Nomadic traditions

Our expert Bahrain

Nomadic traditions

Nomadic traditions A Bedouin and his tame falcon. © Bruno Morandi

Despite the modernity, Bahrain continues to be very attached to its nomadic culture. At the weekend, many Bahrainis go into the desert to retrace their ancestors' way of life. They install large white tents there and light big fires. This is also the opportunity to continue the tradition of falcon hunting, which has made a big comeback in recent years; horses are not forgotten either. The purebred are the pride of their owners. Every Friday there are races on the sumptuous racecourse of Sakhir, which reaches into the desert. From a clothing point of view, the women wear their dresses embroidered with gold and silver thread (shimluls). The men wear their white robes (shelhats) and a long veil (keffiyeh) on a crocheted cap held by a black braid.