Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island country in West Asia.
It is situated on the Persian Gulf, and comprises a small archipelago made up of 50 natural islands and an additional 33 artificial islands, centered on Bahrain Island which makes up around 83 percent of the country’s landmass.
With a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-denominational society, Bahrain is an attractive destination for expat families.
Bahrain is the freest economy in the MENA region, and among the “mostly free” economies worldwide.
When I first arrived in Bahrain way back in 2006, it was still a tax-free country, but two or three years earlier, they had imposed a 10% tax on selected commodities.
Why do I love Bahrain?
- Bahrain is a small island. It is convenient to live as everything is almost within your reach.
- Almost everyone knows each other.
- You can explore the whole country in just a few days.
- Bahrain is one of the best Countries to live for foreigners.
- Simple life and simple living aside from it is easy to find a job in Bahrain.
- Everything is almost affordable, from the flat rent to food and necessities, to recreation.
- My personal favorite: I go to work for 8 hours a day and at work, we’re also one of the privileged private company employees to get every Country’s official and public holidays which means I have a decent time at home and can spend all these holidays with my family, and since Bahrain is so small, I can travel to and from work in just a few minutes time.
- Everything is affordable, almost. Although this is not a tourist spot or a holiday destination as there isn’t much of a place to see, the fact that you can go around the whole Bahrain in just a few days, this place is definitely ideal for beginners.
Living here not just for years but decades, I would say that I have already adopted their simple ways of living.
Isn’t it comfortable working in a Company that would provide you with the easiest mode of transportation going in and out of work? A pick-and-drop car directly at your doorsteps and send you back home? Well, most of the Companies in Bahrain do that.
Or isn’t it just comfortable that everything is within your reach? Everywhere is almost nearby. A supermarket by walk, a hospital by walk, a shopping mall by walk, and no hassles of going anywhere.
Restaurants are almost everywhere. From Asian cuisine, Chinese, American, European, Mediterranean, fusion, vegan, vegetarian, whatever your choice is, are always easy to find. You won’t have a hard time finding your own list of cravings.
I just find it easy, comfortable, and safe to live here. Although just like any other Country, safety relies on your own precautions.
My home…away from home!
Some disadvantage: (Personal thoughts)
- Although it is easy to find a job and settle in Bahrain, Bahrain is also a country with a low minimum wage rate.
- For most of the residents in Bahrain, we rely on our Company’s residence permit and there is little to no chance of becoming a citizen. We are all expats here.
- Salaries are quite low, although permanent, (but fortunately we get paid a little more than the others but still not enough if you have a child with special needs) but still won’t be enough to cover for a growing family. We are paid on a monthly basis full time. As you are under the Company sponsorship, you are not allowed as per contract to get a second job particularly with the same business, you have to find a side hustle limited to online selling, transporting, and other small jobs.
- One of the most hindrances is, health care is not free. We have medical insurance provided by the Company (individual) but sadly, not all Companies provide Insurance.
- There is no support/free therapies for foreigner children with special needs and the cost of therapies here are very expensive!
I love to live in Bahrain but I know that in time I must leave my comfort zone for another hundred personal reasons to explore other options and try new things and be in a different place.
Tbh, I love the Country, I love my job, I love the comfort and convenience, the people, the friends who became a family, the hot and humid weather, I love this small island and we’ve been almost everywhere here. We literally been to almost the entire country, corners to corners, every malls, every arcades, every parks, every beach, every roads, everywhere.
Thank you for everything, my second home. Thank you for the wonderful 18 years. Till I see you again.
I will definitely miss everything here. The people, places, faces, our usual weekend getaways, walking around and walking in the streets of Gudaibiya, my work, my office, the hot and humid summers and the cold winter nights, or just driving around.
No more “batang desyerto” anymore- Rain. 😢🇧🇭👶🏻
Signing off.
Chescadventures 