Islam is practised by the vast majority of Bahrainis and governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives.

Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day - at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. The exact time is listed in the local newspaper each day. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed. Many companies also close on Saturday, making the weekend Friday and Saturday.

During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and the working hours are reduced usually to six hours per day. Fasting includes no eating, drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing. Expatriates are not required to fast; however, they must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public. Each night at sunset families and friends gather together to celebrate the breaking of the fast (iftar). In general, things happen more slowly during Ramadan. Many businesses operate on a reduced schedule. Shops may be open and closed at unusual times.

The extended family or tribe forms the basis of both the social structure and individual identity. Loyalty to the family comes before other social relationships, even business.

The family is very private. Prying questions should be avoided. It is ordinary for large extended families to live in the same house, compound, or village.

Women's political rights have been a cornerstone of the political reforms initiated by His Majesty King Hamad with, for the first time, women being given the right to vote and stand as candidates in national elections with an amendment to the constitution in 2002. The extension of equal political rights has been accompanied by a self-conscious drive to promote women to positions of authority within the government.

The Supreme Council for Women under the leadership Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa, Spouse of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, King of Bahrain, Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women, continues to push boundaries for the protection and advancement of women, and its efforts have been demonstrably recognised regionally and internationally. HM The King set up the Supreme Council for Women in 2001 to develop the role of women in Bahrain.

The progress made in the position of women has been echoed in other sectors of Bahraini society and internationally where democracy is being emphasised first and foremost. Bahrain’s successful reform programme stands out as a model for other regimes in the region.

The council has been keen to ensure that women are economically independent by developing new plans to set up a comprehensive training centre for women, which will provide Bahraini women with the necessary skills and expertise to develop their own handicrafts and service industries. The council has extended its facilities by setting up offices in all five governorates, as well as at the council premises, to receive feedback on any grievances and complaints.

In 2004, Bahrain appointed its first woman minister, and in 2005 a second woman minister was appointed to the cabinet. In April 2005, Shura member Alice Samaan became the first woman to chair a parliamentary session in the Arab world when she chaired the Shura Council.

In June 2006, Bahrain was elected head of the United Nations General Assembly, and used the honour to appoint Haya bint Rashid Al Khalifa as the Assembly's President, making her the first Middle Eastern woman, and only the third woman in history, to hold this post.

Meeting Etiquette

Bahrainis are tremendously friendly. Greetings are given with a sense of enthusiasm and delight at meeting you or seeing you again. Smiling and direct eye contacts are crucial. Men shake hands and kiss each other on the cheek. Women generally hug and kiss close female friends. When Bahrainis greet each other they take their time and converse about general things.

Dining Etiquette

Bahrainis enjoy entertaining friends and family in their homes, although they will also socialize in restaurants, clubs, and international hotels. Entertainment is often same-sex only. Friends may be invited to a Bahraini's home.

If you are invited to a Bahraini's house: Check to see if the host is wearing shoes. If not, remove yours at the door. Dress conservatively. Try to arrive at the invited time. Punctuality is appreciated. Show respect for the elders by greeting them first. Accept any offer of coffee or tea. To turn down hospitality may be considered a rejection of the person.

If you are invited for a meal, there may be a great deal of socializing and small talk before the meal is served. The evening will end quite quickly after the meal. It is considered good manners to reciprocate any hospitality you receive.

Watch your table manners!

If the meal is on the floor, sit cross-legged or kneel on one knee. Never let your feet touch the food mat. Try a bit if everything that is served. Meals are generally served family-style.

There is often more food than you can eat. You will be urged to take more food despite saying you are full. It is considered polite to leave some food on your plate when you have finished eating. This demonstrates that your host has showered his guests with generosity and abundance.

What to Wear?

Bahrain is a Muslim country, so people generally dress conservatively. However, Bahrain has always been open society (it was, and probably still is, the most open and tolerant of the Gulf States) so it is generally very tolerant provided that you are respectful. In general, Bahrainis love to dress up. So try to look as good as possible wherever you go.