Coming of age: Bahrain

zoom

zoom

Al Fateh Mosque by night.

zoom

Central Manama.

The Gulf's smallest country has been quietly coming out of its sleep. And just like its Dubai neighbour, the kingdom is billing itself as a financial hub, a construction giant and a high-end events capital. We examine how Bahrain may surprise the world.

When Nancy Ajram, one the best-loved Arab singers was scheduled to perform in Bahrain in 2003 all hell broke loose: opposition MPs called upon Parliament to ban her from presenting her ‘lewd' acts; hard-line Islamists took to the streets, burning tyres and pelting stones at concert-goers.

It seems that Bahrain in 2003 wasn't quite ready for Ajram's brand of innocent sexuality and belly-button-revealing outfits. But less than three years later, and Nancy Ajram is welcomed back with open arms, performing to great acclaim at the Hotel Al Khalij.

All the Gulf countries are undergoing rapid change, but perhaps none more so than Bahrain. The Nancy Ajram story is an excellent illustration of the broader shift in Bahraini culture, values and attitudes towards foreigners and indeed their own self-identity.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has always been considered the most liberal of the GCC countries, but only now does it seem to be truly comfortable with this status.

In the past, this has led to internal tensions between Islamist hard-liners and the more Western-orientated modernisers. But the very existence of this tension and the fact that it can be voiced through fairly democratic channels, can, in itself, be seen as a positive sign.

Bahrain has one of the most inclusive political systems in the Gulf, with the highest number of women in positions in government and a broad range of political parties, ranging from Al-Minbar Al-Islami (Islamic Platform) Society, which is affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, to the Democratic Society, Bahrain's former communist party.

Print | Email | Discuss this article |

READERS' COMMENTS

View all comments (4)

Have your say

NEW HAVEN FOR LIBERALS
Posted by ABUSIDRA, DUBAI, U.A.E. on Saturday 15 November 2008 at 09:40 UAE time


Since all doors are opening for liberals, they find solace in a new, safe, evolving, happenning and cheap haven in Bahrain. Unfortunately they enjoy in this region, almost a tax free status, liberalism, pampering, leisure, respect which they don't find in their home countries & then suddenly they start groaning, moaning mostly out of usualism, wear and tear rather than real tears & issues.

A Real Arabian Country with and Open Mind
Posted by Chris Moore, UAE on Sunday 12 October 2008 at 09:54 UAE time


Having lived in Bahrain from 1994 to 2002 and visiting often on business since then, I congratulate the Bahraini people in maintaining their identity while ebracing an open world and building a sustainable economy. It is a joy to arrive in Bahrain and be driven to my location by a Bahraini taxi driver and be checked into my hotel by Bahrainin staff etc. etc. etc. As a long term visitor I was proud to be part of the development happening in Bahrain, you should be proud to be the owners of it.

Dont follow Dubai!
Posted by Syed Faisal Abbas, Manamah, Bahrain on Friday 3 October 2008 at 22:05 UAE time

I sincerely hope that Bahrain won't follow the Dubai model of hyper-growth that has turned Dubai into one of most expensive, congested and least livable cities in the world.

Nice overview
Posted by T A, London, UK on Friday 3 October 2008 at 16:35 UAE time


V. interesting overview of Bahrain's development over the last couple of years. Particularly liked the point that it now seems more relaxed with its own liberal identity since 2003 - one of the problems before (as exemplified by the Ajram riot) was that Bahrain's liberalism seemed top down rather than something intrinsic. If a mixture of political reform and new found wealth are prompting a less fraught atmosphere that's great news.

Click here to post a comment

Add your Comment All posts are sent to the administrator for review and are published only after approval. ArabianBusiness.com reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic.
Name *
Remember me on this computer
Email *	(Your email address will not be published)
City
Country
Subject *
Comment *
Notify me of further comments
Security Code *
Please click post only once - your comment will not be published immediately.

MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM