Never lived there, but did many port visits there and have a bud who grew up there. Fairly western with a progressive government, LOTS of alcohol and blonde "working women" as that's where the Saudi's go to escape Islam, since "Allah can't see across the water (er, causeway now)". Big Saudi influence to offset the British. Kind of a cheaper / more native / dirtier version of Dubai. The saudi's generally drive to the border, then put the old lady behind the wheel (women can drive in Bahrain) and start drinking. They then hook up with the boys while momma and her abaya go shopping.

Some nice hotels and good bars due to the British influence (they were granted independence in 1976).

I'd rank it as a tie for #3 with Doha, behind Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

PM me if you want more...

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