Manama Bahrain Travel Tips

Travel Etiquette Tips for Tourists in Manama

General:

  • Dress Code: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or traditional areas. This means covering your shoulders and knees, and avoiding revealing clothing. For men, loose-fitting trousers and shirts are recommended. For women, it’s best to dress conservatively with long pants or skirts, and a top that covers the shoulders. In mosques, women are required to cover their hair as well.

  • Respect Ramadan: During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until dusk. It’s important to be respectful of this practice by avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public and refraining from loud music or conversations.

  • Greetings:

    • Arabic greetings: In Bahrain, it’s common to greet people with “Salam” (peace) or “Ma’a salaama” (goodbye). For more formal occasions, use “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you). This traditional greeting is used when greeting someone for the first time and shows respect.

    • Handshakes:

      • Men: It’s common to shake hands with other men and sometimes women, but always wait for the Bahraini person to initiate the handshake.
      • Women: In Bahrain, greetings are often more formal between men and women. It’s best to avoid physical contact with men unless they are close friends or family.

    • Right hand: Always use your right hand for eating, shaking hands, and accepting things from others. Using the left hand is considered rude in some contexts.

  • Respectful Communication:

    • Arabic language: While English is widely spoken in Bahrain, particularly by younger generations and in business settings, learning a few basic Arabic phrases can go a long way in demonstrating your willingness to connect with the local culture.
    • Modesty: Avoid strong opinions or criticisms about religion, politics, or social issues. It’s important to remember that these topics are often considered sensitive in Bahrain.

Photography and Video Recording:

  • Permission required: Always ask for permission before taking photos of locals, especially women. Some people may be uncomfortable being photographed without their consent.

  • Respect cultural sites: Avoid photographing military installations, government buildings, and palaces.

  • Cultural sensitivity:

    • Be mindful of religious practices and customs.
    • Respect privacy by not photographing inside homes or mosques.

Other Tips:

  • Ramadan etiquette: During Ramadan, refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public out of respect for those fasting.

  • Respect local traditions: Avoid pointing with your feet, and be aware that public displays of affection are frowned upon during this time.

  • Dress comfortably: Lightweight clothing is a good idea due to the hot weather. It’s important to dress appropriately, especially when visiting religious sites.

  • Dress for the occasion: In more traditional settings like mosques or souks, it’s respectful to cover shoulders and knees and avoid revealing clothes.

Religious Practices:

  • Islam is the official religion: Remember that Bahrain is a predominantly Muslim country.

  • Respect prayer times: Muslims pray five times a day. Be aware of these times and avoid interrupting them.

  • Dress modestly: This applies to both men and women. Shoulders and knees should be covered in public areas.

Cultural Sensitivity During Ramadan:

  • Dress respectfully: Dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites or during social events.

  • Be mindful of mealtimes:

    • Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during the day while people are fasting.
    • Respect the fact that many people will not be eating or drinking.

  • Avoid loud music and noise: During Ramadan, it’s considered disrespectful to play loud music or engage in noisy activities during fasting hours.

  • Respect clothing customs: As mentioned before, avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing or anything that exposes your arms or legs above the elbow or knee. This applies to men and women.

Cultural Sensitivity Beyond Religious Sites:

  • Dress appropriately for social events:

    • Dress code:

      Remember that many people in Bahrain dress conservatively even outside of Ramadan.

  • Avoid excessive displays of wealth: During Ramadan, it’s important to be mindful of the cultural norms around showing off material possessions.

  • Be discreet: While in public, refrain from chewing gum, eating snacks, or anything else that may be considered rude.

Other Considerations:

  • Learn a few key phrases: “Shukran” (thank you) and “Ma’a salaama” (goodbye) are essential.

  • Dress for the weather: Opt for loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in light colors and natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Remember to dress modestly when visiting mosques or other religious sites.

  • Be patient:

Remember that things may move a bit slower during Ramadan, especially during the day.

  • Respect local customs: Dress appropriately for all situations, even outside of those with strict rules, as a sign of cultural sensitivity.

  • Respect modesty: Be aware that public displays of affection are generally frowned upon.

  • Be patient:

Expect delays in service and be understanding if locals are slow to respond to your requests for a while.

  • Dress for the occasion: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during fasting hours.

  • Dress conservatively:

Remember that many people will be fasting.

Clothing Etiquette:

  • Traditional attire: While visiting religious sites:

    • Men should wear long pants and shirts with sleeves that cover at least to the elbow.
    • Women should wear a dress or skirt covering their knees, a scarf covering their hair, and loose clothing.

  • Respect for the weather: Be aware of the hot weather and the importance of staying hydrated and cool.

Beyond Clothing:

  • Patience and respect: Remember that things may be slower and less hectic during Ramadan.

  • Prayer times: Be mindful of prayer times.

  • Respectful communication:

Avoid talking about topics that are considered sensitive in your interactions, such as making critical comments about the Islamic faith or practices. It’s best to stick to polite conversation and avoid anything that could be perceived as offensive.

Remember that cultural sensitivity is crucial for a positive and respectful travel experience.