With the discovery of oil in 1932, well before its neighbors, Bahrain has become one of the most important financial centers in the region. Historically its wealth was gotten from pearls and commerce and still maintains these well. The standard of living in Bahrain is very high as the profits from oil have been channeled into the benefit of the population. Tourism is not a focus of life here, but many business people come here and find their stay very enjoyable.
Capital: Manama
Population: 508, 907
Area: 697 square miles
Language: Arabic. English is widely spoken
Time: GMT + 3
Electricity: In Manama the voltage is 230 Ac, at 50 Hz. In other places the current many vary. Best to ask you hotel or host.
Geography: Bahrain is a collection of 33 islands of which three are large and thirty are small. It is located about half way down the Saudi Arabian coast of the Arabian Gulf and about 22 miles from the Qatar peninsula. The main island of Bahrain is valuable as a source of water and farming including date production in the north. There is a bridge link with Saudi Arabia.
International Airport:
Manama - Bahrain International Airport (BAH) is located 4 miles from the capital Manama. Taxi services take passengers to the city in about 5 minutes.
Tipping: Service charges at restaurants is normally not included so tipping at 10% is appreciated. Taxi drivers need 10% as well. Porters should get loose change.
Shopping: Shops open at * am and close at 12:30 for lunch reopening at 3:30 pm and remaining open until 6:30 pm Saturday to Thursdays. Some shops are open for a few hours on Friday.
Food and Drink: Lamb is the favorite meat here as in the Arab world duck, turkey and chicken are also popular. Local foods tends to be spicy and quite good. International restaurants abound in Bahrain which specialize in Chines, Indian, American, European, Arab and Japanese cuisine. Alcoholic beverages are available to non-Muslims in restaurants and hotels except during Ramadan. Other than water. soft drinks and beer are plentiful.
Social: Social conventions in Bahrain are on the more formal side. Women are treated very well here and western dress is not the exception. However, women are expected to dress modestly and show good taste. Handshaking is the normal greeting. Never sit exposing the soles of your feet and do not take anything with your left hand. Smoking is allowed in most places and is quite common.
Business: Business suits are necessary and expected in all meetings. Business to business contacts are done on an introduction basis and so cold calls are frequently dismissed. Arabs expect that they will be taken seriously in business transactions as they consider their word is their bond. Such attitudes are refreshing.
Banking: Banks are closed on Friday which is a weekly holiday. Banks are open Saturday to Wednesday 8 am to noon and often 4 - 6 pm. On Thursdays, banks are open from 8 am until 11 am.
Money and Banks
Currency: Dinar (BD)
Money Exchange: Best at banks
Credit cards: Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club
Climate
The summer months of June through September are particularly hot and dry. The winter season runs from December to March and is much cooler especially after sundown. In the winter there is more likelihood of rain but not usually in great amounts. The spring and fall are the most pleasant times of the year. | 