In Bahrain, the main emergency number is:
- 999 — Emergency Call Centre (Police, Ambulance, and Fire Services) — free to call 24/7.
Other useful numbers:
Service | Number |
Traffic accidents | 199 |
Police hotline (non-emergency) | 8000 8008 |
Coast Guard | 1770 0000 |
Cybercrime / Electronic Security | 992 |
Electricity & Water Emergency | 1751 5555 |
Sanitation / Sewer Emergency | 8000 1810 |
Consumer Protection | 1700 7003 |
If you call 999, be prepared to provide:
- Your exact location (building, road, block, landmark)
- The type of emergency
- Number of injured people (if any)
- Your phone number and name
Driving Basics
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
- The minimum driving age is 18 years.
Speed Limits
Typical limits are:
- Urban/city roads: 40–60 km/h (often posted as 50–60 km/h)
- Outside cities: 80–100 km/h
- Highways: up to 120 km/h
Always follow the posted speed signs, as limits vary by road and speed cameras are widely used.
Lane Discipline
- Keep right unless overtaking.
- Do not obstruct faster traffic by remaining in overtaking lanes unnecessarily.
- Use indicators when changing lanes. Bahrain’s traffic law also requires slower vehicles to keep to the right where applicable.
Traffic Signals and Intersections
- Flashing Green: Bahrain utilizes an intermittent flashing green light system. This flashes to warn drivers that the light is about to turn yellow and then red, allowing sufficient time to stop safely.
- Right on Red: It is illegal to turn right on a red traffic light unless a specific sign permits it.
- Roundabouts: Vehicles already inside the roundabout have the right of way. If turning left or going back the way you came, stay in the left lane.
Safety and Seatbelts
- Seatbelts: Mandatory for the driver and all front-seat passengers. Children under 10 years old must be seated in the back seat.
- Mobile Phones: Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited. Hands-free kits are required.
- Eating/Drinking: Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited while driving.
Penalties and Enforcement
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit can carry fines ranging from BHD 20 to BHD 500, with jail time and higher fines (up to BHD 3,000) for reckless driving that causes injuries or property damage.
- DUIs: Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs carries severe penalties, including mandatory imprisonment (one month to one year) and fines from BHD 500 up to BHD 2,000.
- Point System: A penalty points system is in place for repeat traffic violations, which can lead to license suspension.
In Case of an Accident
- Stop safely and do not leave the scene.
- Call 999 for emergencies.
Follow instructions from traffic police.
Common Reasons Drivers Receive Fines
- Speeding
- Running red lights
- Using a phone while driving
- Not wearing a seat belt
- Unsafe lane changes
- Illegal parking
Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) – Bahrain
The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) is a key governmental body in Bahrain, established on May 31, 2006, under the decree of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Operating under the Ministry of Labour, the LMRA is responsible for regulating and controlling the labour market, focusing on work permits for foreign workers, licensing manpower and recruitment agencies, and ensuring the protection of expatriate employees.
Services Offered
- Work Permit Applications & Renewals: For both commercial and domestic sectors.
- Expatriate Employee Services: Including biometric data collection, intention to transfer requests, and grievance submissions.
- Manpower Agency Licensing: For establishing and operating recruitment agencies.
- Labour Market Inspections: Conducting inspections to ensure compliance with labour laws and regulations.
Contact Information
- Address: Jawaher Building 603, Road 1011, Block 410, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
- Phone: +973 17506055
- Email: labour.directorate@lmra.gov.bh
How to Complete a Quick Tamkeen Application
Step-by-Step:
- Register on Tamkeen’s online portal via portal or virtual branch.
- Choose Program (Start‑up or Growth).
- Attach Required Documents: CR, bank statements, plan, quotations, etc.
- Submit Application.
- Approve Support Terms upon acceptance.
- Complete Project (e.g. installation of machinery or rollout of marketing).
- Request Payment via portal once supporting documents are ready.
- Finalize with Tamkeen Review & Disbursement.
Tamkeen Application Assistance – What We Help With
- Eligibility Check: Confirm business meets criteria—active CR, no violations, Bahraini ownership, SIO‑registered
employees. - Document Preparation: Organising financials, CR documents, quotations, invoices, proposals, and business plan.
- Portal Submission & Tracking: Assisting you in using the Tamkeen online portal
- Follow-Up & Communication: Coordinating with Tamkeen during review, approval, and post‑support phases.
- Payment Request Management: Helping upload proof of completion, invoices, payment receipts through the portal.
Why Partner with Us for Tamkeen Support Services
- Expert guidance ensures full Bahrain tax compliance.
2. Clear assistance with program-specific documentation and strategy.
3. Minimises application delays and maximises grant outcomes.
4. Ideal for entrepreneurs, SMEs, startups, and established businesses.
Government Ministries
King of Bahrain
H.M. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
Crown Prince and Prime Minister
H.R.H. Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa
Deputy Prime Minister
H.E. Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa
Royal Court
P.O. Box 28788, Riffa
Tel: 1766 6666
Fax: 1766 6333
Head of Royal Court: H.E. Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa
Prime Minister’s Court
P.O. Box 1000, Manama
Tel: 1722 5522, 1726 2266
Fax: 1722 9022
Ministry of Interior
P.O. Box 13, Manama
Tel: 1757 2222
Fax: 1723 2661
Minister: H.E. General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
P.O. Box 547, Manama
Tel: 1722 7555
Fax: 1721 2603
Minister: H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani
Ministry of Defence Affairs
P.O. Box 245, HQ Bahrain Defence Force
Tel: 1765 3333
Fax: 1766 3923
Minister: H.E. Lieutenant General Abdullah Bin Hassan Al Nuaimi
Ministry of Finance & National Economy
P.O. Box 333, Manama
Tel: 1757 5000
Fax: 1753 2853
Minister: H.E. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa
Ministry of Health
P.O. Box 12, Manama
Tel: 1728 8888
Fax: 1728 6691
Minister: H.E. Dr. Jalila bint Al Sayyed Jawad Hassan Jawad
Ministry of Tourism
Minister: H.E. Fatima bint Jaffer Al Sairafi
Ministry of Transportation & Telecommunications
P.O. Box 10325, Manama
Tel: 1733 7878
Fax: 1753 4041
Minister: H.E. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa
Ministry of Youth Affairs
P.O. Box 5498, Manama
Tel: 1711 4000
Fax: 1711 4422
Minister: H.E. Rawan Bint Najeeb Tawfiqi
Ministry of Electricity & Water Affairs
P.O. Box 2, Manama
Tel: 1757 6576
Fax: 1722 3283
Minister: H.E. Yasser bin Ibrahim Humaidan
Ministry of Cabinet Affairs
P.O. Box 33305, Manama
Tel: 1722 3366
Fax: 1721 1363
Minister: H.E. Hamad bin Faisal Al Malki
Holidays During 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1 January 2026 | New Year’s Day |
| 20 March 2026 21 March 2026 22 March 2026 | Eid Al Fitr * 1447 |
| 1 May 2026 | Labour Day |
| 27 May 2026 28 May 2026 29 May 2026 | Eid Al Adha * 1447 |
| 16 June 2026 | Al Hijra New Year * 1448 |
| 24 June 2026 25 June 2026 | Ashoora * 1448 |
| 25 August 2026 | Prophet’s Birthday * 1448 |
| 16 December 2026 17 December 2026 | National Day |