The first thing I do before traveling to a conservative country is scouring around on the internet for information about the dress code. Bahrain is a tolerant country and is pretty relaxed in terms of the dress code. However, one should not take this for granted and disrespect the country’s norms. It is always good to blend in with the local culture and dress appropriately.
This post will give you detailed information on what to wear in traditional areas, beaches, shopping malls, and souqs and a few tips on how to rock your outfits even if you dress conservatively.
General Tip
Men and women need to dress modestly. No matter where you go, make sure you don’t wear clothes that reveal too much skin or are too tight/body-fitting.
Shopping Malls & Souqs
Women can wear outfits like trousers, jeans, palazzos, skirts, dresses, casual tops, shirts, t-shirts, kurtas, etc. as long as their shoulders, knees, stomach, and chest are covered (in case you were thinking of a full-sleeved crop top!).
Tip: You can carry scarves, hats, and sunglasses to spice up your look!
Men can wear jeans, pants, trousers, jackets, shirts, t-shirts, kurtas, etc. as long as their shoulders and knees are covered.
ALSO READ: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Bahrain
Beaches
There are no restrictions on what women and men can wear at the beach. So feel free to pack your favorite bikini or trunks and have a gala time at the beach!
Note: Topless sunbathing is not allowed.
ALSO READ: Al Dar Islands – Everything You Need to Know
Mosques
Mosques have a strict dress code which everyone needs to follow. Women need to be completely covered from head to toe with loose-fitting clothes. In case you are not appropriately dressed, you will be given an abaya and hijab to cover yourself.
Men need to cover themselves too. No shorts or sleeveless shirts are allowed. Men, you won’t get an abaya so make sure you dress appropriately or you may not be allowed to enter the mosque!
ALSO READ: A 48-Hour Itinerary to Visit Bahrain
Bahrain people have their own identity and dressing sense altogether. Thank you for sharing their dress codes and related details with us. It was really helpful. Keep sharing more such articles with us.
Will do! 🙂
seriously the person who wrote this article is completely ignorant about life in Bahrain
Hi Mahdi,
I certainly do not know everything about life in Bahrain because I was there, as a tourist, for 3 days only. I have published this blog post based on my personal experiences, and from what I personally saw at the malls, mosques, and other places.
Very untrue (other than the mosque dress code) women and men can wear anything other than it being a little too revealing women and men can wear shorts (even above the knee) crop tops are also fine and sleeveless shirts are okay for men and women
Hi Husain,
I visited Bahrain as a tourist, for 3 days, and wrote this post based on my personal experiences, and from what I personally saw at the malls, beaches, and mosques. I understand that Bahrain has an expat culture that is quite significant throughout the country and that there might be slight variations in terms of what people wear throughout the country. However, I have written this post based on what I saw, and how the majority of the locals dress.
This is not completely accurate. Men go out in shorts all the time to the malls and every casual place. I have also seen ladies in skirts and shorts in Bahrain with crop tops at the mall.
However mosques and government offices have a more strict dress code, this is obvious.
Hi Jordan,
I have written this blog post after spending 3 days in Bahrain, as a tourist. I have formulated the content based on what I saw at the mosques, malls, and beaches. I do understand that Bahrain is a diverse country with a significant expat culture, but my post here is solely based on my personal experiences, and about respecting the local culture as a tourist.
I wouldn’t say there are no restrictions on what women can wear at the beach. Topless sunbathing is definitely not approved!
Ah! I missed this. Thanks for that!