Dress
As a Muslim country, there are a number of religious laws which should be obeyed by everyone in Bahrain, although few foreigners seem to actually follow them. A large percentage of the local population is foreign, many of whom come from Europe, North America, India, and the Far East, so local religious dress and dietary restrictions have little meaning to these non-Muslims.
The locals dress very conservatively as they cover themselves entirely with loose fitting clothing so they reveal nothing. The men generally wear all white, including a white keffiyeh or head scarf. Foreign men are not required to imitate this local dress, although men are expected to cover up, meaning everything from the elbows and ankles up should be covered. The local women tend to wear black with a hair covering, but rarely do women in Bahrain cover their faces.
Despite these rules, which any culturally sensitive visitor should follow, the locals are quite forgiving. Generally speaking, the locals dress one way and most foreigners dress in whatever way they want. Most visitors and tourists to the country wear shorts and short sleeve shirts, which the locals are tolerant of, especially on beaches and in resorts. Although following local dress isn't necessary, covering up is greatly appreciated and respected by the local population and by visitors from neighboring Muslim countries. However, there is no expectation that foreign women cover their hair.