 55 restaurants, and a ten screen multiplex.
- City Centre Bahrain. A massive shopping complex that attracts over 13.5 million visitors a year, City Centre features leading names in toys, fashion, jewelry, sportswear, electronics, health and beauty, and home furnishings. A popular spot for family outings, it even contains its own waterpark!
- The Avenues. Located along Bahrain Bay, the Avenues contains over 130 stores selling clothes, cosmetics, perfumes, electronics, footwear, fashion accessories, and more. Developers plan to add a gym, arcade, and outdoor jogging track, as well as several playgrounds. The area is also surrounded by several gardens and public parks - making it one of the most distinctive shopping centers in the country.
No trip to Bahrain is complete without a visit to its famous souqs - traditional, open-air markets where vendors sell clothing, jewelry, coffee, spices, carpets, even fresh seafood! One, the Al Qusayrya Market of Bahrain, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. Situated amid the ancient stone walls and archways of Muharraq, the nation’s historic capital, its walls and pathways are lined with handicrafts and pearl jewelry - exactly as they were a thousand years ago.
Nightlife
In an effort to attract tourists, Bahrain has loosened many of its old prohibitions. In fact, the country is known for its boisterous nightlife. Drinking, dancing, and music are permitted at clubs throughout the city, which often blend modern and traditional rhythms to create a whirlwind experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Culture
The history of Bahrain stretches back to the third millennium BC. Despite repeated upheavals and conquests, much of its past has been preserved. For a closer look at the country’s legacy, visit:
- Bahrain National Museum. Contains a vast collection of artifacts, manuscripts, and immersive exhibits chronicling Bahrain’s history, culture, and traditions, from the days of the ancient Dilmun civilization through its time as a British protectorate and emergence as a modern trading power.
- Qal’at Al Bahrain. An early settlement constructed during the Bronze Age, this fortress was occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century in order to watch over the sea routes linking India, Africa, and Europe. Extensive excavations have uncovered relics from five different historical periods, which visitors can explore.
- Beit Al Quran. One of the most renowned Islamic museums in the world, it contains some of the earliest Qurans in existence, as well as other examples of Islamic artwork, including intricate woodcarvings and calligraphy.
Bahrain is a small, densely populated country with a high level of urbanization. Nonetheless, the country has made several efforts to preserve its natural heritage. The most important, the Al Areen Wildlife Park, is located on the southern end of the main island. With over 100,000 species of plants and more than 45 species of animals, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s historic habitats.
Moving to Bahrain
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