Being an Indian in Bahrain is an identity in itself and so the experiences below are definitely a few things you will relate to if you’ve ever lived here!
Featured photo by @vmvisuals
You feel quite at home
There are so many Indians over here, that you hardly feel out of place! In fact the largest expatriate community in Bahrain comprises of Indians (approximately 4,00,000 in number). Looking for communities to socialize in? Join any of the Indian based clubs or communities here. Missing Indian food? You have plenty of options here!!
It is easy to reach any place
Since the country is only 765.3 square kilometers in size (not even half the size of Delhi), every destination is only a 20-30 minutes drive away, if you manage to escape the traffic!
“Inshallah” “Mafi” and “Habibi” become a part of your daily lingo
No habibi, Mafi doesn’t mean “forgiveness” (as in Hindi), it means “No”
Grill nights and BBQ parties are now a part of your culture
What is better than charred chicken you say!
The days seem longer during Ramadan
The holy month is a time for prayer and fasting for all Muslims, and so most shops especially the ones that facilitate some sort of entertainment or leisure (like malls, restaurants, bars and cafes) are closed till 6 pm. You’re also prohibited to eat,drink or smoke in public during Ramadan.
But an Iftar feast is something you always look forward to
Breaking the fast with an Arabic spread consisting of all types of local dishes is definitely a treat!
You long for the rain!
The tiny kingdom hardly receives any rain! How frequently does it rain? Once a year? Twice? Ok maybe thrice!
Your house is always covered with dust
Sandstorms don’t help and so brooming, dusting and vacuuming is a daily grind!
So nebulization as a treatment is common
The method is effective for persistent coughs and wheezing!
Pricey books, pricey medication!
Three times more than in India!!!
You end up spending more money for water than petrol
For 1 litre of water you can get twice the amount of petrol! You also know your water well. There is tap water for washing, sweet water for cooking and the special water bottles that you procure for drinking.
You miss having balconies or an open space
Drying clothes is not so convenient here especially if you live in an apartment!
At any Bahraini event or gathering, you are welcomed with dates and Kahwa!
A perfect combination of flavors
Karak tea with a sandwich or shawarma is the snack for you while you’re on the road
A professional service you find in the many streets of Bahrain (and Middle East)!
You get to go home for lunch, in most job profiles
1-2 hours of afternoon rest is a plus point!
Lulu becomes your official shopping place
Looking for anything Indian? Whether it’s groceries, vegetables, clothes, home decor, you can trust Lulu to have it! Not just that, with the variety of food festivals conducted, Lulu is probably the first place you realize that an Indian festival is approaching soon.
You long for affordable help on a daily basis
Just so you can focus on other things!
You look forward to your annual one month leave every year
Your only motivation at work, is to meet your loved ones back home !
You find yourself converting BD into INR- always
Especially when you get to save or send some money back home, to your dear ones! By the way 1 BD is Rs 190 today!
What according to you is typical for an Indian in Bahrain? Share in the comments section below 🙂
Enjoyed the content here? You might like reading these as well:
Moving to Bahrain – first thoughts
A tale of two birds in Bahrain
A visit to Al Fatih Grand Mosque in Bahrain
A visit to Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve
Sumathi Valavu or Karzakan forest in Bahrain
How to apply for a Bahrain tourist visa online
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Hi! My name is Rubitah. I’m a Content Writer certified Life Coach, Counselor, Social Work professional and the Founder of Being Rubitah. Over the years through my professional and personal life, I have realized that prayers and love can do wonders to family life once you come to terms with yourself and surrender to God. Do you relate to me? Then you may like what I post here! Read more about me
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