Bahrain

Greetings

Men greeting Men - Men usually greet one another using the phrase ‘Salaamu Aleikum’ (it means, “peace be upon you”). The appropriate response is Wa'aleikum as-salamma, which means, “and on peace be you.” This is usually accompanied by a warm handshake (always use the right hand). Handshakes tend to linger a bit. “Marhaba/Hala” (or Hey!) could be used as an alternative greeting phrase as well.

Women greeting Women - Women usually greet each other in a similar manner to men. Handshakes (always use the right hand) and/or kisses on each cheek are common. During initial meetings, a verbal greeting is also acceptable for many people.

Greetings between Men & Women - Social interactions between non-related members of the opposite sex are not frequent, so as a result the handshake will usually not be included in the introduction. You will be able to tell if the person you are being introduced to is leery of a handshake as they will probably fold their hands up across their chest to let you know they do not intend to shake hands. Always wait for the woman to initiate, if at all.

Communication Style

• The communication style tends to be more indirect than direct as being tactful when communicating is appreciated.
• Directly stating your demands may be considered rude in certain situations.
• People may avoid saying “no” to others as avoiding confrontation and saving face is very important. It’s best to pay attention to tone of voice and non-verbal cues.

• Don’t be misled into thinking that Bahrainis do not know English. Most all do. So don’t make the mistake of saying something within earshot of them that you would not want them to hear.

Personal Space & Touch

• When it comes to personal space a little less that arm’s length is considered okay. However more space should be given when interacting with members of the opposite sex.
• Touching tends to be kept to a minimum, especially when interacting with members of the opposite sex where touching each other even accidentally is quite taboo. Family members do not tend to have such restrictions.

• Most Bahraini women are quick to hug each other, including American women. You will almost never see a Bahraini woman hug someone of the opposite sex.

• Business colleagues should keep their hands to themselves for the most part.

• Westerners should avoid public displays of affection in public, such as kissing. It is fine for a man and woman to hold hands.

Eye Contact

• Bahrainis tend to favor direct eye contact in conversations when speaking with members of the same gender.
• It is best for foreign men to avoid staring directly into the eyes of Bahraini woman and for foreign women to do the like with Bahraini men.
• While talking to an elder, indirect eye contact is often viewed as a sign of respect.

Gestures

• Pointing with one finger should be used to mark a distant object and not to point people. It’s best to provide a verbal description in those situations.
• Always give, pass, and receive objects (including food) with your right hand as the left is viewed as unclean.
• Always cross your legs at the ankle, not at the knee.
• People tend to beckon one another by extending an arm and making a scratching motion with their fingers (fingers pointed to the floor). Beckoning with the palm up may be considered an insult/threat.

• Remove your shoes at the doorway before entering an Arab’s house.

Views of Time

• Punctuality is valued and appreciated, especially in business situations where it may be considered rude to be late. Sticking to appointments tends to leave good impressions.

• That being said, Bahrainis are rarely on time. Their idea of punctuality is different than most Westerners. Furthermore, if some personal/family issue arises, they will automatically deal with that and either cancel your meeting or not show up.

• Most people seem to give of their time freely.

• Most transportation service run on a regular basis but there are often delays due to traffic conditions.

Gender Roles

• Women are primarily working as housewives. However, with the new educated generation, working outside the home is becoming more acceptable.
• Bahraini women mostly work on jobs that limit them serving/appearing in public areas as a these types of jobs are often considered unacceptable. This is not necessarily the case when it comes to foreign women.

• Women have their own section in mosques – foreign women must abide also. Women will not be allowed inside a mosque wearing shorts. They will be given an abaya and scarf to cover themselves with.Women generally walk behind men, although not true for foreign women.

• Bahraini women and girls may not be alone with a male non-relative. If the women wear an abaya and/or hijab, they cannot remove it in front of any man who is not a relative.

• Bahraini women must sit in the family section of restaurants, not with a man in the general section. This is not applicable for westerners.

• Bahraini women and girls cannot swim in public around men, play sports in front of men, or ride a bicycle.

• It is acceptable for foreign women now to be sleeveless, but it is best not to be out in public with a midriff top or wearing shorts. Most all Arab men will find that offensive.

Taboos

• Don’t point the toe or heel or any part of the foot at any person.
• Don’t show the sole of your foot or use the foot to move anything as it is often viewed as the lowliest body part.

• It is considered rude if you refuse an Bahraini's offer of coffee, tea, food, etc. It is polite to drink 2 small cups when offered.

• It is considered disrespectful to give or accept anything with your left hand.

• Don’t take photos of women totally covered in black (only their eyes showing), they are more “extreme”. To be safe, always ask permission to take an Arab woman’s picture.

Law & Order

• Drinking is prohibited by Islam and not allowed for Bahrainis, but it is available for foreigners at certain areas only (night clubs, hotel bars, etc.).
• The legal smoking age is 21 and is it enforced so as not to sell cigarettes to teens and kids.
• Penalties for possession of drugs is quite severe and may include huge fines, jail time and deportation for expatriates. Illegal drug penalties include a fine and allegedly 2-5 years jail time.

• Sheesha smoking is now banned in public restaurants/cafes.

• Prostitution is becoming more and more heavily enforced. Jail sentences are carried out followed by deportation.

Dress

• For Men – For foreigners, conservative suits and ties are common for initial meetings. Darker colors are the way to go. Jackets are not always a necessity and business casual attire is acceptable in many industries.
• For Women - For foreigners, conservative yet stylish is a good choice. Avoid wearing overly expensive accessories, dresses/skirts cut above the calf, low necklines and sleeveless attire. Pants are generally acceptable.
• Jeans and shorts are not usually worn in business situations.

Titles & Business Cards

• It's a good idea to give and receive business cards with the right hand and to have one side of your business card translated into Arabic.

Meetings

• It’s always best to be on time for meetings.
• A prolonged exchanging of greetings and pleasantries is common at the beginning of meetings.
• Meetings do not tend to follow set schedules. Frequent interruptions are common. It's best to just go with the flow.

Negotiations

• Always remain calm during negotiations as most Bahrainis do not tend to be very expressive in public.
• Decisions are usually made from the top down and often take time. It is important to not come across as impatient or over eager.
• Avoid any hard selling of pressure tactics.

Gift Giving

• Gifts are not usually given at initial business meetings. It is best to avoid giving gifts until a very strong bond has been established.
• If invited to a Bahraini home or at someone's office, be aware that it is not polite to openly admire something that is on display as he/she may feel obliged (most likely unwillingly) to offer it to you as a gift and may be offended if this gesture is not accepted.
• To be on the safe side avoid bringing flowers and/or perfume as a gift. Alcohol is not to be given as well.
• Good gifts include imported chocolates, a simple plant, or a souvenir from your country.
• Gifts are not usually opened in the presence of the giver.

In the Classroom

• The university school year begins in September and ends in June with a spring holiday of around 3 weeks in February. The summer holiday is the 3 months between June and September. Private colleges may have their own calendar.

• Acceptable dress for male university students includes: casual/formal t-shirts, trousers/ jeans or the traditional thoub (a full-length garment). T

• he acceptable dress for female university students includes: regular long shirts and skirts/jeans. Note that the traditional dress "Abaya"(an overgarment) is more common.

• Unacceptable attire includes: any tight or revealing clothing, short form of dresses, excessive make-up and accessories and unethical slogans on shirts/tops.

• Grades are usually give on the A-F scale, where F id failing.

• Lecture is the most common form of teaching and students are usually tested through quizzes, presentations, and exams.

Other Observations

• The Bahraini cab drivers may rip off Westerners with their fares. They may refuse to use their taxi meters and then charge what they want. The government does not tend to crack down on them.

• Friday is the holy day; weekends are Friday and Saturday.

• Don’t bother trying to buy a map of the island; there are none detailed enough for driving directions. Ask for directions instead.

• Bargaining is expected when shopping in the Souq.

• If you are in Bahrain during Ashoora and want to see a procession, women must be in abaya and hijab and stay in the women and children’s section. Allegedly if you are caught taking photos, men will come up and confiscate your camera.