The island country may not be as high-profile as some of its Gulf neighbours but you can still have a good visit here.

Homosexuality has been considered illegal in Bahrain since 1956 when, as part of the British Empire, it was given the Indian Penal Code. Article 377 of this code made "unnatural sexual behaviour" a crime punishable with imprisonment not to exceed ten years, or deportation for twenty years of a fine. The law remains in effect today, and seems also to apply to cases of adultery. However, the law seems to be rarely enforced.

For non-citizens, the most likely punishment is deportation rather than a fine or imprisonment. For example, it has been reported that in 2002 the government deported 2,000 gay Filipino workers for alleged homosexual activity and prostitution.

The law against homosexuality, while sporadically enforced, prevents any visible gay community from existing. However, among western or European workers in the kingdom, there do exist certain bars that seem to have a gay male clientele.

We have listed some of the best straight bars, hotels and places to eat. If you come accross any venue worth mentioning on this page please feel free to contact us.