The Bahrain Business Travel Guide contains a range of travel information and tools aimed at assisting business travellers. The guide contains visa information, useful facts on Bahrain, business customs, useful tips and other resources. An understanding of other cultures, languages, customs and traditions can be of great importance to business travellers and give a real advantage to ensuring a successful business trip.
Bahrain is a compact island nation located in the Persian Gulf in the Middle East. It has The country has a high income economy with a number of business opportunities, the largest sectors of the economy include petroleum processing and products, banking and finance and tourism. It is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), United Nations and World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Major trading partners include Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, UAE and USA. Bahrain is ethically diverse population among Bahrainis and via recent immigration and guest workers from southern Asia. Bahrain is an island nation with Saudi Arabia located to the south and east, Qatar is located to the east and south east, to the north is the Persian Gulf and Iran.
The country includes an archipelago with Bahrain Island as the island, the landscape is mainly flat and arid and includes lowlands and coastline. Famous attractions include Bahrain National Museum, Qal'at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort), Al-Fateh Mosque, Arad Fort, Bab Al Bahrain, Khamis Mosque, Adhari Park, Riffa Fort and Amwaj Islands.
Bahrain Guide
Quick Facts on Bahrain
Bahrain Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Bahrain Map
Bahrain Weather & Climate
Quick Facts on Bahrain
Country: Bahrain
Capital: Manama
Currency: Dinar (BHD)
Population: 1.4 Million (UN, 2012)
Area total: 273 sq km
Languages: Arabic (Official), English (business), Persian.
Time Zone: GMT +3
Electricity: 230V 50Hz
Dialling Code: 973
GDP: USD 32.89 billion (World Bank, 2013)
Religion: Predominately Muslim.
Political System: Constitutional Monarchy
Internet Domain: .bh
Bahrain Travel Advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to Bahrain. You can find further information on entry requirements for Bahrain, advice on local laws and customs, health considerations, useful tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British Embassy in Bahrain. The information is regularly updated making it a useful resource for both business and leisure travellers when searching for the latest travel advice and information on Bahrain. For more information please see: Bahrain Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Visas are required, except for citizens of Arabian Gulf Cooperation Council States that include Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Visitors from the UK, EU, Canada, USA, Australian, New Zealand, Japan and Hong Kong can obtain a visa on arrival. If travelling to other countries in the region it is advisable to come with the correct visas before arriving. Visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: Bahrain Embassy UK
Business Customs and Etiquette
Business dress is conservative with a suit for formal meetings. Lightweight clothing is advised in the heat, the usual greeting is enthusiastic with a handshake and possibly kiss on the cheek. Greetings are usually friendly and it is important to smile and give eye contact when greeting. Honorific titles are used when addressing people and would need to wait for the hosts to initiate any change to first names. Business is done with people the hosts know so it can take some time to get acquainted and for the business relationship to be established.
There is a non-confrontational way of doing business and the meetings tend to be quite formal. There may be much talk about family, general matters before the meeting proper begins, it is not uncommon for there to be interruptions in the meetings, and it should not put you off from the business matters in hand.
Bargaining is common practise, a person's word is regarded as their bond therefore it is important to offer what truly can be delivered. Decisions can take a long time as decisions tend to be taken on a consensus therefore patience will be required. Within commercial and business circles English is widely spoken, interpreters are available should they be required.
Travel Advice and Tips
Most trips to Bahrain for both business visitors and tourists are likely to pleasant and incident free. It is important to always remain vigilant and aware of your surrounds and environment. Do not show valuables in public and ensure they are put away in a safe place. Use reputable taxi firms especially at night and ensure local customs and traditions are respected such as dressing modestly and it is wise to know when the local holidays and religious days are, businesses can be shut during that time or operate shorter hours. During Ramadan it is forbidden to eat, drink and smoke in public.
Travel Checklist: See our Travel & Holiday Checklist containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.
Travel Vaccinations: It is recommended you check with your GP for advice on whether you require any travel vaccinations up to eight weeks before you travel. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Tipping: If service charge is not included usually around 10%
For Businesses:
08.30 to 15.30 Saturday to Wednesday
Some businesses are open 08.30 to 13.00 then 15.00 to 17.30 Saturday to Wednesday
For Shops
08.30/09.00 to 12.30 then 15.30 to 17.30 Saturday to Thursday
08.00 to 19.00 Saturday to Thursday for Larger stores
For Banks:
07.30 to 12.00 Saturday to Wednesday
07.30 to 11.00 Thursday
NOTE: The main working week is from Saturday to Wednesday. Some stores are open later on Wednesdays and Thursdays & some stores are open for a few hours on Fridays. During Ramadan opening hours are subject to change.
Public Holidays
Public Holidays (2015):
January 1: New Year's Day
January 3: Milad un Nabi
July 18: Eid al-Fitr
September 23: Eid al-Adha
October 13: Al-Hijrah
October 23: Ashura
December 16: National Day
Bahrain Map
Manama Map, Bahrain
View Larger Map
Bahrain Weather & Climate
Bahrain's location and geography results in an arid climate, characterised by little precipitation and two main seasons. The summer season from April to October s extremely hot with temperatures well in excess of 40 °C not uncommon. The extreme heat can make it very hot and somewhat uncomfortable. The winter season is from November to March with temperatures moderating from the scorching highs in the summer to a typical 20-25 °C.
Whilst the lower temperatures in winter make it more comfortable, humidity rises in the winter. The best time to visit is generally between February and April and October and December away from the extreme heat of the summer but with mainly pleasant sunny weather.
Lightweight cotton and linen clothing can be warn in the spring and summer months; can get very hot and humid in summer, plenty of hydration, sunscreen and sun hat are needed. From November to March it is cooler with medium weight clothing needed for cooler conditions especially evenings.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
