Official language:
Arabic

Other languages:
English
Persian (Farsi)
Urdu

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• Abide by the laws of the Muslim holy book, the Koran
• Religion is a central part of Bahraini culture, and work often stops during prayer times (5 times a day)
• Extended family ties play a fundamental role in Bahraini culture
• People fiercely defend their family’s name and honor
• Father is the ultimate authority
• Respect and loving attitude toward the elderly
• Some marriages are arranged or at least require parental approval
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• Islam
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• Food deprivation is considered a precursor to illness. Carefully explain theneed to be NPO.
• The family may be opposed to telling a family member the full extent of a grave prognosis. It is believed that hope helps a patient to cope with an illness, it will be upsetting to the patient, and only God can determine if hope is futile.
• Any grave information should not be communicated solely to the patient, but should include the family spokesperson - generally, the eldest male. A plan of care/communication about the disease process should be developed.
• Provide continuity of caregivers as much as possible to establish a trusting relationship with client and family.
• May believe that intramuscular and intravenous medications are more effective than oral medications.
• The right hand is used for handshakes, eating, etc. Keep the hands free of IVs or other restrictive devices if possible.
  
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• Traditional Arabian street food like shawarma (lamb or chicken carved from a huge rotating spit and served in pita bread) and desserts such as baklava are ubiquitous
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• Marriage celebrations typically last three days, with separate festivities for men and women.
• A Muslim man is allowed to have up to 4 wives, if he provides equally for each one – today’s younger generation however, do not see polygamy as a desired lifestyle
• Devout Muslims do not eat with their left hand, which is traditionally used for personal hygiene
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