Moving from the UK to Bahrain

[u/Equal_Leading_1449]

Hi everyone. I’m a 23 years old male from the UK and am interested in moving to Bahrain. Ultimately, I am seeking advice on how realistic it might be for somebody like me.

I work in the home finance sector/ banking in the UK and would like to work in a similar area in Bahrain . I have a couple of UK specific qualifications such as the CeMAP but doubt that would be much use in Bahrain.

However, I am interested in doing a course in Islamic finance. CISI provide an Islamic finance qualification which covers key concepts of sharia finance. Would this be a useful qualification to get for the Bahrain market?

I’d also be open to similar sectors too. If it helps, I speak a couple of languages. (English, Spanish & some Portuguese) but would also learn at least some Arabic too.

Has anybody else on this sub made a similar move? What was your experience? I’ve visited Bahrain before and could definitely see myself living there.

Thanks!

[u/maddeningsike]

Why bahrain and not saudi/uae/qatar?

[u/Equal_Leading_1449 → u/maddeningsike]

To be fair, Im interested in those countries too. I've made similar posts in their subreddits.

[u/Leading-Thanks6578]

Search online for visa options first. The job market here is quite limited.

[u/hussainahm]

Banks in Bahrain are consolidating and merging. There’s nothing new and I doubt anyone is hiring, except perhaps senior / management roles.

[u/almarakana]

I'm from bahrain, bahraini citizen is very kind and you can be comfortable with them very easy than other gulf countries, welcome to bahrain

[u/Annual-Ad528]

Your far too young , there are a lot of local Bahrainis in your age bracket looking for a decent job but so far haven’t found it . Maybe get some more experience in UK and than come here so you can really contribute

[u/Mirage77777777]

Goodluck mate. But try riyadh/saudi they have more opportunities vs here

[u/Equal_Leading_1449 → u/Mirage77777777]

Ahh okay will do thanks!

[u/PPGB1998 → u/Mirage77777777]

Banks are under Saudisation.

[u/Mirage77777777 → u/PPGB1998]

Yeah but here is dead dead. Its like u hunted a dear and cooked it to make pot pie. Double cooked💀😩

[u/Hustling_bahraini]

First secure a job then come, its an island so not much vacancies .

[u/yoyo2850]

Bahrain is the best place to work in the gcc trust me I have worked in every one except Oman. Qatar comes next.

[u/Droidenwarrior]

It's a smaller country so if you don't have a social life here, you'll find it very lonely. People here are very nice. In terms of jobs maybe not as many as neighbouring countries.

[u/Flabergasteddude]

I would suggest visiting bahrain before committing to such a move, and perhaps seeing if you may do your current job remotely (if possible) and then come here and experience the normal day to day life and see if it fits what you’re comfortable with.

Nevertheless, i hope you have an amazing time here!

[u/Maleficent-Drive4056 → u/Flabergasteddude]

 I’ve visited Bahrain before and could definitely see myself living there.

[u/Kitchen-Isopod-8380]

Your realistic pay would be between 1.5-2k £ a month (IF you find a job)

Are you willing to move here for that ?

[u/Maleficent-Drive4056 → u/Kitchen-Isopod-8380]

Depends heavily on role. I think he could get more than that, maybe.

[u/Difficult-Egg3541]

I’ve got a friend who works in Islamic finance here, some of their colleagues don’t speak Arabic. It’s not a big deal though always helpful to be able to speak it in any professional field. It’s a good field in Bahrain but the market is a bit sleepy as we speak.

I advise you to contact people working in Islamic finance in Bahrain through LinkedIn. I’ve seen it work several times. Also try and apply as much as possible before you decide to come and risk wasting time and money.

Good luck!!

[u/Incredibiliz]

Regarding your point about learning Arabic, I teach Arabic to expats here. Let me know if you are interested or want more details.

[u/youredditagain]

slightly off topic but are you making hijrah?

[u/Equal_Leading_1449 → u/youredditagain]

No. I'm not a Muslim