Here is your guide to understanding local attire in Bahrain. (olegdudko | 123rf.com)
When you are off the installation, you will see local men and women in traditional Bahraini attire. Service members may not dress in traditional host nation attire, except those of the Muslim faith or when visiting a mosque.
Local Men:
Thobe — a loose, ankle-length robe made from cotton.
Ghutrah — a red checkered or white head covering.
Agal — a strong cord to hold the Ghutrah in place.
Local men may wear a thobe, ghutrah and agal. (chomplearn_2001 - stock.adobe.com)
Local Women:
Abaya — a traditionally black, but sometimes colorful, ankle-length garment with long sleeves and a high neckline.
Hijab — a religious head covering.
Niqab — a long garment that covers a woman’s entire body and face.
Local women may wear an abaya with a hijab. (Nordic Studio - stock.adobe.com)
Base personnel and their dependents should follow the Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) instruction regarding clothing. Clothing should be neat and conservative.
Uniforms are not permitted to be worn off base.
Approved:
Ball caps, beanies, visors
Collared shirts, casual or dress shirts that cover shoulders, midriff and chest
Sleeves that cover at least three inches from shoulder seam
Shorts, skirts, dresses worn at or below the knee
Slacks, jeans, capri pants, leggings past the knee and not frayed or torn
Dress shoes, sneakers, running shoes
Flip-flops with leather or cloth straps, or wooden sole
Always carry your ID card out of sight.
Dressing conservatively is required by those stationed in Bahrain. You may not wear uniforms or host nation attire unless you are Muslim and attending a mosque. (Razvan Chisu | 123rf.com)
Prohibited:
Cloth head coverings like bandanas and du-rags
Sheer or see-through items
Male piercings, more than two female ear piercings per ear.
Undershirts, tank tops, halter tops, tube tops, or any shirt that exposes shoulders, midriff or cleavage.
Items that identify you as an American like military-issued objects, backpacks, command-related wear, etc.
Offensive slogans, graphics or text related to politics, religion, nudity or sex, drugs, alcohol, gangs or other offensive material.
Uniforms.
