Bahrain
Social & Business Customs
Food
There is a good selection of restaurants serving all kinds of food including Arabic, European, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Lebanese and American. Arabic food is mainly spicy and strongly flavored. Lamb is the principal meat with chicken, turkey and duck. Salad and dips are common.
Drink
Water, arak (grape spirit flavored with aniseed) or beer are the most common drinks; alcohol 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 shops with imported 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 8:30AM‑12:30N and 3:30PM‑7:30PM. Some shops are open for a few hours on Fridays in souks.
Social
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 to accept food or anything else with the left hand. It is polite to drink two small cups of coffee or tea when offered. Sports clothes may be worn in the street and short dresses are acceptable. Women should avoid wearing revealing clothing.
Tipping
10% is appropriate for taxi drivers and waiters, particularly when service is not included, and is normal practice. Airport porters expect 100 fils for each piece of luggage.
Sport
Football (soccer) is the national game. The golf clubs at Awali also accept temporary membership. Horse and camel racing are held on Fridays at Rifaa. Skindiving, fishing and sailing are popular, particularly at Awali, Zallaq and Nabih Salih. Zallaq has a sailing club and there is a yacht club at Sitra.
Business
Businessmen are expected to wear suits and ties. Business must be done on a personal introduction basis. Bargaining is common practice: Arabs regard their word as their bond and expect others to do the same. The best time to visit is October to April. Office hours: Sun‑Thurs 8AM‑1PM and 3PM‑5:30PM or 8AM‑3:30PM.
