What's Bahrain Like?
 

Anyone lived/worked there?

Manama in particular.

Re: What's Bahrain Like?
 

Trying to tell us something, MJC? ;)

Re: What's Bahrain Like?
 

Lived there for 2 years, enjoyed our time there. Quick summary:

Cars - more expensive
Petrol - same
Rent - a lot cheaper (most villas are getting on a bit, but they are still very nice and get painted, plastered etc. before you move in, a lot bigger than Dubai and generally on compounds which are quite sociable.
Food shopping - more expensive than Dubai, but pretty good selection.
Shopping malls - same as any other in Middle East, just like being in Metro Centre (without the thieves).
Eating out - some nice places if you look around, prices on a par with Dubai.
Drinking - probably 5 or 6 bars that we would regularly go to. Drinks prices same as Dubai.
Roads not as busy, but Wednesday evenings are best avoided, the Saudis are in a hurry.
Liquor stores - no license required!

Bahrain seemed a lot more relaxed than Dubai, although earlier this year there was a series of protests against govt, laws etc... Some got violent and was a little uncomfortable at times.
Would hear rumours of Iranian-linked clerics having more influence there (not getting into a political discussion here), last Ramadan all alcohol was banned (we were notified on the first day of Ramadan), there is a group of MPs who pushed for this, they have stated their ultimate aim is to have no alcohol at all in Bahrain.

Didn't know anyone who lived in Manama - best place seemed to be Saar/Budaiya area, 15 minutes drive to Manama, good supermarkets nearby, rugby club/country club very close.

Hope that helps!

Re: What's Bahrain Like?
 

My sister lived out there for a few years, loved it, lots of people to hang out with who seemed fairly friendly, and expats, and able to get a much nicer package than say dxb.

Only thing she didn't like, because our mother is Japanese, when going to certain shops or places, people would think she was a filopino and treat her like shite, thought she was a cleaner, until they realised....that was a few years ago though, so might have changed

Re: What's Bahrain Like?
 

I can vouch for the package being nicer, when i was interviewing with a large middle east package delivery company based in Bahrain but with a huge presence in dubai (think yellow), they said that all their dubai salaries were based on the same salary level in Bahrain minus 15%.

Re: What's Bahrain Like?
 

Or Ram-Raiders - do you remember that cctv showing the Rangy ram raiding Dixons and all the chavs nicking the videos. Priceless.

Thanks for that btw, k on way..

Re: What's Bahrain Like?
 

Remember it well - there are some things from home you really miss in Dubai :D

Re: What's Bahrain Like?
 

Yep, it's the little things you miss.

The Chavs on the corner swapping their milk tokens for single Regals, the groups having "Hockle" competitions on the first floor balcony outside of Dorethy Perkins, to see who can hit the old women belowThe gently moving slag heaps and the free rides on the backs of coal trains!!

And we thought we had it bad!!

Re: What's Bahrain Like?
 

Live in Bahrain for some years - Manama is the main area of Bahrain, Saar is where most expats live just of the Budeiya highway.

Agree with everythign else that has been written, esp about the weekends avoid the roads - the Kuwaities and Saudis go crazy at the weekend.

There are some amaxinf resteruants there, Jims was a favourite of Mine owned by an Irish, atmosphere is great. bahrain Yacht club is the place to go if you are into Diving !!

Food, furniture and cars are more expensive than Dubai but other than that the same apart from a hell of alot smaller !!!

Re: What's Bahrain Like?
 

Ahhh, you're from Manchester?

Re: What's Bahrain Like?
 

I take that as a grave insult.

I'm from Newcastle - That's on Tyne, not under lyme!

Re: What's Bahrain Like?
 

Please don't take it badly - I was going to say that your spelling and grammar were impeccable by manc standards. :D

Reading your previous post, it fits every stereotype about mancunian life, except for mugging and robbing. I hereby revoke my previous comment.

Re: What's Bahrain Like?
 

A real estate friend in NZ lived in Bahrain for over 8 years and loved it, only moved because his contract came to an end and he had to move on. He couldn't fault it and would go back tomorrow given the chance. :)

Re: What's Bahrain Like?
 

Oi! Trafford Centre beats the Metro Centre by miles. :p :p

I am an ex (near) Manc! ;) Well, about 25 miles away. :D

Re: What's Bahrain Like?
 

Isn't that a good thing??