Bahrain Social Profile

Food & Drink: There is a good selection of restaurants serving all kinds of food, including American, Arabic, Chinese, European, Indian, Japanese, Lebanese and Mexican. Arabic food is mainly spicy and strongly flavoured. Lamb is the principal meat with chicken, turkey and duck. Salad and dips are common. Water, arak (grape spirit flavoured with aniseed) or beer are the most common drinks; the sale of alcohol is not encouraged, although it is available to non-Muslims in nightclubs, good restaurants and luxury hotels, except during Ramadan. Strong Arabic coffee and tea is also widely available.

Nightlife: Restaurants, nightclubs and cinemas showing English and Arabic films can be found in the main towns.

Shopping: There is a wide range of modern shopping complexes with imported luxury goods. Pearls are the main local product. Famous red clay pottery is available from the village of A’ali. There are weavers at Bani Jamra village and basket-makers at Jasra village. Shopping hours: Sat-Thurs 0830-1230 and 1530-1930. Some shops are open for a few hours on Friday mornings in souks.

Special Events: The following is a selection of special events occurring in Bahrain in 2005; for a complete list or further information, contact the Tourism Affairs and Ministry of Information (see Contact Addresses section):
Jan 22 Mini Grand Prix & Desert Challenge. Jan 31 Al Hijrah (Islamic New Year). Feb 5-9 10th Islamic Trade Exhibition. Mar 1-31 Festival of Ashura, Manama. Oct 22-24 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan), nationwide. Nov 22-24 Jewellery Arabia Show, Manama.

Social Conventions: Traditional beliefs and customs are strong influences and people are generally more formal than Westerners. Attitudes to women are more liberal than in most Gulf States. It is acceptable to sit cross-legged on cushions or sofas in people’s homes but it is still insulting to display the soles of the feet or shoes or to accept food or anything else with the left hand. It is polite to drink two small cups of coffee or tea when offered. Guests will generally be expected to share a bedroom since guest bedrooms and privacy are almost unknown. Sports clothes may be worn in the street and short dresses are acceptable; however, revealing clothing should be avoided. Smoking is very common and cheap by European standards. Tipping: 10 per cent is expected by taxi drivers and waiters, particularly when service is not included, and is normal practice. Airport porters expect 100 fils for each piece of luggage.