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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I'm in Bahrain... AMA

42 replies

Sagespiration · 28/02/2026 19:40

As the title suggests..

Looking for something to keep me busy during these scary times. Ask away!

OP posts:
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Mollypolly2610 · 05/03/2026 12:23

Thank you I'm not a teacher so didn't understand.

Mumofyellows · 05/03/2026 12:21

Mollypolly2610 · 01/03/2026 22:29

What Is PPA I lived there for 20+ years and never heard of this.

Planning time for teachers to prepare their lessons.

ClickBeat · 05/03/2026 12:09

I was thinking of you today op, I hope you are ok

Carla786 · 05/03/2026 08:36

Sostewedover · 05/03/2026 07:47

Are you ok op. Hoping so 🤞

So do I!

Sostewedover · 05/03/2026 07:47

Are you ok op. Hoping so 🤞

SeaShellsSanctuary1 · 01/03/2026 23:04

Sagespiration · 28/02/2026 20:03

Bahrain is probably the most "western" of the ME counties. The Bahraini women I work with live happy lives. They work, drive, socialise etc.

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What are they not allowed to do?

Mollypolly2610 · 01/03/2026 22:29

What Is PPA I lived there for 20+ years and never heard of this.

birdling · 01/03/2026 19:54

How much PPA do you get?

Carla786 · 01/03/2026 10:39

Sagespiration · 28/02/2026 20:03

Bahrain is probably the most "western" of the ME counties. The Bahraini women I work with live happy lives. They work, drive, socialise etc.

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That's good to hear 👍

thatduck · 01/03/2026 08:46

Hoping you are safe and well.
How long have you lived there?

rainbowruthie · 28/02/2026 20:17

I don't have a question just wanted to say that I hope you and your family stay safe

ManukaMoneyMaker · 28/02/2026 20:16

What is the media like where you are at the moment?

Wishing you and yours peace and safety ❤️

InOverMyHead84 · 28/02/2026 20:15

Sagespiration · 28/02/2026 20:11

Tbh not that much but we do get a housing allowance each month and a flight allowance once a year. We also pay near zero tax. We appreciate the amount of PPA we get! It's one of the best things about teaching here.

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What subject and age do you teach?

Is it ex pat or local children?

shellyleppard · 28/02/2026 20:13

Stay safe OP. Sending hugs to you all x are you in a secure housing compound or do you live in a ex pat village

AutumnChild99 · 28/02/2026 20:12

Do you think you'll stay after this or is this making you reconsider? What do you think will happen in the longer term in the ME?

Sostewedover · 28/02/2026 20:11

Are women's rights and mysogyny as bad as I worry about in the ME? If not in Bahrain? Should we all be protesting for sanctions to end a gender apartheid?

Original poster
Sagespiration · 28/02/2026 20:11

InOverMyHead84 · 28/02/2026 20:00

Seen footage of the drone attacks on a residential tower block in Bahrain. Stay safe OP. Best wishes to everyone out there.

Staying on topic. How much does it pay to be a teacher out there?

Edited

Tbh not that much but we do get a housing allowance each month and a flight allowance once a year. We also pay near zero tax. We appreciate the amount of PPA we get! It's one of the best things about teaching here.

OP posts:
ClickBeat · 28/02/2026 20:10

Sagespiration · 28/02/2026 20:09

Yes I have my husband and DC here with me! We have lots of friends nearby who are sheltering in place.

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How are your DC finding it all?

Original poster
Sagespiration · 28/02/2026 20:09

ClickBeat · 28/02/2026 19:57

Do you have family/friends with you/nearby?

Yes I have my husband and DC here with me! We have lots of friends nearby who are sheltering in place.

OP posts:
Goldendaffodils26 · 28/02/2026 20:05

Are things open as usual eg shops, restaurants?

Original poster
Sagespiration · 28/02/2026 20:04

ClickBeat · 28/02/2026 19:58

And irrelevant questions to distract you...

What's your favourite film?
And your favourite book?

Favourite movie: Crazy, Stupid, Love
Favourite book: I've fallen into the romantasy trap! Probably the ACORAT series atm!

OP posts:
Mollypolly2610 · 28/02/2026 20:03

My daughter is there We worked there for years and when we retired she stayed on as she has a good job and standard of life. She has been phoning and sending videos all day.

RichardOnslowRoper · 28/02/2026 20:03

Sagespiration · 28/02/2026 19:57

Yes it is! It is regarded as one of the top school!

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I went there as a child in the 80s. Lived in Bahrain for about 7 years as my dad worked there.

I remember Zallaq beach, the causeway to Saudi Arabia just opening, and eating "pofak" which is what we called Cheetos. Also my dad was very into archaeology, Geoffrey Bibby and Dilmun ( if you know what that is).

I hope you stay safe and well.

Original poster
Sagespiration · 28/02/2026 20:03

Carla786 · 28/02/2026 19:57

Sending a 🫂

What are Bahraini women's lives like? From the little I know, I understand they have more freedom compared to a lot of other ME countries?

Bahrain is probably the most "western" of the ME counties. The Bahraini women I work with live happy lives. They work, drive, socialise etc.

OP posts:
Original poster
Sagespiration · 28/02/2026 20:01

MidnightPatrol · 28/02/2026 19:55

What’s the best thing about living in Bahrain? It’s not somewhere I know much about

I love the slower pace and the safety (usually) of Bahrain. People and friendly and everything here is so convenient!

OP posts: