LIVING IN BAHRAIN

The Kingdom of Bahrain (Bahrain) is a small island (727 sq. km, 274 sq. mi.) located in the Arabian Gulf (GMT+3) and the capital is Manama. The word Bahrain literally means “two seas” and refers to spring waters which rise from under the sea.  Known in ancient times as Dilmun, Bahrain was an important center of trade by the 3rd millennium B.C. The islands were ruled by the Persians in the 4th century A.D., and then by Arabs until 1541, when the Portuguese invaded them. Persia again claimed Bahrain in 1602. In 1783 Ahmad bin al-Khalifah took over, and the Al-Khalifahs remain the ruling family today. Bahrain became a British protectorate in 1820 and did not gain full independence until August 14, 1971.

Although oil was discovered in Bahrain in the 1930s, it was relatively little compared to other Gulf States, and the wells are expected to be the first in the region to dry up. Shaikh Isa bin Sulman al-Khalifah, who became emir in 1961, was determined to diversify his country’s economy, and he set about establishing Bahrain as a major financial center. The country provides its people with free medical care, education, and old-age pensions.
 
The emir, Shaikh Isa ibn Sulman al-Khalifah, died in 1999 after four decades of rule. He was succeeded by his son, Shaikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifah, who gave himself the title of King, but also began a sweeping democratization of the country in a 2001 referendum, which permitted women to vote for the first time. Bahrainis overwhelmingly supported the transformation of the traditional monarchy into a constitutional one. In 2002 Bahrain had its first parliamentary election since 1973. In 2006, the U.S. and Bahrain signed a free-trade agreement. Bahrain is the headquarters for the U.S. Naval Fifth Fleet.

Climate

Bahrain has a desert climate with plenty of sunshine and very little rain. Summers (from June to September) are very hot and humid with temperatures ranging between 36-48 degrees centigrade. Winters are much more temperate and from October until April the weather is mild and cool, generally ranging between 10-25 degrees centigrade. Rainfall is infrequent and generally occurs between November and January. 

People

Bahrain has a population of about 1,000,000, including about 82% non-Bahraini nationals (February 2008 statistics). The Bahraini nationals are warm, friendly and welcoming to expatriate residents. Bahrain has a history of tolerance to other nationalities and cultures. It is easy to meet and make friends with Bahraini nationals.  Although Arabic is the official language, other languages such as English, Farsi, and Urdu are also widely spoken. In fact, one can get by easily without knowing the Arabic language, although learning a few words and phrases is always appreciated.

Leisure Activities

Bahrain is home to the only Formula One (F1) International Circuit race track in the Middle East. Also located at the circuit are 4WD courses, drag racing and cart racing, as well as public events on a regular basis. Bahrain is home to the region’s biggest and most luxurious spa, the Banyan Tree Spa Al Areen. Bahrain has restaurants, expatriate clubs, pubs, sporting clubs, and movie theaters. Children’s activities include Girls’ Guides and Boy Scouts, football training, dance and music schools, horseback riding, and the Bahrain Water Park. Although public beaches are few, Bahrain offers a wide range of water sports for which the calm shallow Gulf Sea is ideally suited, including sailing, speed boating, paddling, dolphin watching, diving, jet skiing, or simply swimming. A wide array of world-caliber spectator sports are available, including horse racing (although without gambling).

If you enjoy shopping, there are many opportunities ranging from small shops located in Manama’s central souk to large new malls filled with name brand stores. As anywhere else in the world, coffee lovers will not be lacking for places to have a good cup of coffee on a lazy weekend morning. Coffee outlets include small shops to major chains such as Starbucks and Costa Coffee. 
 
If you are in the mood for travel, weekend trips can easily be taken to nearby cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Kuwait City and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for driving in Bahrain?
Driving in Bahrain is on the right side of the street (same as in the U.S.). If you hold a non-expired driver’s license from one of the recognized countries when you apply for your Bahraini license, you will more than likely not need to undergo a driving test or take driving lessons and sitting for the test. If you hold a driver’s license from any other country other than that which is recognized for a Bahraini license, you may need to undergo the driving lessons and test. If your driver’s license from any country has expired you will be required to undergo driving lessons and sitting for the exam. Please refer to the Bahrain Ministry of the Interior for the latest requirements.
What is the Ramadan experience like in Bahrain?

Ramadan occurs during the ninth months of the Muslim year.  The start and end time of Ramadan is based on the lunar calendar. During the 30 days of Ramadan, Muslims will fast from sunrise to sunset. Iftar, or breaking of the fast, is one of the observances of Ramadan. School is in session during Ramadan, however, class hours are shortened to accommodate faculty, staff and students who are fasting. During this time of observance, all residents are required by law to refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum, in public from sunrise to sunset.  However, eating is permitted of non-Muslim residents within the privacy of their own homes and designated areas within the school.

Are western products available in Bahrain?

Almost any and everything is available in Bahrain. Grocery chains such as Careforre, Geant, Lulu’s and Jawad carry an array of fresh fruits and vegetables, a wide assortment of meats (although pork can only be found in some markets such as Alosra), specialty items such as taco shells and salsa, baby diapers and formulas, hair products, paper products, etc. contact solution, vitamins, and pain relievers such as Panadol can be found in most pharmacies. 

What kind of restaurants will I find?

Bahrain has restaurants galore! Almost any type of cuisine can be found from the traditional Arabic flavors to the more exotic Japanese food. There is an area in Bahrain called Adleya that is full of restaurants that offer menus that will appeal to even the pickiest of eaters. 

Satellite TV and Radio

The two big satellite companies recently combined to form Orbit Showtime. Orbit Showtime offers primarily American and British television, movies, sports and a selection of news stations. There are several FM radio station programs in English.

 
Currency

The local currency is the Bahrain Dinar (US$1.00 = 0.378 BD or 378 fils).  The Bahrain currency has three decimal places.

 
Electric Current
The electric current in Bahrain is 220 volt, 50 cycle, 2 phase AC Current is reliable twenty-four hours a day, however, there can be the occasional power failures.
Dress

In some Arab countries women are required to be completely covered and must wear long dresses with long sleeves. This is not so in Bahrain. Woman may wear whatever they choose as long as it is in good taste. The general rule for both men and women is to wear shirts that cover the shoulders and shorts or skirts that cover the knees. Flimsy and see through clothing is not advisable and will only draw attention. Having said this, it is appropriate in western night spots or to dressier events to wear sleeveless tops as long as they are not too revealing. 

 
Safety

Like in any other foreign country, common sense guides us in determining what is safe. Bahrain is a safe environment if common sense is used. Teachers have not felt threatened or unsafe in Bahrain.