Bahrain wins out again in new expat survey

As the rest of the Middle East slips lower in expat survey ratings, Bahrain has climbed the ratings in the family, experience and economics categories.

In the latest HSBC expat survey, Bahrain is now top of the Middle East expat favourites' list for three major components, making it the number one destination in the region for expats and their careers. In the economics sector, the emirate moved up some 12 places, rose by five places in the expat experience category and is now four points higher in the family sector. The recently released results confirm Bahrain’s new position as the best Gulf State destination for expats, with or without their families.

Reasons for the emirate’s strong performance include opportunities for career progression, job security, work/life balance, access to first-class childcare and Bahrain’s friendly, welcoming social fabric. As regards the other Gulf States, the UAE is one spot lower, but Saudi Arabia couldn’t do better than 26th in the survey with Bahrain now listed as fifth in the world and number one in the Middle East. Bahrain Economic Development Board MD Dr Simon Galpin explained the reasons behind Bahrain’s leap to top place by saying it’s mainly due to quality education, transformed public services and upgraded healthcare and housing.

It’s not the first time Bahrain has outperformed its Gulf State rivals, especially in the welcome category, as the country was again rated number one in the InterNations survey’s global ranking for its high performance in the ‘ease of settling in’ category as well as the ‘feeling at home’ and the ‘digital life ’ sub-categories. All the factors responsible for Bahrain’s success and popularity revolve around its position as an open society in transition from its traditional base to an open-minded player in both the region and the world.