Manama - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Only between the Shias and the Sunnis - and even they act like they get along just fine, even though there are deep seated animosities. The Sunnis control the place, but are only 20% of the native population, whereas the Shias are 80%. The Sunnis get the best jobs, the best housing, the best connections to the government etc, where as the Shias are marginalized.
Gender equality? Don't even get me started, while I said there aren't religious police, women do not have equal rights. - Apr 2017
Well, its the Middle East ;) - Sep 2016
Obviously the population is mainly Muslim, but you can be of other religions and no one seems to care or harass you. - Nov 2015
Bahrain is the most sectarian-divided country I have ever lived. The majority of the population is Muslim, but every aspect of life is dominated by the Sunni-Shia division. The minority Sunni control the Royal Family, government, military and police. The majority Shia are underprivileged, poor, denied basic services and prohibited from serving in the police and military. (The Royal Family import Sunnis from Pakistan and other countries to serve in Bahrain military and police, never mind that they dont speak Arabic). Non-Muslim Westerners are expected to follow Ramadan restrictions such as no eating/drinking/smoking in public. There is a large minority Christian community, mainly Catholic from the large Filipino population. Bahrain often makes a big deal that they respect and appreciate their Jewish minority, but in fact there are less than 40 Bahraini Jews remaining in the country. - Aug 2014
I do not feel any. Many Bahraini women wear the full abaya with head covering and some cover the face as well. It takes some getting used to but overall this is a much more open place than Saudi. In Bahrain women work and drive, and those who do not cover are also accepted. Women are not taunted or harassed like they are in some other places. - Sep 2012
There are indeed. If you're of European or Arab descent, there are no glaring issues. If you are of Indian or Asian descent then you will face discrimination. - Apr 2010
Women who are dressed immodestly may get looks and sometimes be harassed. Locals are biased against many of the immigrant workers here, and some of them are treated very poorly. - Jun 2009
Racially: a lot of Indian workers are here and they are not treated well by locals, low pay substandard treatment. Religious: depends in which community you hang out in, the richer the person the more understanding they are. Gender: its decreasing now, a lot of females in the work force. University of Bahrain, the largest university there, has 44% female student population. There is a university just for women. - Dec 2008
Racial - yes. Religious - not really. Gender - it depends - if you are a different race, then yes you will have problems. If you are a female and blond, then you will be ok. - Aug 2008
