Anyone in Bahrain?

[ruger3717]

I know that most folks on this board are in UAE, but am curious if there is anyone on here in Bahrain. I am an American that has just taken a job that will put me in Bahrain starting in December.

Just looking to get advice, tips, etc. from those that are there. It seems like there are some important differences between living in Bahrain versus UAE.

[Kerry13]

Hi

I don't live there anymore, but spent 3.5 years there. Now in Dubai for past 2.5 yrs.
There is a vast difference.

Obviously the biggest difference is that the UAE is a much larger Country! there are many more things to do in the UAE and more variety of bars, food, beaches and shopping etc

What Bahrain do offer is a much friendlier community, you will make friends a lot quicker. The people are more genuine and it doesnt have to be the best restaurant or boat in the world, to have a better time. As you are limited to places to drink etc, you may become a little bored, but i never did :-)

Alot of people who goes to Dubai to Bahrain will not like it and those who comes from Bahrain to Dubai, will miss Bahrain... it takes a lot longer time to adapt to Dubai i think.


Good Luck

[ruger3717]

Originally Posted by Kerry13

Hi

I don't live there anymore, but spent 3.5 years there. Now in Dubai for past 2.5 yrs.
There is a vast difference.

Obviously the biggest difference is that the UAE is a much larger Country! there are many more things to do in the UAE and more variety of bars, food, beaches and shopping etc

What Bahrain do offer is a much friendlier community, you will make friends a lot quicker. The people are more genuine and it doesnt have to be the best restaurant or boat in the world, to have a better time. As you are limited to places to drink etc, you may become a little bored, but i never did :-)

Alot of people who goes to Dubai to Bahrain will not like it and those who comes from Bahrain to Dubai, will miss Bahrain... it takes a lot longer time to adapt to Dubai i think.


Good Luck

Thank you for the response! I spent just a few weeks in Dubai and Bahrain a few years ago and that is what I remember from being over there. A lot of people like to lump the places together as being the same, but when you get past the "surface", they have very distinct identities.

I will gladly trade additional places to drink for friends. One hundred unfriendly bars is nothing like one really great bar with friends.

Being that I only speak English, what aspects are the most difficult when you don't speak arabic? Is it stores, government agencies, just getting about the place? I will of course learn some basic arabic, but will never be able to speak it fluently.

If you don't mind me asking, what would be your one biggest "lesson learned" or thing to look out for while living there?

Thank you for any advice you can provide.

[Kerry13]

Honestly, I dont have a bad word against Bahrain..

but like here, be very careful on the roads !!!!
It also depends where you live, there are only two main access roads to the hot spots of Bahrain.. traffic is a nightmare and dont think you can be clever and take the back roads...