06 January 2009 01:34 GMT
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Although it is connected by a bridge to the conservative Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain has a noticeably more laid-back and liberal atmosphere than its neighbours in the Arabian Gulf.
Many restaurants and bars in Manama have their own alcohol licenses without having to be part of a hotel – which is the case in other Gulf countries. There is also a greater (though by no means complete) freedom of the press in Bahrain than elsewhere in the region.
That said, this is not Ibiza. Visitors should bear in mind that Bahrain is a conservative Islamic country at heart, particularly in areas outside of the capital which are less frequented by tourists and expatriates.
Ladies should not dress revealingly when in public places, and displays of public drunkenness – or making obscene gestures – could land you in jail. Do not take photos of Bahrainis, particularly local women, and try to stay courteous and polite at all times.
Like many countries in the region, though, Bahrain is now home to a diverse range of nationalities who have made the island their home and place of work. Some Bahrainis even worry that their country has lost its traditional identity thanks to the influx of foreigners, who now outnumber locals.
It’s a delicate trade-off between finding a labour force to sustain the rapid economic growth and construction boom of the past few years, and conserving local traditions.
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