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Bahrain

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Bahrain Today

Since its independence from the UK in 1971, Bahrain has developed into a modern, prosperous nation that embraces the marriage of its traditions with its pursuit for progress.  Today, Bahrain strives to create a more modern state which respects and incorporates its strong cultural heritage and traditions.  The human rights situation has improved and Bahrainis enjoy increasing freedom of expression.  Understanding this unique Middle Eastern culture and its associated business etiquette is essential for anyone wishing to successfully do business in Bahrain.

Bahraini Culture – Key Concepts and Values

Islam – In order to fully comprehend the culture of Bahrain, it is important to understand the influence of religion on society.  Islam is practised by the majority of Bahrainis who mainly belong to the Shi’a branch of Islam.  Known as the most progressive Islamic country in the Middle East, Bahraini law is based on a combination of Islamic law and English common law.  Islam governs many aspects of a Muslim’s life from holidays to the food they eat to how they dress and do business.  Generosity, modesty and respect for others are key concepts which are present in both social and professional spheres of life.  However, reforms and more western approaches have also influenced life and culture in Bahrain.  

Hospitality – Bahrainis are known for their hospitality in both social and professional contexts.  They welcome guests warmly and with a variety of traditions and rituals, the most important of which is the serving of coffee or tea which is provided at even the shortest meeting.  Greetings are very important in Bahrain and Bahrainis take their time, often holding the hand of their counterpart throughout the entire duration of the greeting process.   Bahraini hospitality is part of their desire to establish trust and build relationships with people before doing business.  Foreigners should therefore show their gratitude for this generosity and spend time getting acquainted with their Bahraini business counterparts.

Family – Bahraini culture places a high importance on family.  Extended family ties are paramount and Bahrainis are known to fiercely defend their family’s honour.  Loyalty to the family comes before anything else, even in a business context where it is not uncommon to have several members of one family working for the same company.

Indirect Communication – Communication in the Bahrain tends to be relatively indirect and relies heavily on nonverbal cues and figurative forms of speech where information is not explicitly stated.  Respecting an individual’s honour and saving face are key drivers in the indirect communication style that is prevalent throughout the Middle East.  Directly refusing a proposal, for example, may be interpreted as impolite.  Therefore when conducting business discussions with your Bahraini colleagues you should avoid responding with a direct ‘no’ and be prepared to interpret seemingly indefinite comments and gestures.  It is also impolite to directly criticise a Middle Eastern counterpart as it brings shame to the person’s honour.

Doing Business in Bahrain

Bahrain has opened itself relatively early to the world and has since developed into a modern, flourishing country.  Its natural resources, excellent infrastructure and low taxation make it an ideal investment location.  Bahrain was the first country in the Arabian Gulf in which oil was discovered.  Today, Bahrain’s efforts to modernise and open its borders combined with its attractive economy is increasingly drawing interest from foreign investors.  Investing or doing business in Bahrain successfully requires an in-depth understanding of Bahrain’s unique business culture and etiquette.

Part 1 – Working in Bahrain: Working practices in Bahrain

• The Bahraini working week begins on Saturday and ends on Thursday with Friday being the Muslim holy day.  There is a wide range of operating days/hours practices across the public and private sector.  As a general guide, banks and government work a five-day week and close on Friday and Saturday as do a number of other commercial companies and schools.
• Government office hours are generally 7.00 to 14.00.  Some banks work straight through from opening around 8:30/9.00 until closing between 15.00 and 18.00 so it is a good idea to check before visiting the first time.  There are a number of major shopping centres across the island that open seven days per week and often remain open until late in the evening. Most major supermarkets are also seven day operations and open between 8.00 and 22.00.  Office hours tend to be from 9.00 to 13.00 and from 16.30 to 20.00.  Hours vary during the month of Ramadan and other holidays.
• Bahrainis tend to require a smaller distance between them and their counterparts during conversations.  Physical contact is commonly used to show sympathy and to emphasise the subject matter.
• Meetings should be scheduled in advance and confirmed a few days prior.
• During the hot summer months of July and August, there is a large exodus from the island as both Bahrainis and expatriates take leave to escape the summer heat.  While this can make it more difficult to conduct business, those who remain are often more relaxed and congenial.

Structure and hierarchy in Bahraini companies

• Most Bahraini companies have a strict hierarchical structure which is reflected in the directive and authoritative leadership style.  Decisions tend to be made from the top-down by the most senior member.
• Status is an important part of Bahraini society and is determined by factors such as age, wealth and family relations.  Those with status have a high level of authority and should be shown deference.
• Bahraini society is very rule-oriented with regulations, laws and other control mechanisms in place to reduce uncertainty and enforce the power of leaders.
• The hierarchical structure is also represented in the very formal communication style of most Bahrainis.  The use of titles and formal greetings is significant.  When first entering a room or greeting your Bahraini counterparts for the first time, for example, you should shake hands with the most senior person first using their appropriate titles.

Working relationships in Bahrain

• Relationships and mutual trust are paramount for any successful business interaction and can only be developed through face-to-face meetings.  It is therefore important to spend time with your Bahraini business counterparts and have frequent meetings to ensure that the relationship grows over time.
• Invitations to festive occasions or meals together are common and an important part of the relationship building process.  In order to strengthen your relationship with your Bahraini counterparts, the acceptance of such invitations is paramount.  Some events may follow more traditional practices where men and women do not eat and celebrate or mourn together such as at weddings, engagements or funerals, so  women should be prepared to be separated to a ‘ladies section’ on such occasions.  Generally, business-related functions will be for both men and women.
• Family influence and personal connections often take precedence over other governing factors.  Take the time to get to know your Bahraini business counterparts on a person level so that you can develop a friendship with that person and therefore be in a better position of priority for business dealings.

Part 2 – Doing Business in Bahrain: Business practices in Bahrain

• The customary greeting is ‘As-salam alaikum’ (peace be upon you) to which the reply is ‘Wa alaikum as-salam’ (and upon you be peace).  When entering a meeting, general introductions will begin with a handshake.  You should greet each of your Bahraini counterparts individually, but Muslim men and women may not always shake hands with each other.   So if you are a man, it is best to wait for a Bahraini woman to extend her hand first.  If you are a woman, you should wait for a Bahraini man to extend his hand.
• Bahraini business attire tends to be conservative.  In general, Bahrain is more liberal than its Arab neighbours, however, women are encouraged to dress conservatively and avoid showing too much bare skin.  For men, smart suit and tie are appropriate business attire.
• Business cards are essential in Bahraini business culture and it is advisable to print your details in both English and Arabic.

Bahraini Business Etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)

DO respect the holy month of Ramadan and avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public.  Every night the breaking of the fast after sunset, known as Iftar, is often connected to a big celebration with family and friends.

DO address your Bahraini counterparts with the appropriate titles Doctor, Shaikh or Professor, followed by his or her first name.  If unsure, it is best to get the names and correct form of address of those you will be doing business with before hand.  The word ‘bin’ or ‘ibn’ (son of) and ‘bint’ (daughter of) are often present in a person’s name and serve as important indicators of family roots.  It is not always clear who is married to who as women do not change their name when they marry but retain their father’s name.

DO expect to see men walking hand in hand as it is a sign of friendship.

DO show respect to your Bahraini counterparts by smiling and maintaining strong eye-contact.  This also serves to strengthen trust and mutual understanding.

DO expect frequent interruptions during meetings and conversations as Bahrainis pursue an open-door policy and often receive several visitors at the same time or take calls on their mobiles.

DO keep a close distance between you and your Bahraini counterpart.  The distance between two people tends to be smaller in Bahrain than in most Western countries.  This shows respect to the other person and helps strengthen relationships.

DON’T show the soles of your feet as this is considered to be very offensive in Islamic cultures.

DON’T criticise your Middle Eastern counterparts in front of other business colleagues as this may cause a loss of face and harm the individual’s sense of honour.  Bahrain society is also quite small and frequently there may be family connections that are not always obvious.

DON’T use your left hand for eating or passing and receiving items as it is considered unclean and reserved for personal hygiene.

DON’T ask about someone’s wife or daughters.  It is polite to enquire about a person’s family or health, but never ask specifically about any female members.  Family life which involves female members is kept extremely private.

Bahraini Culture Quiz – True or False

1. Small talk is commonly used in business conversations.

2. It is appropriate to bring a bottle of wine as a gift when invited to the house of a Bahraini.

3. Women in Bahrain are more publicly active than in other Arab countries.

4. It is impolite to decline any offer of coffee.

5. It is common to discuss business matters at social event.

Bahraini Culture Quiz – Answers

1. True.  Small talk is a widespread technique used to establish trust and to deepen personal relationships.

2. False.  Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol and unless you know the host’s preferences, avoid bringing and consuming alcohol.

3. True.  Early reforms in the educational and judicial system provided Bahraini women with more rights than women in other Arab countries.

4. False.  It is polite to accept at least the first couple of cups of coffee but if you have had enough then you can politely decline by gently shaking your cup when they try to serve you more.

5. False.

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