Manama - Post Report Question and Answers
What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Well it's all relative - it's probably the best place in the GCC. People rave about Dubai, but I found Dubai to be overpriced, and underwhelming. It's also a lot more of a religious police state than Bahrain. You'd never hear about an unmarried couple being jailed for kissing on the beach or holding hands in public in Bahrain, but in the Emirates these things happen. Overall, I guess the biggest advantage is that it is "Middle East Lite," - it really isn't the worst place in the world, but unless you haven't lived anywhere better, you'll be happy to leave when you're time is up. - Apr 2017
There is a large expat community. Everyone is very friendly and speaks English. It is a great family post and you can save money. It is an easy spot to head out to other Gulf countries. - Nov 2015
Cheap men's suits (US$100) in the souk; touring the Gulf region. - Aug 2014
Regional travel, multi-ethnic cuisine, excellent weather with mild winters, and the opportunity to experience an expatriate-friendly version of the Middle East. - Sep 2012
The comparative ease of life around here is a particular advantage of this post. This is a very westernized country, and anything and everything is available-- at a price, of course! Crime isn't a huge problem, and the amenities are great. Every kind of restaurant imaginable is here, and there are lots of indoor activities for the kids to do in summer. Forget about touring after your first two months, though. It's an island, and unless you have a boat or like to fly, you've seen it all. Saving money can be difficult as well. - Apr 2010
