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Just wondering if anyone had any experience of living or working in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
I have an interview coming up to work there. It looks like it could be very hot and dusty. Also not as strict as Saudi or Kuwait I've heard as in you can drink in Bahrain. Also close enough to Dubai, and Qatar. Any experiences on this board in Bahrain?
My experience is only a short business visit. It is the MIddle East, so of course hot and plenty of sand. More liberal for westerners than its big neighbour, the crossing is busy at weekends when Saudis visit to go drinking. The Sunni/Shia split has caused social problems and severe repression in the past - although that needn't affect you so long as you don't start talking about it on social media. They host an F1 race every year, try to get an apartment overlooking the circuit. :)
Spent a fair bit of time there.
Yes it's hot in summer but everywhere is air conditioned.
Re: Your package, you need to be aware that accommodation is expensive so either try and get it thrown in to the package, or make sure you get a decent housing allowance. Also utilities can be expensive for expats, so you'll want to factor that in as well.
If you have kids, schools are pricey.
Food and drink are probably the same as Thailand, local stuff cheap but imported stuff expensive.
As an expat you can buy alcohol from several outlets without a license.
Pork is available in several supermarkets (lots of it gets labelled "lamb" so visitors from Saudi can sneak it home :) )
There are loads of bars and nightclubs, although most of them close in Ramadhan.
The Rugby, British, Yacht and Dilmun Clubs are all open to members (only) in Ramadhan so you'll probably want to join one of those. They're also great for kids, especially the Rugby Club.
For living areas, Manama is probably the most expensive (British Club) and it gets cheaper out Saar way (Rugby Club).
I always enjoyed the place. Very friendly, notwithstanding regular but localised, Iran-driven, anti-gov't protests in Shi'a areas.
Known amongst its residents as "Butlins in the Gulf"
Oh, and for a culture that prides itself on a laid back feeling, they are quite aggressive drivers.
:)
Do you know where you will be working?
He'll probably have to build an apartment block first, as it's out in the desert.Quote:
Originally Posted by Shutree
:)
Ha, no thanks. Thanks for the tips though.Quote:
Originally Posted by Shutree
I read that about the driving there.. can't be any worse than drivers in Kuwait.Quote:
Originally Posted by harrybarracuda
It is north of Manama, on a man made island called Dihar Al-Muharraq. Seems a bit remote, north of the airport.
Thanks for the tips as well. I don't know for sure if I'll be going there at this time.
...nowhere in Bahrain is remote: although the island is tiny, you'll probably want to buy a car just to get around...Quote:
Originally Posted by MarilynMonroe
Muharraq is a shithole really.Quote:
Originally Posted by MarilynMonroe
You're going to have to cross one of the bridges for a decent night out.
There are a couple of pubs in residential projects on the beach, but hideously overpriced.
agree as an expat woman less hassle than taxis.Quote:
Originally Posted by tomcat
Agree with much of above used to pass through while working all over the Gulf. It is a refreshing place for a weekend drink in contrast to KSA but I preferred Oman and Qatar.
If you hope to meet Saudi lads gagging for it on their weekend furloughs and thirsty for adventure could be paradise, also plenty of seamen, on balance I'd give it a miss if you have alternatives. As others say get apartment with bills in your contract before signing, aside from costs saves time dealing with landlords and utilities.
If you cannot drive request digs near work or in central Manama.
Thanks for the tips folks.. mucho appreciated. I'm sure i'll have more to add and ask after the interview.
I am not sure I want to go to the ME again, but there are so many jobs there in UAE, Bahrain etc... and the salaries are quite good!
You'll definitely get a shag there, MM. :)
I'm not really looking for a shag, but if you say so, Hal. LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by hallelujah
I don't go to a place specifically thinking if I'll get a shag or not, maybe I'm strange or celibate or something otherly. lol
Qatar is an overpriced shithole.Quote:
Originally Posted by david44
Oman is scenic, but dull as fuck.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarilynMonroe
Yeah, it's hot and sandy.
I lived for six years in Khobar. The few times I crossed the causeway into Bahrain I was impressed by how much cleaner and well organised things were. Other than that, I can't say much about the place other than that the weather is basically the same as Dammam/Khobar/Dhahran
Weather is miserably hot for 7 months a year. August and September are notable for being both hot and humid, but no relieving rainstorms. There are dust-storms that can last a month. As detailed above, just about everywhere has AC so it's bearable.
Personally, I didn't mind living in the Gulf. Sure, there can be challenges and annoyances, but I found it laid back and profitable.
...those may not be the only options...Quote:
Originally Posted by MarilynMonroe
Actually it's not as sandy as you think and ten degrees cooler than Thailand right now.Quote:
Originally Posted by DrWilly
...^true: asphalt and concrete tend to keep the sand in place...
555 , and the abandoned debrisQuote:
Originally Posted by tomcat
No shit, Captain ObviousQuote:
Originally Posted by harrybarracuda
You clearly have sfa worth adding.
Clearly interested in helping MM with this momentous decision for her next probable move. Probably.Quote:
Originally Posted by cyrille
Thanks for that post, hnz. I lived in Kuwait for a year, and the heat was bad, but I got used to it.Quote:
Originally Posted by happynz
I'm not sure when the interview will be now, I replied yes, but haven't heard back about it. Also, applying other places even BKK. Could also secure a job here come June.. seems my life is up in the air atmoment. Starting to feel the need to move on, but not sure if I will at this point.
Even BKK? Wow. So many choices. So many options. You’re just like a wandering minstrel. How exciting.
By talking out of your arse as usual.Quote:
Originally Posted by DrWilly
The biggest problem in Bahrain is the humidity. It doesn't even need to be that hot in August or September, it's just so damp and it's wearing if you're outside for more than a few minutes.Quote:
Originally Posted by MarilynMonroe
BBC2 now showing live Butch Cassid and Sundance Kid reminded me
https://cdn.tvguide.co.uk/images/filmlg.GIFButch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
Category: General
https://cdn.tvguide.co.uk/channel_logos/387.png
BBC Two HD
Freeview:102Sky:102Virgin:102BT:102Freesat:102
Sat 8 Apr
2:40pm-4:30pm (1 hour 50 minutes)
Mush Cash Idea and the Bar Raindance Kids
I was kind of curious about the rents in Bahrain so I had a bit of a google. Apparently one can get what looks like a nice furnished 75 sqm 1BR flat for 300-350 BHD (CAD$1100-1250).
Attachment 100614
Furnished Apartments for rent in Bahrain - 8996 Flats for rent | Property Finder Bahrain
Appears quite reasonable
I've only been to Bahrain a few times while I was working in Qatar . . . it's an oasis compared. It's not cheap though so (as Harry suggested) get some kind of accommodation allowance. Not sure if owning a car is warranted for such a small place and people you'll work with are sure to have transport. I just looked it up and Uber is a thing there as well.
There is a ME alternative called Careem as well. And a ton of food delivery apps. That's bigger there than it is here.Quote:
Originally Posted by panama hat