Bahrain

Bahrain is a country that boasts a modern infrastructure with a long cultural Persian Gulf history. Bahrain is located midway between the tip of the Qatar Peninsula and the Saudi Arabian mainland. The island group includes six primary islands which are Bahrain, Muharraq, Sitrah, Umm al Nassan, Jidda and Nabi Salih. Bahrain’s history as a successful trading and business nation goes back more than 4,000 years, when the Dilmun civilisation lay at the heart of the world’s trade routes. Bahrain boasts a number of advantages for modern day businesses, with its strategic location at the heart of the Arabian Gulf. Coupled with a highly favourable tax environment, with no corporate, personal or value-added tax, a modern high standard of living, and a mature legal and administrative infrastructure, it has long been an attractive location within the Middle East. With its unique accessibility to the rest of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) by road, air and sea, modern-day Bahrain acts as an important gateway to the rest of the Gulf. The King Fahad Causeway provides a 45-minute road link to Saudi Arabia and the rest of the region, while anothercauseway to Qatar is planned.

Overview

Unlike other countries in the region, Bahrain’s prosperity has been less dependent on its oil reserves and diversified significantly earlier, becoming known for its financial institutions as early as the 1970s. In addition to this, huge construction and development projects, is evidence of one of the fasting growing and freest economies in the Arab world. Bahrain has a strong established base of leading international companies and financial institutions. They have been attracted by buoyant economic growth, positive political developments, its commitment to high international standards and best practices, a pro-business culture and world-class infrastructure, an independent judicial system, and a friendly cosmopolitan lifestyle. It is also home to many pan-regional financial, commercial and industrial institutions and joint projects, and is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Middle East with over two million tourists a year. Most of the visitors are from the Arab and Persian Gulf states but there are an increasing number of tourists from outside the region. This is thanks to a growing awareness of the Kingdom’s rich heritage and the higher profile gained by Bahrain’s Formula One status.

 Bahrain is generally regarded as one of the most cosmopolitan and Westernised countries within the Middle Eastern region. While Islam is the main religion, Bahrainis have been known for their tolerance, and alongside mosques, churches, a Hindu temple, a Sikh Gurudwara and a Jewish synagogue can be found. While Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken. One of the major differences in Bahrain is the restriction of alcohol. Generally, only hotels have licenses to sell alcohol, so you are likely to find that the majority of bars, restaurants and clubs aimed at Westerners will be attached to hotels. It is possible to buy alcohol for personal consumption; however it is significantly more expensive than buying alcohol in the UK. The month of Ramadan is a feature of life in the Middle East. During this month of fasting, eating, drinking and smoking are not permitted in public, from sunrise to sunset. This is strictly adhered to, and even as a non-Muslim it is unacceptable to partake in any of the above in view of anyone who is observing Ramadan.

Travel and transport

Bahrain International airport is located on Al Muharraq, an island on the northern tip of Bahrain, north of the capital, Manama. Airlines such as Gulf Air, British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa and KLM regularly fly in and out of Bahrain.

Money

The currency in Bahrain is the Bahraini Dinar (BD), which is divided into 1000 Fils.

Banks

Several of the world’s leading banks or their subsidiaries have branches in Bahrain. Foreign banks including the British Bank of the Middle East, Citibank, and Standard Chartered. Setting up an account is easy, as is transferring money to the UK.

Working hours

Office hours are usually from 8.30 or 9.00 am to 5.30 or 6.00 pm. In the month of Ramadan, the working day is reduced to six hours for Muslims, who fast during daylight hours.

Employment prospects

In general, for a candidate to be employed from overseas they must have experience and skills that cannot be found locally. Taking into consideration the current popularity of tax-free destinations like Bahrain, and the number of people wanting to relocate, this does not necessarily make finding a job a foregone conclusion or a quick process. As a general rule, candidates will need to have at least four years ‘post qualification experience to be considered as viable. Generally the remuneration packages and the lifestyle that can be achieved are more favourable than equivalent roles in the UK, and the quality of life and experience of working in such a vibrant economy are experiences not to be missed for many.

 Facts - Bahrain

·         Population: 698,585

·         Area: 665 km²

·         Government: Constitutional monarchy

·         Established: 15th August, 1971 (independence from UK)

·         Capital: Manama