Bahrain is a small Gulf state but its financial and political strength defies its size. It is a developed state and still undergoing extensive development work Owing to the fast development work in the area, there are a lot of job opportunities in Bahrain for foreign workforce. The state is growing not just in terms of infrastructure but also in terms of expansion of various sectors. The expansion of different industries has also led to generation of many jobs in Bahrain for expatriates. While there is a huge foreign workforce working in Bahrain across various jobs, this foreign population is not allowed to settle down in Bahrain permanently. Foreign workers are allowed to work on temporary, contractual basis after which they are thanked and rewarded for their services and have to leave the state.

Bahrain has extended job opportunities across all levels in sectors such as banking, IT, construction, telecom, teaching, oil and gas, etc. In fact, Bahrain is the banking hub of the Gulf. Major world banks have their branches in Bahrain. The booming banking industry also offers jobs to expatriates. Banking jobs in Bahrain can be accessed through newspapers, job sites, consultants, company portals etc. The banking industry in Bahrain has ample growth opportunities for people working here. Within the banking field, one can choose to work in either retail or investment or off-shore operations.

Other than banking, foreign workforce moves to Bahrain to take up jobs in various sectors of this upcoming economy. Qualified and professionally trained workforce is immediately absorbed in various sectors where there is a huge demand in managerial, administrative, professional and technological positions. With the pace of development that Bahrain is witnessing currently, this demand will remain for years to come. Though expatriates are not allowed to settle down in Bahrain, they are treated very well during their stay and are given a good amount as a token of gratitude at the time of leaving. Also, in Bahrain, any foreigner cannot start a business or own property in own name the laws of the state do not allow for this. To start a business, one has to find a local partner in whose name the business can be registered and run. The local partner should also have a major holding in the project.

In Bahrain, the oil & gas industry accounts for nearly 10-15 per cent of the GDP of Bahrain but it has huge employment opportunities in various engineering, management, administrative and maintenance positions. Oil and gas jobs in Bahrain attracts foreign population for these positions. Though the local government is pumping in money to make the locals self-sufficient and fit for these jobs, there is still along way to go. So, there would be no dearth of jobs for foreign workers for years to come.

The aluminum industry is one of the major non oil-based exports of Bahrain. This industry also creates many job opportunities for expatriates in various positions. So, there are many job opportunities in this sector. Also, construction and infrastructure are also booming industries in Bahrain. Since, a lot of development work is happening in Bahrain currently, these sectors have many employment opportunities. Another are where expatriates are hired in huge numbers is teaching, especially English. English teachers are required in local as well as international schools in Bahrain. Then, there are opportunities in the telecom, tourism and healthcare industry too. Teaching English is another good job opportunity. Apart from that, telecom and tourism are the other two fast growing sectors in Bahrain.

The salaries offered in various jobs in Bahrain are terrific. In fact, money is the main attraction for workers who come to the city. The pay is tax-free so no taxes are levied on what one earns. This leads to huge savings for those who come to work in the city. The lifestyle offered is also luxurious and opulent. Though one is bound to feel cultural differences in the beginning, these differences are not a major stumbling block. However, it is advisable to get as much information as possible about the lifestyle and the work environment in Bahrain before taking up any job here. Also, you would require a local sponsor in Bahrain to be able to work here. Generally, the employer acts as the sponsor.

Bahrain is the smallest of the Gulf States but financially and politically, it wields a lot of influence in the area. Like all other Gulf States, it is also in an aggressively developmental stage and has a lot of job opportunities for foreign workers but not on a permanent basis. Bahrain does not encourage foreigners to settle down permanently. It encourages temporary employment for foreign workers. There are a lot of job opportunities in all upcoming sectors such as construction, banking, oil and gas and teaching. Thus, for those looking to work in Bahrain, it is good to have a beforehand knowledge of the area, the living style here, the culture and of course the ample job opportunities that the place has to offer.

As mentioned earlier, foreign workers aren’t mostly allowed to settle down permanently here, but it does not mean that they are treated lousily. Expatriates are meted out a fair treatment but in a controlled manner. They are appreciated for their contribution, paid well and at the end of their stint, thanked for what they did. The main reason behind this is that the government is trying to make the region self-sufficient. It is putting in all efforts to ensure jobs and employment for its own young people. The authorities are making a lot of investment in education and social welfare and hopes that the local population will become sufficient in terms of workforce in the years to come. Youth are also inclined towards education and many leave for foreign universities to attain education.

Currently, foreign workers are required in large numbers and the demand would be there for at least another two to three decades. However, with the changing face of the region, the number of foreign workers and the type of skill requirements will undergo a change. For instance, currently there are a lot of infrastructure projects in full swing in Bahrain, owing to the construction of new roads, airports, ports etc. However, once these projects are over, the demand for manual workers in this industry will climb down. Apart from the infrastructure projects, the commercial development has also led to many building and construction programmes. Thus, construction workers are in demand there.

Bahrain’s economy is a fast growing one. Many sectors are coming up and there is huge demand for professionally trained workforce. People with managerial, professional and technological experience are and will remain to be in strong demand. This demand is slated to remain strong for many years to come. However, unlike western countries, where there is huge demand for citizenships owing to mass immigration, Bahrain will never see an explosion in the expatriate population. The rule of the land doesn’t allow it. Foreigners can neither become citizens of Bahrain nor own any property here. If anybody wishes to start a business here, he/she has to find a local partner who has the major holding in the project.

The discovery of oil on the Arabian Peninsula side of the Gulf first happened in Bahrain. This discovery coincided with the breakdown of the global pearl market. Earlier, pearl trading was a crucial part of Bahrain’s economy. The oil and gas industry has job opportunities though it accounts for only 10 to 15 per cent of the GDP of Bahrain. The oil companies in Bahrain have extensive development plans and offer good on-site facilities their employees and their families.

Another major employer is the aluminum industry which forms a significant portion of Bahrain’s non-oil based exports. The major employer in Bahrain apart from these two is the banking sector. Bahrain reigns supreme in the financial services industry. Bahrain boasts of branches by banks from all over the world. They carry out retail, investment and off-shore operations in Bahrain. There are almost 200 international banks and financial institutions in Bahrain which require talented workforce. So, there are many job opportunities in this sector. Teaching English is another good job opportunity. Apart from that, telecom and tourism are the other two fast growing sectors in Bahrain.

Once you have decided to work in Bahrain, there are other general issues that one has to take care of. The culture and lifestyle here would be different to your own and the restrictions imposed would be too many. Bahrain is a very conservative society. It does not approve of homosexuality or live-in relationships. It also does not encourage proximity between male ad female colleagues or friends. Also, one has to be sure that the relocation would be beneficial for one’s career prospects. Another concern is that whether your family and children will take this relocation easily.

To work and stay in Bahrain, you need a local sponsor here. Sponsor could be your employer who will ensure your work permit and residence visa formalities to stay here. There are very strict rules regarding this in Bahrain. Consult the foreign office in your country before traveling to Bahrain.

About IRIS W.L.L.

IRIS W.L.L. is a real estate consulting and brokerage firm that offers a blend of the most contemporary amenities and infrastructure presented in a location that provides an incomparable real estate experience for buying, selling, renting and financing freehold properties in Bahrain

Projects

IRIS W.L.L. offers freehold apartments for sale in the following locations:

- Fontana Towers in Juffair

- Dream Towers in Seef

- Bella Vista in Mahooz

- Avare Towers in Seef

- Residencia Towers in Juffair

- Tala Island

- Marine Heights in Juffair

- Era Towers in Seef

- Fortune Plaza in Juffair

- Regent Plaza in Juffair

- Terraces of Juffair

More information about these projects can be found at their website

Financing

IRIS W.L.L. offers the following financing options:

- Financing through an institute of your choice

- Financing arranged through IRIS W.L.L. financial advisors

- Financing through IRIS W.L.L.

For more information about these options, visit their website

About Bahrain

Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands. The country was once named by ancients Sumerians, considered an island paradise in which there was no disease, death or suffering, and where gods resided. Although modern Bahrain has not retained such mythical status, many still frolic in its heavenly shoreline, and many still perceive the country as blissful respite from lenient Islamic countries.

Bahrain holds a strategic position between East and West, The Kingdom has always been considered a place of unity where east meets west, renowned for its warmth and hospitality. A good balance of traditional values combined with refined modernity, make Bahrain an attractive country to live and work.

Despite the Islamic presence, about one-third of Bahrain’s population is foreign expatriates who seek that ideal blend of stability and prosperity. Perhaps this influence has shaped modern Bahrain, now rapidly modernizing, full of shopping malls and restaurants.

Visitors to Bahrain are more likely to want to revel in its antiquity. It is exactly this blend of eastern and western cultures, this commingling of mosque and skyscraper, which draws so many to Bahrain. Bahrain is full of surprises and is becoming increasingly popular as a home and business destination. Much of Bahrain’s appeal lies in its cosmopolitan atmosphere, friendly and courteous people and contemporary living.

Bahrain has much to offer in terms of leisure activities. The Kingdom often plays host to regular cultural events from plays to the Formula One Grand Prix. There are a range of conference centers and outdoor arenas. A wide variety of cinemas offer the latest international movies. There are innumerable museums, galleries and historical sites to visit.

Bahrain’s fair weather, offers the opportunity for many land and sea based sporting activities. There is a variety of health clubs, golf courses, racetracks and sporting stadiums. There are excursions across the desert, horse-riding and camel-racing, for the adventurous. At sea, activities include dolphin watching boat trips, water skiing, windsurfing, sailing and a range of other water sports activities. The wide range of nationalities living within The Kingdom of Bahrain have enhanced and increased the choice of restaurants available within the region.

Bahrain is a world class logistic centre for banking, finance, industry and tourism and is one of the most favorable living environments in the Gulf, where several multinational communities enjoy freedom and a friendly cosmopolitan lifestyle.

The Kingdom of Bahrain basks in the warm, clear and calm waters of the Persian Gulf and is an incredibly prosperous and multi cultural country becoming increasingly popular with professional expatriates seeking well paying employment in a low taxation country where the standard of living in Bahrain is incredibly high and the local people are liberal and tolerant towards other cultures.

Bahrain manages to maintain a relatively neutral foreign policy and because of its general liberalism it’s a great place for Western expatriates to experience a totally new life abroad. These facts mean that the number of international citizens living in Bahrain has increased substantially in recent years and directly contributed to the fact that Bahrain now has the fastest growing economy in the Arab world.

For anyone considering living in Bahrain this article is an introduction to the country, the entry requirements and to living and working in Bahrain.

Citizens of all nations other than Gulf Cooperation Council countries require a visa to enter Bahrain with the majority of those moving to live in the Kingdom being sponsored for their visa by their employer. The range of visas available is vast with much depending on whether the applicant has a job offer, is a spouse or dependent of an employed person in Bahrain, the country the individual heralds from etc., and therefore those considering travelling to Bahrain should initially contact their nearest Bahraini embassy or visit the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior website to find out which visa they should apply for and how to go about the application process.

The capital city of the Kingdom of Bahrain is Manama and most expatriates live in and around the capital and work in one of the Kingdom’s main industries which are petroleum production and processing, IT, telecommunications, hospitality, medicine or banking. As a result of the popularity of the location, property for sale and rent in Manama is offered at a premium and those moving to work in Bahrain on a firm job offer should try and negotiate some money towards their housing as part of their overall remuneration package.

Unlike in some other Arab nations foreigners are permitted to own property in Bahrain and because the economy of the nation is so strong many see investment into property in Bahrain as a solid move to make. However for those keen on living in Bahrain the first step to take is to secure a job offer and then to rent housing while settling into the Kingdom and ensuring it is right for them before committing to the purchase of immovable property assets that can be slow to liquidate should the individual in question decide to leave the Kingdom.

Finally it’s worth noting that the standard of living enjoyed by westerners living in Bahrain is incredibly high. As stated Bahrain is a prosperous country and one offering residents and visitors alike a cosmopolitan destination with exciting nightlife and incredible shopping! Hence it is of no surprise whatsoever that the number of international expatriates moving to the Kingdom ever year is on the increase.

When Middle Eastern property markets are mentioned, Dubai is always spoken about and the success of its real estate market is well documented. However, one market that is catching up fast is Bahrain. Of all the Middle Eastern real estate markets, the Bahrain real estate market has possible the greatest potential.

Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands. The country was once named by ancients Sumerians, considered an island paradise in which there was no disease, death or suffering, and where gods resided. Although modern Bahrain has not retained such mythical status, many still frolic in its heavenly shoreline, and many still perceive the country as blissful respite from lenient Islamic countries. Bahrain holds a strategic position between East and West, The Kingdom has always been considered a place of unity where east meets west, renowned for its warmth and hospitality. A good balance of traditional values combined with refined modernity, make Bahrain an attractive country to live and work.

Despite its size, Bahrain has a well established real estate market. In recent times changes in Bahraini law, foreign nationals are now allowed freehold ownership of property, have created a huge increase in investor interest in the country. Unlike countries such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain has worked hard to diversity its economy away from oil by focusing on business areas such as tourism, information technology, telecommunications, education and healthcare. This strategy has attracted a number of multinational firms to establish their headquarters in Bahrain.

About one-third of Bahrain’s population is foreign expatriates who seek that ideal blend of stability and prosperity. Perhaps this influence has shaped modern Bahrain, now rapidly modernizing, full of shopping malls and restaurants. Expatriates living in Bahrain generally enjoy an extraordinary standard of living primarily because of substantial tax free income. The types of accommodation expatriates seek has established the style of real estate that is typically available for sale or rent in the Kingdom and financing properties in the Kingdom is fairly easy. Typical financing options available to investors can be found here.

The movement of increasing numbers of expatriate to Bahrain has resulted in a huge boom in the real estate sector. Most of these expatriates are taking advantage of the changes in legislation that allow them to own freehold properties and this is increasing the need for quality accommodation. The surge in demand for accommodation is probably why rental rates have surged over the last few years. However, rental rates are still significantly lower than in Dubai. These factors have made the Bahraini real estate market ripe for investment with realization of capital appreciation fairly easy to achieve due to a market enthusiastic for completed resale property.

Keeping these factors in mind, Bahrain is quite possibly the best real estate market to invest in. For investors looking for better capital appreciation than Dubai has, Bahrain is the market they need to get into.

Author’s Note

There are dozens of real estate agents in the Kingdom, but the one I have invested with (IRIS W.L.L.) deals primarily in freehold properties. More information about this firm can be found at http://www/iriswll.com.

Living in Bahrain

The Kingdom of Bahrain, a tiny island nation in the Persian Gulf has a storied past, filled with invasions and dynasties. Its strategic location, off the coast of Saudi Arabia, made it very desirable to the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, and Arabs who all established civilizations here. But it was the discovery of oil in 1932 that brought Bahrain’s desirability to a whole new level. A great amount of development occurred on the island following the petroleum boom, including the foresight to diversify into banking and other commercial endeavors. It is this diversification that has helped to buoy Bahrain during the ebbs and flows of oil prices and distribution.

The Bahrain of today is a vibrant, modern country that continues to develop and diversify. The Kingdom’s decision to grant women the right to vote, institute parliamentary elections and free political prisoners has improved its reputation in the world arena. All of these factors have made Bahrain a very attractive destination for tourism and residency.

 For those seeking employment in Bahrain, the latest economic figures bode very well. According to the United Nations Economic Council, Bahrain is the fastest growing economy in the Arab world. Although petroleum still accounts for 60% of the economy, the financial sector is increasing exponentially. Due to its modern communication and transport facilities, Bahrain has become home to a great number of multi-national firms. This has helped to diversify not only the economic base, but the population as well. Tourism, which is replacing oil as the hottest new industry in this region of the Gulf, is an increasingly large employer and promises to continue on that track. The capital city of Manama has most of the major hotels including the Ritz Carlton and Sheraton, and is home to the service industry of Bahrain. A Four Seasons is opening in the near future, which will add many more employment opportunities.

While career opportunities are one large draw to a life in Bahrain, there are many other factors to consider before packing ones bags and moving here. One of the most important elements to confront is the weather. Bahrain is a desert island, surrounded by a shallow, warm sea. Both of these conditions contribute to very hot temperatures, especially during summer months. In July and August it can be particularly warm and humid, with temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius. Dust storms that blow over from the Saudi Arabian peninsula can also decrease visibility and make life uncomfortable at times. That being said, the winter months are lovely with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine.

Bahrain is a great place to get acquainted with the dynamic Arab world. Its booming economy, sunny climate and welcoming attitude to foreigners make it a very attractive destination for expats, businessmen and retirees alike. Visas are required for visiting or residing here (except for British Nationals), and are fairly easy to obtain.

Apartments for Rent in Bahrain

Previously little-known compared to its Arab neighbors, the last ten years or so have propelled Bahrain into an international hot spot and booming real estate market. The island nation with approximately 100 miles of coastline has claimed home ownership from international celebrities like Michael Jackson and Shakira, as well as foreign investors. Our abundant collection of property profiles can help you find the perfect investment property or vacation home.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has a flourishing market known for it’s free economy and for rapidly becoming a critical business hub in the world financial market. Bahrain has led the way for investors in the Middle East by easing legislation to allow foreign ownership of real estate. Residents of surrounding Middle Eastern countries find Bahrain’s relaxed atmosphere and tolerant reputation appealing. This has lead to people who work in Saudi Arabia, especially Westerners who appreciate the contemporary vibe from Bahrain, to live in Bahrain and commute to jobs in Saudi Arabia via the causeway.

Despite the close proximity, Bahrain attracts up to 8 million tourists per year, many from the surrounding Arab nations, who find Bahrain to be a cosmopolitan and modern core of the Middle East. Other factors contributing to the upsurge on real estate include the Formula F1 Bahrain Grand Prix race and multiple testing sessions per year. The Bahrain International Circuit also hosts many other competitions for racing enthusiasts to enjoy.

Due to tourism, a surging esteem as a leading financial market, and its progressive views, sources state that the Bahrain property market is set to continue to rise. Investors can feel confident growth for the next two to five years, with estimated increases of 20-40%. However, with the ongoing civil rights reforms and other forward thinking changes Bahrain is achieving, growth on the island could possibly continue for decades.

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