Bahrain is an Arab state on the southwestern coast of the Persian Gulf.
It’s made up of Bahrain Island, and 30 smaller islands, making it an archipelago.
The Arab states are well known for producing oil.
However, Bahrain’s main industry is refining crude oil, because its own oil stores are very small.
It’s considered a safe country, with a crime index of only 24, and a safety index of 75.
Of course, like in any country, crime does occur in Bahrain.
65% of the crime in the country is committed by foreign nationals, often involved in illegal drug trafficking.
The country is also involved in human trafficking, including sex trafficking and forced labor.
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Most Dangerous Cities in Bahrain
1. Riffa
Riffa is the most dangerous city in Bahrain, with a crime index of 21, and a safety index of 78.
The overall level of crime is low, at 29.
The biggest problems in Riffa are corruption and things being stolen from cars, which are still very low at 29.
Riffa is the second largest city in Bahrain.
It’s known for its historic Riffa Fort, which is a popular destination for tourists.
You can also visit the Riffa Palace, where rulers once resided.
There are also two main shopping areas.
2. Manama
Manama is the largest city in Bahrain, as well as the capital.
The crime index of Manama is 20, which is very low.
The safety index is 79.
The overall level of crime is only 14.
Corruption and bribery are a concern, with a rating of 41.
The next concern is unprovoked attacks due to religion, race, or sexual orientation, which is 21.
However, this is still very low.
Manama is considered the center of Islamic banking, and the center point for the Bahrain economy.
It’s a very diverse city, with 1/3 of the country being from abroad.
The most well-known attraction in the city is the Bahrain National Museum.
You can view 6,000 years of Bahrain’s history, and learn about their culture.
3. Muharraq
The crime index for Muharraq is 20, and the safety index is 79.
The overall level of crime is 14, which is very low.
Corruption and bribery are concerns, with a rating of 41.
Property crime and drug crimes are also concerns, with a rating of 21, which is still very low.
Muharraq is the former capital of Bahrain and the country’s third-largest city.
It has a very rich history, which dates back to 3,000 BCE.
Pearling was the main industry for the city until a century ago.
Today, it’s well known as a center for the arts.
One of the most popular attractions is the Pearl Trail, which features 17 buildings listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
4. Jidhafs
Jiddhafs has a crime index of 20 and a safety index of 79.
The overall level of crime is very low, at 14.
Unprovoked crime due to gender, race, sexual orientation, or religion is a concern.
Property crime and drug-related crime are also an issue, with a rating of 21.
Arad Fort is a popular tourist attraction.
This fort was built in the 15th century.
You can also visit Qal’at al-Bahrain, which is an archaeological evacuation site.
You should also see the National Charter Monument.
This high-tech museum honors Bahrain’s culture, history, and the National Charter.
5. Isa Town
Isa Town also has a crime index of 20 and a safety index of 79.
The level of crime is 14, which is very low.
Items being stolen from cars, property crimes, and drug-related crimes are some of the most common crimes that occur.
However, the incidence of these crimes is still considered very low.
Isa Town is known for having the largest Mosque in Bahrain.
Isa Town Marketplace is famous as well and offers a traditional Bahrain shopping experience.
The city is known for being modern, being established just 50 years ago.
It’s also a popular place for middle-class residents of Bahrain.
Isa Town also features the Bahrain Science Center and Khalifa Sports City.
You’ll find a modern hospital, University, and a sports stadium within the city.
6. Sitra
Like the majority of the cities on our list, Sitra has a crime index of only 20, and a crime level of 14, which is very low.
Drug-related crime, property crime, and items stolen from cars are common crimes, with a rate of 20, which is low.
Feel free to walk through the city during the day.
Safety at night is also considered very high, at 79.
Sitra is south of Manama.
The city was once an agricultural hub, but the northern portion of the city is now industrialized.
The Dhahran-Sitra pipeline goes from Sitra to Dharan, Saudi Arabia.
The Sitra Sports Club is a sports club, with football and basketball being the most popular sports.
7. Hamad Town
Hamad Town also has a safety index of 20 and an overall crime rate of 14.
Property crime and concerns about drug-related crime are the most common, with a rating of 21, which is very low.
Walking alone during the day is very safe.
Walking alone at night is also relatively safe, with a safety rating of 78.
Hamad Town is known for its roundabouts, with a total of 22 of them.
It’s a residential area, with many people commuting to Manama to work.
However, it also has a large shopping area.
8. Dar Kuliab
Dar Kuliab also has a crime index of 20 and an overall level of crime of 14.
The biggest concern is being attacked due to race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation, with a rating of 21.
Property crime and drug-related crime are also concerns, with a rating of 20.
The village is well known for volleyball.
The town’s volleyball team won several titles in the 2000s.
9. Hamala
There are few crime statistics available for Hamala.
Like many cities in Bahrain, the crime index is 20.
There are stories in Bahrain of arrests, typically for theft or property crimes.
Hamala is considered a safe area.
However, low-income areas of the city may be more prone to crime than affluent areas.
It’s common for residents to live in Hamala, and commute to Saudi Arabia for work.
Batelco, the largest telecommunications provider in Bahrain, is located in Hamala.
10. Saar
Saar has the lowest crime index of 18, making it the safest city on our list.
The area is well known for agriculture and provides a lush environment.
Saar is an upscale residential area.
It’s popular with ex-pats and has a Japanese District and an English District.
Saar is the home of the largest Formula One Racing circuit in the Middle East, Bahrain International Circuit.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Bahrain
Bahrain is a very safe country, but you’ll still need to take some precautions.
Crime can happen anywhere, even in countries that are considered safe.
1. Follow the Laws
You must have your ID with you at all times in Bahrain.
Failure to produce an ID if asked by an officer is against the law, and can be punished with a fine.
Alcohol is allowed in Bahrain.
However, public intoxication or drunk behavior is not.
If you drink, you must not drive.
In many countries, including the U.S., driving with a blood alcohol content over a certain limit is against the law.
In Bahrain, any amount of alcohol is classified as drunk driving.
2. Observe Religious and Cultural Beliefs
Bahrain is home to many non-Muslims.
However, you are expected to dress modestly, and avoid behavior that locals find offensive.
During Ramadan, Muslims fast daily.
Avoid loud music and celebrations during this time.
3. Use Reputable Transportation
Transportation is usually safe in Bahrain.
However, be sure to use registered taxis or public transportation.
4. Keep an Eye Out for Potential Terrorists
Bahrain has a terrorist alert that advises using extra caution.
Attacks are rare, but they can occur due to conflicts in the Middle East.
If you notice suspicious behavior or bags left behind, inform the local authorities.
5. Use Caution with Valuables
It’s best to avoid traveling with valuables when possible.
Keep any important belongings on your person when you are in public, including cash and credit cards.
Theft is rare in Bahrain, but it does occur.
Tourists are sometimes considered easy targets for pickpockets and thieves.
Bahrain Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Bahrain Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: HIGH
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of transportation are safe in Bahrain?
Bahrain does have public transportation, but this is limited to smaller cities.
Taxis in Bahrain are considered safe.
However, you should be sure that they use the meter, or negotiate a good price before you begin your ride.
Uber and private cars are also options.
Can U.S. citizens travel to Bahrain?
Yes, U.S. citizens can travel to Bahrain.
However, you’ll need a visa, which can be obtained online.
Is Bahrain friendly and safe for foreigners?
Bahrain has a large ex-pat population.
They are also friendly to tourists.
However, you should be aware of their customs and culture.
Bahrain is socially liberal, but many residents are conservative followers of Islam.
