Cross-border confidence

Gulf visitors continue short trips to Bahrain despite regional tensions

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Despite the regional tensions surrounding the Kingdom, Gulf visitors continue to cross into Bahrain. Many — particularly from Saudi Arabia — are making short visits that reflect both confidence and long-standing familiarity with the island.

During a field tour conducted by The Daily Tribune, several Gulf nationals were interviewed across markets about their feelings while visiting Bahrain under current circumstances.

For many residents from neighbouring countries who already live in Bahrain, the atmosphere remains calm and reassuring.

Security

Several Saudi residents explained that they closely follow updates and instructions issued by the relevant authorities and remain confident in the Kingdom’s ability to maintain security.

“We follow the guidance issued by the authorities first hand,” one resident said. “We feel reassured and trust the country’s preparedness.”

Another group consisted of visitors who had travelled to Bahrain for only a few hours before returning home. Many said their main purpose was to enjoy iftar at restaurants across the Kingdom.

They described Bahrain’s dining scene as a key reason for visiting, pointing to the variety of restaurants, the welcoming atmosphere, and prices they consider more affordable compared with some places across the border.

Others said their trip centred around shopping for Eid.

According to several Saudi visitors, buying Eid outfits in Bahrain remains a preferred choice for a number of reasons.

They highlighted the wider variety of clothing styles, the availability of sizes, and competitive pricing.

One visitor also pointed to a practical difference in shopping experiences. In Bahrain, most clothing stores provide their own fitting rooms inside the shop, making it easier to try different sizes quickly.

Malls

In Saudi Arabia, some malls operate shared fitting rooms located outside the stores, which visitors say can complicate the process of changing sizes.

Visitors who arrived for brief outings also admitted they were unsure where to follow the latest developments and official guidance related to the situation.

During the conversations, The Daily Tribune guided some of them to follow the newspaper’s Instagram account, along with verified local sources and the Ministry of Interior’s official account, to stay informed.

Tour

What stood out during the tour was the nature of the visits themselves.

None of the Gulf travellers interviewed had arrived for overnight stays. Most had crossed into Bahrain for only a few hours before planning their return.

Even amid uncertainty, the short trips reflect a quiet sense of familiarity between neighbours, where routine visits continue while caution remains present.