Manama, Bahrain Report of what it's like to live there - 09/16/16
Personal Experiences from Manama, Bahrain
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No--first Middle East post, though.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington DC. 13 hours to Doha, then a quick hop to Bahrain.
3. How long have you lived here?
2 years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Fantastic. Huge, on a compound with shared gym/pool/tennis. Also includes maids room if you want live-in help.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
There is a commissary on the Naval base and good local supermarkets as well. Its expensive locally, but a good variety of European/UK/US products. I occasionally DPO food ingredients (like nice salad dressings) but for the most part don't have an issue getting what I need.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There's TALABAT, an online delivery service that links all restaurants and delivers. You can even get Burger King/McDonalds delivered (not that I ever would). Restaurants are great and varied. All pretty expensive. Of USA chains there are Elevation Burger, IHOP, PF Changs, Pizza Hut...to name a few. Its hard to get great Mexican food. All the Middle Eastern restaurants are great.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants crop up now and again.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
it is cheap and available. Mostly Fillipino or Indian maids/housekeepers.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
I don't use gyms outside of our compound gym, but there are several Tribal Fitness is a popular one. Quite reasonable to have personal trainers come to your compound as well.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
English is everywhere.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are safe and clean, and Uber is used here by expats with no issues
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
I wouldn't bring a new one. The roads are good but it can be dusty and pot-holey. Some areas are a bit off-roady. SUV not necessary but being a safe car ---one that will "win" in a road accident.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Installation took us about 3 weeks but it can be quicker. Very happy with it. We use a VPN to bypass local blocks.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Good vets. Delmon kennels is awesome. Run by Brits who love, love, love the animals and they even have play camp and let the dogs swim.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Some folks telecommute. The Embassy has local hire jobs.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
There are several groups helping Bahraini poor, animal shelters etc.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Bahrain is pretty relaxed and you won't feel uncomfortable as a woman at the mall or in restaurants baring your legs or shoulders, but I cover up in the souk or rural areas just so that I don't get stared at. In general though I wouldn't wear short-shorts beyond my compound (or beach clubs)--just out of respect. But you wouldn't get arrested.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
The shia routinely protest the government with tire fires on the road and throwing Molotov cocktails at the police. They do not pose a threat to expats though. I do not feel unsafe here at all. If anything it is just annoying when you get stuck in traffic because of a protest. Mostly easy to avoid by just avoiding shia areas (no reason to go to them generally).
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Dusty here, so don't come if you have dust allergies. It's not very polluted. Medical unit at post is excellent. Local hospitals I haven't had to use (knock on wood) so can't really comment.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Great weather for 8 months of the year, chilly-ish and maybe wet December-January, unbearably hot July and August and some of September. You get used to the heat though.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
BSB is a good school, the DoD school I have not heard good things about. There is another British school--St Chris which has a good reputation. Riff views is a fancy international school with small class sizes and has been very popular with Embassy families but its an hour's bus ride away.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Yes, but I don't have preschoolers so can't really comment. People have good experiences, so I hear.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, plenty. The rugby club has rugby (obviously), football and cricket.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
50% are expats, mostly Brits. I think people like it here. Its not paradise, but it's easy living.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Embassy community, bars, clubs, rugby club--the usual.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think it's good for everyone.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Well, its the Middle East ;)
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Trips to Oman and Sri Lanka have been wonderful. People also go to Thailand, Zanzibar. Bahrain has some interesting forts, museums, and a wildlife park.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
No real Bahraini crafts, so you get the usual carpet shops and souk type stuff. Malls are huge and western and have many chains, mostly UK department stores.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
The heat in the summer is horrible, best to leave if you can.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, we have enjoyed it.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Bike.
4. But don't forget your:
Flip-flops.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Do you have any other comments?
Enjoy and make the most of it. Bring a positive attitude and leave frequently to have a rest from the dust and the frustrations of a Muslim country :) Enjoy the sunshine and food!
