LOCAL INFORMATION

FOR PARTICIPANTS
Dear Championships Participant,

We look forward to welcoming you at the 2018 IMMAF – WMMAA

Unified World Championships & Junior World Championships at
Brave International Combat Week.

We want you to have a fantastic and memorable experience, and

to enjoy your time in Bahrain.

To enhance your visit, we thought it would be useful to put

together some local tourist information and advice, particularly for
those travelling from outside the Middle East for the first time.

Bahrain is a socially liberal state and a warm and welcoming

country, but many Bahrainis are conservative and laws and
traditions are stricter than in Western countries.

Our hosts at the Bahrain MMA Federation and Bahrain Olympic

Committee have been generous in their investment into the
IMMAF - WMMAA World Championships and are working hard to
ensure you have a superb time. IMMAF expects you to repay our
host’s generosity by respecting local traditions, customs, laws and
religions at all time.

Remember that whenever you travel under the IMMAF - MMA

banner you are an ambassador for us and for the sport.

If you have any doubt or require any kind of support during the
fight week, do not hesitate to contact me or another member of
the IMMAF team.

Isobel Carnwath
Brand, Marketing and Communications Director
carnwath@immaf.org
 PLACES TO VISIT

American Alley: Food – Shabab Ave., Juffair

5 min. walk from Wyndham Gdn/ 10 min drive from Downtown Rotana

The American Alley is a road next to the American Navy Base. Full of restaurants, from
local business to big international brands, it’s one of the most crowded places in the
country.

Bahrain City Centre: Mall – 4650 Sh. Khalifa Highway, Manama

15 min drive from Wyndham Gdn / 9 min drive from Downtown Rotana

Seef Mall (incl. Cinema showing English language movies): Mall – Seef, Manama
15 min drive from Wyndham Gdn / 9 min drive from Downtown Rotana

Al Fateh Grand Mosque: Religious site – Awal Ave., Juffair

4 min driving or 13 min walk from Wyndham Gdn / 8 min drive from Downtown Rotana

The biggest mosque in Bahrain. Accepts visitors for a guided tour, explaining more
about the building’s history and the Islam, from 6am to 4pm.

Qalat al Bahrain: Historic site – Karbabad Area, Seef District

19 min drive from Wyndham Gdn/ 13 min drive from Downtown Rotana

A preserved fort from the ancient Arab days. Open to visitors and free throughout the
day.

Bab el-Bahrain: Market - Government Ave., Manama

13 min drive from Wyndham Gdn / 3 min walk from Downtown Rotana

The main souk (open market) of Bahrain. Here you will find traditional articles, goodsof
great value and souvenirs of all kind.

Royal Camel Farm: Nature and wildlife – Janabiyah Highway, Janabiyah

15 min drive from Wyndham Gdn /16 min drive from Downtown Rotana

The royal family camel farm exhibits hundreds of the most traditional and famous
animals of the region. The farm is open from 10am to 4pm during weekdays and
visiting is free.
 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT BAHRAIN
ABOUT BAHRAIN

Bahrain is a fairly open country, with a multicultural environment, and

hundreds of thousands of expats living in it. The main religion is the
Islam and most of the public holidays and predominant values are
shared with the Muslim community.
Keep in mind that in Islamic countries, the weekends are different.
Sundays are the first working day and the weekends are on Friday and
Saturday – with Friday being the holy day.

SECURITY

Bahrain is an extremely safe country. There’s almost no risk on walking

through the streets during day or night. Crime rates are really low,
especially among expatriates and tourists. In case of any need, the
emergency number is 999 and the service is quite fast and efficient.

WEATHER

Forget everything you think about Middle East: desert, extreme

temperatures, or dry air – in fact, Bahrain’s humidity is extremely high,
even in the hottest days. Yes, the island experiences temperatures over
44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit) but in November, as we move
closer to the winter season, expect temperatures between 25C (78F)
and 27C (82F).

MOBILITY

Nothing is really far in Bahrain, we are talking about a country with

approximately 700 km². At the same time, walking to different places
might be a challenge and the best way to get around is, definitely, by
car. Uber is available in the country and there are several taxi services
in operation. In in case you need a recommendation, ask the hotel’s
front desk.
DRESS - MEN

Bahrain has large US and British expat communities and western

clothing is common.

Some public places, such as government or official buildings, don’t

accept guests wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts. The dress code is
particular to each place, so a safe rule of thumb is to wear smart casual
dress.

If visiting any religious sites dress smartly and conservatively, with long
sleeves and trousers.

If you enter a place dressed in a way that is considered inappropriate,

do not be offended if you are asked to leave.

Within the hotel facilities the policies are less strict but please apply
common sense. For example, it is not permissible in any public place to
be topless or without shoes.

Be sensitive to not wearing offensive pictures or slogans.

DRESS – WOMEN

There is a significant British and American expat community in

Bahrain, which is a reasonably tolerant country and many women wear
western clothing.

However, outside the competition areas, avoid having a lot of skin

showing. Tight or revealing clothing, strapless or skimpy tops and
shorts are not appreciated by the majority of people in Bahrain.
Underwear should be covered at all times- no briefs, G-strings, bras,
etc. should be on show or viewable through fabric.

If visiting government or official buildings, you should wear tops that

cover your shoulders, and skirts/ trousers that cover the knee. The
safe rule of thumb is to dress modestly and conservatively.

It is unlikely that you will be travelling outside Manama but please note
that in more conservative parts of the country and for visiting Mosques
and other traditional places, women are expected to cover their heads.
It doesn’t hurt to carry a head scarf or pashmina in your bag in case
needed, and most definitely if you plan to visit a mosque or holy site.

Generally in Bahrain, if you look like a tourist, people are more tolerant
of your attire, but be aware that if you enter a place dressed
inappropriately you may be asked to leave.

If you are at a private beach or pool (a resort or hotel), then normal

swim wear can be worn. Topless swimming/ tanning is forbidden.

You can find helpful dress tips on this website:

http://www.expatwoman.com/bahrain/monthly_bahrain_guide_Dress_c
ode_11276.aspx
ALCOHOL

Alcohol is permitted in the Kingdom of Bahrain and available in hotel

bars, although observing Muslims do not drink.

Please note, however, that drunken behaviour in public or driving under

the influence of alcohol is a punishable offence, making the offender
liable to a fine or imprisonment and/or deportation and withdrawal of
the driving licence.

Alcohol can be purchased to the more private area of hotel rooms and
at local shops for private consumption.

WOMEN & ALCOHOL

Note that you will not see local Bahraini women drinking in bars. If
visiting a bar you may feel more comfortable as part of a mixed group.

DRUGS

Drugs are strictly forbidden, even a residual amount. Consuming or

carrying drugs, even if you are transiting through the airport from one
country to another, can result in an imprisonment and deportation.
Buying or selling narcotics is considered a serious crime which can
result in life imprisonment.

If you are using prescribed drugs it is advisable to carry a

doctor’s note. If you are bringing prescription drugs into Bahrain
you may need to seek prior agreement from the authorities. You
should check with the nearest Bahrain Embassy or consulate
before you travel.

Consumption of drugs is of course not tolerated under IMMAF’s Anti-

doping policy, unless authorised by IMMAF’s Therapeutic Use
Exemption panel.
OTHER LAWS YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF

- Sexual relationships outside of marriage are illegal, irrespective of

any relationship you may have with your partner in your own country.
Cohabiting, including in hotels, is also illegal.

- Holding hands for married couples is tolerated but kissing and

hugging are considered offences against public decency. Open
displays of affection are generally not tolerated.

- All residents and visitors must carry photographic ID. Under Bahraini
law, it’s an offence not to be able to present photographic ID if you’re
asked to do so by a member of the Bahraini authorities, and you may
be subject to a fine of up to 300BHD.

- Islamic religion values are greatly respected in Bahrain. Showing any

disrespect towards religious beliefs or practices is considered deeply
offensive and very likely to result in a heavy fine and/or imprisonment.
Other religions are respected and can be followed by the expatriate
community.

- Offensive language, spitting and aggressive behaviour (including

hand gestures) are viewed very seriously and can result in
imprisonment and deportation. This includes road rage.

- Do not bring video cassettes or DVDs into the country. They may be
withheld on arrival at the airport.

ETIQUETTE

There should be no physical contact between women and Bahraini

men, the only exception being if the Bahraini man extends his hand to
you first during the greeting process to shake hands.

Likewise, men should not initiate or engage in physical contact with

Bahraini women.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TOURNAMENTS:

WATCH ALL MATCHES LIVE AT IMMAF.TV

National Teams & Participants Information

Access live tournament information at MyNextMatch.com

You can find all registrants already listed by Division in the 2018
IMMAF- WMMAA World Championships and Junior World
Championships sections, under Division Entries. You can also view
national teams under ‘Participating Organisations’:

Seniors: https://www.mynextmatch.com/tournament/83/details
Juniors: https://www.mynextmatch.com/tournament/78/details

Tournament Draw and Brackets Information:

After the Tournament Draw, you will be able to follow the brackets for
each division and daily competition schedule live at:

Seniors:
https://www.mynextmatch.com/tournament/83/details/programme/bracket
Juniors:
https://www.mynextmatch.com/tournament/78/details/programme/bracket

Results and Daily Competition Schedule Information

Throughout the competition you will find the most up-to-date Fight
Card and Official Results information (including any changes) at
MyNextMatch.com

Seniors: https://www.mynextmatch.com/tournament/83/details/fixture
Juniors: https://www.mynextmatch.com/tournament/78/details/fixture
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TOURNAMENTS:

Social Media

You can also follow play-by-play results on social media and join
the conversation using the hashtag #MMAWorlds2018

IMMAF:
Twitter: @IMMAFed
Facebook: facebook.com/IMMAFed
Instagram: instagram.com/immafed/

MYNEXTMATCH:
Twitter: twitter.com/mynextmatch
Facebook: facebook.com/mynextmatch/
Instagram: instagram.com/mynextmatch/
 THANK YOU
&
HAVE A FANTASTIC TIME!
!