Bahrain Local Customs

  Slogans for martyrs in Sitra
by mikey_e
 
  • Slogans for martyrs in Sitra
      Slogans for martyrs in Sitra
    by mikey_e
  • Various anti-régime, pro-martyr slogans
      Various anti-régime, pro-martyr slogans
    by mikey_e
  • No, no to naturalization
      No, no to naturalization
    by mikey_e
  • Covered up graffiti in Dumistan
      Covered up graffiti in Dumistan
    by mikey_e
  •   "Down Hamad" Anglo-Arab graffiti in...
    by mikey_e
 

Most Viewed Local Customs in Bahrain

1.

body language   Bahrain

body language, Bahrain

 5 Reviews  In the Arab Gulf men kiss their friends on the cheeks but not women. Women do greet women with kisses on the cheeks but not men. Arabs take pride in their cars and homes. If an Arab man invites you to... 

2.

Language   Bahrain

Language, Bahrain

 3 Reviews  Shukran - thank you Salaam alekum - good day Masalaama - bye Afwan- you're welcome Always ask for 'best cash price' when buying goods. Never photo Arab women, they go crazy. An arab is never... 

3.

Mosques   Bahrain

Mosques, Bahrain

 5 Reviews  There is no dress code in Bahrain but mostly bahraini woman still wearing an abaya with head veil as to fallow and respect their tradition as Moslem and so bahraini man still wore a thobe as always... 

4.

artists   Bahrain

artists, Bahrain

 3 Reviews  The traditional industries of Bahrain are dhow (wooden Arab sailboats) construction, fishing and pearling most males engaged in some form of fishing. In 1981 the government launched a program to... 

5.

The Souq   Bahrain

The Souq, Bahrain

 2 Reviews  The Souq is a cultural institution of the Middle East. Everything on show is for sale, only the prices are not listed. This is because the price varies depending who you are. Prices for foreigners... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

They are very good in organising conferences

by kokoryko

This tip is here, but it is a sort of local custom to organise conferences in Bahrain.Conference and exhibition centre.Bahrain looks for future in organising international conferences and exhibitions; a big exhibition centre has been built outside the city and it offers all facilities for organising such events. This exhibition centre is hired by many organisations for their events; it can host more than 2000 people in a time. I attended recently the Geo2006 conference and exhibition, mainly dedicated to upstream oil and gas activities. I took some of my free time to visit the souks again, and to make a short archaeological trip in the northern part of the island.Other international conventions take place there during the rest of the year.

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Bahrain Financial Harbour, King Faisal Highway

by kokoryko

It is also a local custom to build these modern buildings in Middle East!Bahrain has a limited resource of hydrocarbons and it's rulers are looking to the future; the oil revenues are invested in big banking/ financial companies which will install on the sea-front new buildings in construction; Foreign architects enjoy contracts with Bahrain (and other emirates in the area) leaving them way for lots of creativity for the glass/concrete/steel constructions.In few years the sea side of Bahrain will be occupied by high glass buildings giving some new "identity" to this small kingdom. Construction work takes place day and night, and the migrant construction workers (mainly Pakistanis and Philippines) will probably never put their savings in the bank, the offices of which they are building . . . .

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Belly Dancing

by kenyneo

In Arabic speaking world , belly dancing is known as Raks al Sharki ( dance of the East ).Many people know the belly dancing but contrary to many people?s perception, this dance did not originate as a dance by concubines to titillate the Sultans ( King ). For centuries the role has been that of folk dance and joyous occasion like wedding and child birth ,but it was performed by women FOR women. And it is one way where the mother of marriageable young men to get to know these eligible young women. For Arabian women this dance is considered to be sacred and not to be seen by men.The dance was taught to girl since young to help them to strengthen their abdominal muscles , The muscle isolation technique requires practice and control and is believed to mitigate pain , so the dance was born thru abdominal movements like pelvic rocking and belly roll. This dance is at least 2000 years old , and...

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The persian influence can be...

by googoosh

The persian influence can be seen with these wind towers. The wind towers catch the wind (no matter which direction it's blowing in) and direct it downwards to the room below; natural air conditioning. Sadly there aren't many of these left, but there are a couple behind the American Mission Hospital.There are more pictures in the travelogue.

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At the back of the suq you'll...

by googoosh

At the back of the suq you'll find lots of small grocery shops (known locally as 'cold stores'). Even though there are gazillions of supermarkets and several hypermarkets, these little cold stores somehow manage to survive.

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Henna'd hands anyone? When an...

by googoosh

Henna'd hands anyone? When an Arab woman gets married she has her hands, feet and ankles painted with henna patterns. 50 years ago it would've been all body parts. Her husband was supposed to look for his initials on the wedding night. More photos can be seen in the henna'd body parts travelogue.So you want pretty patterns on your arms, ankles or belly buttons? Go to Rachna's Henna Salon in Adliya - they draw the best patterns. You don't need to make an appointment except during Eid, but you will need to ring for directions. Opening hours are from 10:00-13:00 and 16:00-21:00. Tel: 716 699

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I am addicted to dates (tamr)...

by thevoyager

I am addicted to dates (tamr) and yogurt drink(laban). I guzzle up loads of bottles a day! Well, in the hot summers of Bahrain, there is nothing better than to feel the sweetness of dates melting in your mouth every time you gulp a cold swig of laban! Bahrain was used to be called “The land of a million palm tree.” Every single country in the region has more palm trees than Bahrain. So, I still can’t figure out why it has been given that name! *Ponders* Maybe relative to its small size? Still… not convincing! Anyhow, it’s all good! :) Even though most of the date palm picking operation can be done mechanically, I’ve never seen it being done that way in Bahrain. I’ve always seen manual harvesting…old men in their late 60s if not older tying a rope around their waist, carrying a basket made out palm tree fronds to put in their tools and the collected dates, and climbing the tree with all...

These men with swords are...

by googoosh

These men with swords are called A'ard'aa. They sing and dance at all national holidays.

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Local traditions and culture in Bahrain

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Reviews and photos of Bahrain attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Bahrain sightseeing.

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Local Customs: Cities in Bahrain
  1. Manama Local Customs

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Popular Regions in Bahrain

Al Manamah Local Customs  Al Muharraq Local Customs  Ar Rifa` wa al Mintaqah al Janubiyah Local Customs 

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Questions and Answers

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Q:  Hi All Going to Bahrain with a cruise for one day only. Does anyone know how much the visa is please. I know I can get it when... 

Fluffy_bunny profile photo

A: For most western nationalities (including the UK) the visa is 5 BD (8 GBP). But if you have a hotel voucher, often the visa is free. 

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