Bahrain is a small gulf nation with a diverse and rich cultural background. As a young nation, it has managed to merge and adapt many of the customs and traditions of its neighbors, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman.
While interpersonal relations are conducted casually, displaying respect and knowledge of cultural customs and etiquette is essential and should be observed when visiting Bahrain.
Overview of Bahrain
Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a small country located in the Persian Gulf. It is an archipelago consisting of Bahrain Island and 33 smaller islands. Sitting atop a large oil and natural gas field, Bahrain has become one of the region’s most modern and advanced economies.
The people of Bahrain have done much to establish their identity on their terms, one distinct from that practiced in other Gulf nations. The culture reflects a diverse heritage, with influences from the East and West. Religion plays a vital role here as both Islam and Christianity have left obvious marks on society.
Bahrain’s cultural customs and etiquette are shaped by their deeply held values of honor, respect for elders, hospitality, self-reliance, modesty, friendliness, and generosity towards strangers. A handshake is the traditional greeting for men, but women should nod or say, “Peace Be Upon You” (Salaam’ alaykum). Eye contact should be avoided until advised otherwise, as it can be seen as disrespectful in some situations. Visitors should always dress modestly out of respect, as wearing revealing clothing may offend someone; shorts or other such attire should be confined to specific areas (beaches or at home). It is also essential to take shoes off when entering someone’s home unless instructed otherwise; this is a sign of respect towards the host.
Bahraini culture
Bahrain is known for its rich culture and friendly people. Despite carrying much influence from the West, Bahrain has managed to preserve its own national identity. As a result, many traditional rituals, customs, and etiquette can still be found in Bahraini life today.
Bahraini culture is grounded in Arab heritage, mainly through Islam and the Arab language, literature, and customs. Although there is a great deal of diversity among Bahrainis due to internal immigration between regions, there are a few fundamentals that unite them in their collective identity – religion, history, and language. The predominant religion of Bahrain is Islam; most of the population is Muslim by birth or migration from other countries of the Arabian Peninsula or South Asia, making it a profoundly religious country emphasizing spiritual values and moral conduct.
The culture within Bahrain also demonstrates a strong sense of hospitality towards others by offering guests gifts as signs of honor and respect, as well as offering food regardless if this guest chooses to eat or not. Additionally, it displays itself through:
- its traditional architecture ranging from mosques to forts displaying old Islamic patterns;
- its celebration of national holidays such as National Day when flags are flown all over cities;
- music performances often intertwine with religious contexts;
- unique artworks made out of glass reflecting custom designs;
- along with many other enjoyable experiences showcasing how proud Bahrainis are of their culture.
Greeting Etiquette
The greeting etiquette in Bahrain represents the culture’s respect for hospitality and politeness toward guests. Greetings are usually exchanged with a handshake and direct eye contact. However, you may also come across a few locals that greet each other with a hug and a kiss on the cheek or forehead.
It is customary to wish peace and blessings upon each other, which is usually done with the phrase ‘As-Salam alaykum’ (may peace be upon you). Therefore, you are expected to return the greeting in the same manner.
Handshakes
Greetings in Bahrain are far more demonstrative than in the West. There is a lot of back-slapping and hugging between men, even if they’ve just met, and a handshake is customary. Typical handshakes should be confined to members of the same sex, although it’s not uncommon for men to shake hands with women if they’re acquainted or if it can be seen that due respect is paid to the customs and etiquette.
It’s important always to greet people by their title – Sayyid/Sayyida (Sir or Madam), Dr., Professor, etc. – as this will show respect.
Greetings
The customs and etiquette of greetings in Bahrain are quite deep-rooted, and foreign visitors should familiarize themselves with local practices and customs. For example, Bahrainis usually shake hands as they meet and after they part, but women will typically not shake the hands of men. Good friends may mainly exchange words like “Salam” or ‘Peace,’ while they hug each other.
When meeting someone, it is essential to address them using titles such as “Agha,” “Shaykh,” or “Sayeda” to denote respect. In addition, to show great care, you can add the word “Hajji” for men and its female form – Hajja – for older men or unmarried women, who are respected by society. It should also be noted that it is more common to use first names among relatives, friends, and acquaintances than in western countries.
The eldest should be addressed first when addressing someone in a group setting. African Americans will often be initiated into traditional forms of greeting even though English is spoken widely throughout Bahrain. Even if people are on familiar terms, it is still essential to maintain good manners.
Titles
When meeting someone for the first time in Bahrain, it is important to address the person appropriately and respectfully. In addition, titles are critical to those of the Muslim faith, so it is essential to learn the etiquette of greeting.
When you first meet a Bahraini person, you may address them as “Yeshib” (meaning “your honorable sir“). For women, use “Yeshiba” (meaning “your honorable lady“).
Generally, men are referred to by their first name followed by their father or grandfather’s name or job title. This way of addressing people differs from Western cultures, so it is essential to be aware of this difference when meeting someone for the first time in Bahraini culture.
Women should be addressed as either Umm (Mother) followed by her eldest child’s name or job title. Other terms used for some adult women include Aunty and Lady. Most locals will use these prefixes before a woman’s given name.
It is polite not to address others with titles such as Professor, Doctor, or Colonel unless they have specifically requested them.
Dining Etiquette
Bahraini cuisine combines traditional Arabic and Indian cooking with a few Persian influences. Dining etiquette in Bahrain is similar to other countries in the Middle East. If you’re invited to dinner, you must know some common customs and etiquette for eating meals in Bahrain.
This section will discuss the dining etiquette in Bahrain, as well as some tips for table manners:
Table Manners
When you’re invited to someone’s home in Bahrain, your hosts will typically take table manners very seriously. Therefore, observing the proper dining etiquette is essential to expressing politeness and respect.
In Bahrain, it is important to remember the following general table manners:
- Keep your hands on the table. They should be placed palm down. Alternatively,y resting them in complete view will also show that you have nothing to hide. Restrain from putting your elbows on the table or reclining during meals.
- Chew with your mouth close,d and don’t talk when food is in your mouth. It’s polite to wait until everyone has received dishes before eating a meal together, often followed by saying “bismillah” (in the name of God).
- Do not begin eating until permitted your host or elder is present at the meal. The host will offer a blessing before beginning and suggest that you try each dish; as such,h it can be considered rude not to sample each one within reason,n depending on dietary preferences or allergies.
- Table manners mandate that all dishes be served and eaten with a spoon or a fork since fingers are only used for certain types of food,d such as small sweets like dates or pieces of fruit; use your right hand only when picking up these items.
- It is considered impolite to refuse a second serving of food offered even if it may not seem necessary, so feel free politely decline by saying something along the lines of “I couldn’t get possibly many more! Thank you for the offering.“
Gift Giving
Gift-giving is typical and expected in Bahrain. When invited to a local home, it is appropriate to bring gifts such as chocolates, cakes, sweets, or fruit. If you are visiting a business contact, it is best to bring pastries of some sort. It is important to remember that Bahrani culture tends to be quite traditional, so alcohol should not be given as gifts. However, small tokens such as stationery items or local culture tokens may be provided and are generally appreciated.
Gifts should always be presented with the right hand while the left hand should remain behind your back; gifts are twice as valuable when given with both hands.
Dress Code
Bahrain is a Muslim country, and conservative dress is the norm in most places. In public, men should wear long trousers and collared shirts, and women should cover their arms and legs. Respecting the culture and dressing appropriately for religious ceremonies and sacred sites is essential.
This section will cover the basics of Bahrain’s dress code and what to be aware of when dressing in public:
Men
In Bahrain, it is customary for men to dress modestly and respectfully. Men should avoid wearing short-sleeved shirts or shorts in public spaces, which is considered disrespectful. Instead, trousers or trousers and shirt combinations topping off with long-sleeved shirts should be preferred. Sandals are acceptable in casual environments but should be avoided if you attend more formal occasions. A long-sleeved shirt and full-length trousers must be worn when visiting religious sites.
For more formal events, suits with dress shirts and ties are recommended for men; a grey or navy blue suit is perfectly acceptable for most occasions. If attending an evening event, one can add color by changing the tie or pocket square color – remember to never combine bright colors like bright red with more brilliant blues! It is advisable to complete the look with intelligent shoes such as laceless Oxford-style shoes or brogues instead of traditional loafers. On hot days, men may opt for kaftans or kandurahs, which maintain a professional and respectful appearance while staying cool outside.
Women
Generally, modest dress is the norm in Bahrain. Western-style clothing is acceptable in most cases, though covering your shoulders, chest, and legs should be considered. Men and women should remain aware of appropriate dress when visiting holy sites or areas where conservative dress is the norm.
It is recommended for women to wear high-necked, loose clothing covering all but the face, hands, and feet while out in public. Many women across Bahrain wear a traditional abaya hijab in public spaces to show respect for Bahraini culture. Despite this being considered formal behavior when visiting religious centers, government buildings, wedding halls, etc., generally trendier colored and designed hijabs are worn more casually during the day while out shopping or dining with family.
Communication Etiquette
Communication etiquette is an essential aspect of engaging with the people of Bahrain. It is important to note that the Bahraini culture values politeness and respect for others. Moreover, certain communication rules should be followed when interacting with people from Bahrain. This section will look at some key points to bear in mind when communicating with Bahrainis:
- Be respectful and courteous.
- Avoid using slang or colloquialisms.
- Be aware of local customs and traditions.
- Be aware of gestures and body language.
- Be patient and tolerant.
- Be mindful of personal space.
Conversation
Conversations in Bahrain can be pretty formal, requiring titles and honorifics when you first meet someone. However, discussions are generally polite, so it’s essential to be respectful and courteous. It’s also polite to wait until you are invited before engaging in a business discussion or networking.
Bahrainis expect eye contact during conversations, so it’s important to maintain good eye contact when conversing with them. When receiving an opinion or statement from someone else, nodding is a sign of agreement. Silence is also a meaningful part of the conversation—it signifies understanding and bearing witness to what others have said.
Common topics for conversation include family, work, and interests. Bahrainis tend to view international relations from their cultural perspective, so comparisons between Bahrain and other countries should be avoided, as this could offend them. Likewise, questions about a person’s political views should also be avoided unless welcomed by the other person.
As hospitality plays an essential role in Bahraini culture, people may offer gifts during a conversation without receiving one in return – politely decline if you are uncomfortable with accepting this gesture, as refusing such gifts is considered rude.
Body Language
Body language and how we use our nonverbal communication can significantly influence how we are perceived in Bahrain. It is important to remember that some gestures which may be acceptable at home can be misconstrued in different countries and cultures.
When having a conversation, eye contact should be avoided unless invited by your Bahraini counterpart; direct eye contact with someone not of the same gender is considered rude. Maintain personal space, as invading this space can make people feel uncomfortable. To greet someone, use the traditional greeting “As-Salaam-Alaikum” (Peace Be Upon You) and smile afterward. When conversing with people, ensure you do not linger or stare for too long, as it might make them feel uncomfortable.
People generally communicate through small talk, which includes discussing the weather, family, and other non-controversial topics. Still, it is best to avoid discussing religion or politics until one knows their counterpart better. Additionally, outsiders must understand that speaking loudly or arguing is disrespectful in Bahrain. Raising your voice will create further tension and disagreement during a conversation, so always remain courteous when speaking, no matter the topic.
In conclusion, always remember that manners maketh man good etiquette can open many doors when doing business in Bahrain or interacting with locals there. Use body language appropriately to ensure respect toward other’s cultures, even if you may find some of the country’s customs unfamiliar or confuse at first!
Conclusion
It is vital that visitors to Bahrain respect local customs and etiquette, so remember to dress moderately, be on time for appointments, maintain a sense of dignity and politeness when interacting with locals, and show respect while visiting places of historical or religious relevance. Understanding Bahrain’s customs and culture can help ensure that visits to Bahrain are enjoyable experiences. Similarly, when invited into someone’s home, it is polite to remove your shoes before entering, as is customary in many parts of Asia and the Middle East, often as a sign of respect.
Bahraini culture values hospitality, and visitors will find most locals friendly and accommodating. Bahraini people view elders with great respect, so visitors should be mindful not to talk over people in conversation or take away from their enjoyment by encroaching on conversations too keenly. Friends often host small dinners in the evenings where stories are shared over tea – these occasions should be enjoyed with enthusiasm, but guests should wait until they have been asked if they would like food before tucking in!
Despite having only a 9-kilometer coastline on the Persian Gulf, Bahrain has long been established as a maritime nation with strong ties throughout Asia and beyond. This unique situation has provided remarkable opportunities for change throughout the country’s history – living alongside one another for centuries made it possible for different cultural customs to develop, creating a diverse society today that remains warm, welcoming, and respectful towards its guests from around the world.