Lifestyle The Kingdom of Bahrain

The Kingdom of Bahrain is the most open and liberal economy in the Middle East and is justifiably proud of its reputation as being “Business Friendly”.

It is the Financial Hub of the region, influenced greatly by having the most dynamic and respected regulator in the Middle East.

In parallel with its “Business Friendly” environment, The Kingdom of Bahrain offers a unique, cosmopolitan lifestyle where accommodation is both excellent and affordable and the cost of living compares very favourably with European and other countries.

Education standards are outstanding and many private schools follow the UK curriculum, the International Baccalaureate and other national education programmes such as those of the USA, France, Philippines and India.

As the business environment is dynamic, so too is the leisure scene.

Whatever your sport or hobby you can find a club and activity to match your interests.

With year round sunshine, Bahrain’s weather is superb, so outdoor sports like golf, sailing, horse riding and jogging are very popular and usually inexpensive.

Bahrain’s flagship sporting facilities are the Bahrain International Circuit and the Royal Golf Club at Riffa.

The Bahrain International Circuit is the home of motor sport in the Middle East and hosts the Gulf Air F1 Grand Prix each year. In addition, activities are held at the Circuit almost every weekend of the year, including drag racing, karting and off roading, catering for spectators and participants alike.

Golfing is a popular hobby in Bahrain and with a choice of grass and sand courses there is pleasure to be had for the accomplished and those less so. The Royal Golf Club at Riffa has a Colin Montgomery designed 18 hole par 72 championship course plus a par 3 nine hole Academy course for those looking to gain more practice. “The Montgomery” delivers a challenging and unforgettable experience for golfers. The installation of floodlights on the back nine of “The Monty” and on the Academy “Wee Monty” course has proved a useful innovation for golfers.

The Kingdom has the most welcoming, friendly and successful Rugby club in the Middle East, winning this year’s Arabian Gulf Cup. Facilities include three grass pitches, a superb 25 metre swimming pool, netball courts, cricket nets and a large clubhouse. Whatever your age, the Club has a team for you starting from mini rugby level through to Golden Oldies.

A strong tradition of horse riding is to be found on the island and Bahrain is famous for its strain of Arab horses. Throughout the season, October to May there are regular show jumping events at the local stables. The Bahrain Equestrian Federation stages major international standard endurance horse racing events and the Bahrain Race Course has meetings every weekend during these months also. Owning a horse in Bahrain is inexpensive and rewarding.

Surounded by crystal waters, Bahrain is a paradise for all those keen on their watersports, particularly wakeboarding, jet skiing, kite surfing, scuba diving and of course sailing. Bahrain has a good choice of sailing clubs and marinas.

Bahrain is a diner’s paradise with superb restaurants and hotels offering some of the world’s finest cuisine at competitive prices. Dining out in Bahrain is a frequent activity enjoyed by locals and expatriates alike and is a great way to meet new friends. A number of bars and nightclubs can also be found on the island and regularly feature guest DJ sessions from international acts.

Bahraini society is strongly family orientated and this results in the people being warm, welcoming and friendly.

There is no better place to work and live.