Expat Community in Bahrain
Bahrain has one of the highest proportions of expatriates in the world - over 52% of the population. This creates a welcoming, internationally-oriented society with established support networks.
Expat Demographics
| Nationality | Estimated Population |
|---|---|
| Indian | ~350,000 |
| Bangladeshi | ~150,000 |
| Pakistani | ~110,000 |
| Filipino | ~40,000 |
| British | ~4,000-8,000 |
| American | ~3,000-5,000 |
| Other Western | ~10,000 |
| Other Asian | ~50,000+ |
Finding Your Community
Professional Networks:
- American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Bahrain)
- British Business Forum
- Indian Business Council
- German Business Council
- Various industry associations
Social Groups:
- InterNations Bahrain (large, active community)
- Bahrain Rugby Club (social sports)
- Bahrain Yacht Club
- Various golf and tennis clubs
- Hash House Harriers (running/social)
Online Communities:
- Facebook: "Expats in Bahrain," "Bahrain Social," nationality-specific groups
- Reddit: r/Bahrain
- WhatsApp groups (ask colleagues/neighbors)
- Meetup.com events
Religious Communities:
- Various churches (Christianity openly practiced)
- Hindu temples
- Mosques (Friday prayers, community events)
Popular Expat Activities
Social Venues:
- Brunches (big tradition - BHD 20-40 with drinks)
- Hotel restaurants and bars
- Adliya cafes and restaurants
- Juffair nightlife
- Beach clubs and pool days
Sports and Recreation:
- Golf (Royal Golf Club, Awali)
- Tennis and squash clubs
- Running groups
- Water sports at Amwaj
- Cricket (large South Asian community)
- Rugby and football leagues
Cultural Activities:
- Bahrain National Museum
- Art galleries (La Fontaine, Art Centre)
- Bahrain Fort (UNESCO site)
- Pearl diving heritage trips
- Desert camping
Family Expat Life
For families with children:
- International school parent networks
- PlayDate groups and activities
- Family-friendly clubs (Dilmun Club)
- Kids activities at malls
- Waterparks (Lost Paradise of Dilmun)
Making Connections
Tips for newcomers:
- Join InterNations - largest organized expat group
- Attend Friday brunches - main social ritual
- Join a sports club or fitness group
- Engage with colleagues' social circles
- Be open to diverse friendships (nationality mixing common)
Cultural Integration
Bahrain vs other Gulf states:
- More relaxed social atmosphere
- Alcohol available (hotels, licensed restaurants)
- Less conservative dress code
- More interaction between expats and locals
- Smaller scale means closer community
Local Connection
Many expats develop genuine friendships with Bahrainis:
- Work colleagues
- Neighbors
- Through children's activities
- Sports and clubs
- Business relationships
Bahrainis are generally welcoming and curious about other cultures.
Pro Tips
- •Join InterNations in your first week - best way to meet people
- •Friday brunch is the main social ritual - embrace it
- •Don't stick only to your nationality - mix widely
- •Sports clubs offer great social opportunities
- •The community is small - reputation matters, behave professionally
Have questions about expat community in Bahrain?