Information about living and working in RCSI Bahrain

Table of Contents 1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 3

2. Welcome and Brief History of RCSI Bahrain ...................................................................................... 3

3. Relocating to Bahrain .......................................................................................................................... 3

3.1 Steps to be completed before travel to Bahrain ............................................................................ 3

3.2 Bringing Pets to Bahrain ............................................................................................................... 4

3.3 Shipping ........................................................................................................................................ 4

3.4 Visas and Permanent Residence Permit ...................................................................................... 4

3.5 Health Certificates ......................................................................................................................... 5

3.6 Arriving at Bahrain International Airport ........................................................................................ 5

4 Settling in Bahrain ................................................................................................................................ 5

4.1 Accommodation ............................................................................................................................ 5

4.2 Transportation ............................................................................................................................... 6

4.3 Health and Medical Facilities ........................................................................................................ 6

4.4 Money and Banking ...................................................................................................................... 7

4.5 Schools.......................................................................................................................................... 7

5. Member of RCSI Bahrain Family ........................................................................................................ 7

5.1 First Day at Work .......................................................................................................................... 7

5.2 Group Induction Day ..................................................................................................................... 7

5.3 RCSI Bahrain templates/ Research Profile ................................................................................... 8

5.4 Employee Assistance Programme ................................................................................................ 8

5.5 Privilege Days ............................................................................................................................... 8

6 Living in Bahrain ................................................................................................................................... 8

6.1 Time .............................................................................................................................................. 9

6.2 Language ...................................................................................................................................... 9

6.3 Religion ......................................................................................................................................... 9

6.4 Children in Bahrain ........................................................................................................................ 9

6.5 Climate ........................................................................................................................................ 10

RCSI Bahrain Staff Quotes ................................................................................................................... 10

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) .................................................................................................... 10

Leisure and entertainment ................................................................................................................ 11

Restaurants ....................................................................................................................................... 12

Appendix A ............................................................................................................................................ 13

Appendix B ............................................................................................................................................ 14

Appendix C ............................................................................................................................................ 15

Appendix D ............................................................................................................................................ 16

Appendix E ............................................................................................................................................ 16

1. Introduction The purpose from this document is to introduce you to Bahrain and assist you to consider different aspects that you may encounter while preparing for relocation and settling in your new home and country. This document may raise specific matters related to your relocation and we are happy to address any of your thoughts, queries and concerns either by email, phone or face to face. Appendix A includes a list of relevant staff in Dublin and Bahrain that you may wish to contact to address your enquiry.

2. Welcome and Brief History of RCSI Bahrain It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to Bahrain and to become a member of Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) family. The University has been in operation for less than 10years and is continuously growing in terms of staff, facilities and programmes. It is without doubt an interesting time to join RCSI Bahrain and be an active member of its growth and development. The RCSI Bahrain Campus was officially opened in February 2009 by former President of Ireland HE Mary McAleese and HRH Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain. This prestigious event welcomed international dignitaries and marked the culmination of RCSI’s €70million investment to deliver high quality healthcare education in the middle east. The campus is located in Busiateen, Muhrraq, adjacent to King Hamad University Hospital. A XXXXm² land has been allocated on the other side of the campus as yet another project for RCSI to develop the Health Oasis. These three important sites will form the King Hamad Medical City. RCSI Bahrain hosted the inaugural conferring in June 2010 and graduated students for School of Medicine, School of Nursing and Midwifery and Maters in Healthcare Ethics and Law. Under the leadership of Professor Thomas Collins, President RCSI Bahrain staff and stakeholders engaged to develop and present a strategic road map for the coming five years up to 2017. To read more about the Strategic Plan visit: Link to Issuu

3. Relocating to Bahrain

3.1 Steps to be completed before travel to Bahrain

Figure1 Please note that RCSI Travel will be arranging your flight bookings and send you the booking arrangements in due course. If mail is to be redirected from your home address to Bahrain than you may use RCSI Bahrain’s P.O.Box address.

3.2 Bringing Pets to Bahrain Pets should not be brought to Bahrain unless all the necessary permissions have been obtained in advance and all the required documentation has been completed in your country of origin. We advise you to think very carefully before bringing pets with you, however, Dr. Nonie Coutts’ Veterinary Surgery can arrange for be imported from most countries: http://www.noniecoutts.com

3.3 Shipping RCSI Bahrain will cover 100kg of your shipment when relocating. If you are planning to ship goods to Bahrain you should contact your local shipping agent. However, most things you might want are available locally.

3.4 Visas and Permanent Residence Permit The entry of foreigners into Bahrain is tightly controlled and all travellers to Bahrain, with the exception of holders of passports from the Gulf Co-operation Council Countries (GCC countries,) must obtain a visa before entering the country. No Objection Certificate (NOC), Visa and CPR charges will be covered by University.In order to take up residence in Bahrain, you require a sponsor, which is normally your employer or your spouse’s employer. RCSI Bahrain will take care of the necessary arrangements. We have to apply for residency permits weeks in advance of your arrival. To do this, RCSI Bahrain is required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for you prior to your arrival which is usually valid for 3 months, active from issue date. This is provided after acceptance of your qualifications and appointment by the Higher Education Council of Bahrain. This process may take 6 weeks if we have all the relevant documentations as outlined in figure1. We aim to have all appropriate documentation ready on your arrival but this is not always possible. If we have sent you the NOC before you leave your country of origin, it is advisable to have a copy of it to show to the airlines before you depart. Travellers who enter on a NOC should go direct to immigration desk to endorse the original NOC. Children must have their own passports in order for us to obtain a residence permit for them. For more information visit the following links: http://www.bahrain.bh/wps/portal and http://www.evisa.gov.bh/

Acceptance of Offer

•Confirm the acceptance of the offer by signing the Contract of Employment.

• Email a scanned copy of the signed contract to recruitment@rcsi.ie

• Post the original contract to the Dublin Office: HR Department, 121 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland.

Attested Qualifications

• Send us certified and attested copies (in the country of receipt) of your qualifications, e.g. your degree certificate and any other relevant qualification, e.g. Post-Graduate degrees, recognized diplomas, school certificates, letters of reference or testimonials and CV.

• This will be necessary for us to obtain approval of your qualifications from Higher Education Council in Bahrain.

Certificate of Good Standing

• Obtain a certificate of good standing from your current country of residence.

Passport Copies

• Send us copy of your passport and of any family members that will be accompenying you.

• Passport copies will be requested for any authorities in Bahrain. Therefore, it's recommended to have a good number of passport copies in hand.

Photographs

• Send us 10 passport-sized colour photographs with white backgrounds.

•We will need 6 passport-sized colour photographs with white background for each family member relocating to Bahrain.

3.5 Health Certificates Under normal conditions, travellers are not requested to show any certificates of vaccination when entering Bahrain. However, if you have school-aged children, it is a Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education requirement that you provide proof of the usual childhood vaccinations so please bring copies of your children’s vaccination records. Certificates of vaccination against yellow fever and smallpox are required only from travellers arriving from infected areas (e.g. Africa). Health certificates issued before leaving your home countries are done for your own sake. Some travellers choose to have cholera, typhoid fever vaccinations and gamma globulin injections or get a vaccination against Hepatitis A. You should ask your doctor for advice on this matter if you are concerned.

3.6 Arriving at Bahrain International Airport On arrival in Bahrain International Airport you will find it a rather busy and well-functioning modern airport. If you have the copy we have sent you of your NOC, go to the immigration counters, give your name and show them the NOC copy. They should have your NOC Visa ready for you. Kindly note that the NOC is not a visa, but you will get a visa based on the NOC. If we have not obtained your NOC before your leave your country of origin, you will be able to obtain a visitor’s visa. (Exact details of this will be provided to you individually)

4 Settling in Bahrain One can’t stress enough the importance of Central Population Register (CPR) card in Bahrain. Without this card it will be challenging for you to setup bank account, complete official transaction, buy a car, setup internet and telephone lines and register children at school. The HEC’s approval of your certificates (refer to figure 1 for necessary documents) will be necessary to obtain your residence visa to then apply for CPR card and register you with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA). http://portal.lmra.bh/english/ If you are married, your spouse and children also need to have CPR cards. We will arrange this as soon as their residence permits are completed and stamped in their passports. Your CPR card is valid for five years and you should change the card if your address changes. You will also need your CPR card to obtain medical attention at one of the public hospitals or clinics in Bahrain. Until you have obtained your CPR card, you will be given a CPR number for medical purposes.

4.1 Accommodation As a new member of the RCSI Bahrain family, the University will arrange temporary accommodations for you for the first two weeks in Bahrain while you search for permanent accommodation. There are currently a wide range of apartments and villas available for rent because of the construction boom. However, there are usually only a limited number of 1-bedroom apartments available. During the induction week we will give you further information and guidance on finding your own accommodation but, generally, there are several ways to find real estate information: • ‘Word of mouth’ in the staffroom, your colleagues may be able to assist you • Estate agents who have been recommended by other people • Advertisements in the national newspapers under the Classifieds Section Orla Taylors taylors@batelco.com.bh, 00973 3980 4509 is an agent whom the University have been dealing with a lot in helping staff to find suitable accommodation and schools. There is tap water in all apartments and houses. The tap water is rather salty (as most water is desalinated) and therefore not suitable for drinking in large quantities (although not contaminated with germs). Because of the high salt content, appliances tend to rust e.g. washing machines. Drinking water, referred to as "sweet water", is available from purification plants of which there are quite a few on the island or from the Awal Dairy Plant along the Budaiya Road. The sweet water is collected from these plants in plastic containers (20-25 litres) costing about 700 fils each. In some residential areas, sweet water is supplied by water tanker twice a week. Al Manal Water, Aqua Cool and Nestle deliver

good quality fresh drinking water to your home. Boxes of 1 litre bottles of water can also be bought from the supermarkets. Refuse is collected regularly from all flats and houses, several times a week. This is arranged by the Public Sector of the Municipality Services at no cost to the individual.

4.2 Transportation Cars drive on the right hand side of the road i.e. left hand drive. The roads in Bahrain are good although you may encounter traffic congestion, especially during rush-hours at a few locations, mainly in the downtown area. All traffic signs are printed in both Arabic and English. If you have an accident, however small, you must call the police. If the accident is minor you will be referred to the nearest police station to report the accident. If there have been any injuries or serious damage, you will be directed to remain at the scene of the accident until the traffic police arrive. You cannot get a car repaired in Bahrain without a police report. The maximum speed is 80 km/hour, unless otherwise stipulated. It is really not possible to go anywhere in Bahrain without a car, so you probably have to consider buying one or two cars (for a family) as an establishment expense. Car loans can be arranged through most banks. Most makes of new cars are available in Bahrain at prices which are low, compared to most European countries. Second-hand cars are also available. When buying a second-hand car it is advisable to have it checked at an authorised garage before finalising the deal.

4.2.1 Obtaining a Driving Licence You should bring your National Driving Licence as well as a valid International Driving Licence. We advise you to obtain this prior to leaving country of origin. An International Driving Licence is valid in Bahrain only when stamped by the Licensing Directorate of Bahrain who will want to see your passport as well as you r National Driving Licence. The below link will be a useful to link to arrange for international driving licence before moving to

Bahrain.

http://www.aaireland.ie/AA/Motoring-advice/Driving-in-Europe/International-driving-permit.aspx)

Permanent staff and their spouses can obtain a Bahrain Driving Licence from the same authority. This also requires your passport and your National Driving Licence. Please note that you are expected to have your Bahrain Driving Licence with you whenever you are driving.

4.3 Health and Medical Facilities You will require a health check before your work permit is issued. Dependant on whether we are able to obtain the NOC first, this may take place in your country of origin or will be arranged when you’ve arrived in Bahrain. This is a very basic health check requiring a basic medical examination, eye examination and a Chest X-ray. Once your medical tests are done, a Residence Permit and Multiple Re-Entry Visa, which is necessary for permanent staff at the college, will be granted for a period of two years. The medical and dental facilities available in Bahrain are good. There are numerous hospitals from which to choose, should you require medical treatment. Word of mouth is a good reference. There are three main hospitals that RCSI Bahrain is affiliated with for teaching purposes and these are : • The Bahrain Defence Force Hospital : https://www.bdfmedical.org/en/ • Salmaniya Medical Complex & associated Health Centres • King Hamad University Hospital http://www.KHUH.org.bh There are a number of private hospitals that can be accessed: • American Mission Hospital - http://www.amh.org.bh/ • Bahrain Specialist Hospital - http://www.bsh.com.bh/

• Bahrain International Hospital - http://www.ihb.net/ • Al Kindi Specialised Hospital - http://www.alkindihospital.com/ • Awali Hospital – There are a number of very good 24-hour pharmacies available on the island – the most popular one being the Nasser chain of Pharmacies. The link will give you locations and contact details of their various branches. - http://www.nasserpharmacy.com/stores-locator.html

4.4 Money and Banking It is suggested that you bring sufficient currency with you for one month (pounds or dollars). The currency in Bahrain is the Bahrain Dinar (BHD) where one BD is divided into 1,000 Fils. The Bahrain Dinar is fixed to the US Dollar at the official rate of BD 1= US $ 2.65. Exchange rates between BD and the UK may vary quite a bit. Link to Currency Xchange: http://www.xe.com/ucc / The RCSI Bahrain will provide you an advance for your accommodation as most landlords require 3 months payment in advance. This amount can be paid back to the University over 12months period of time. The HR Department at can assist you with opening a bank account by furnishing you with the necessary employment certificates. Monthly salaries will initially be paid by cheque until you have banking facilities where after your salary will be paid by direct debit. Transfers to any currency can be made without limitation. Banks have a daily exchange rate for all major currencies and can prepare a draft (bank certified cheque) in whatever currency you may wish. Transfer by telex is also possible, but not much faster and generally incurs a transfer fee of BD8 for international transfers. The Bahrain Financing Company (BFC) has branches throughout the Kingdom and will telex monies to most destinations for a lesser fee on presenting cash. Most daily banking transactions are made through electronic banking machines with 24 hour access. An ATM card can be issued within two weeks of opening an account, and it is very practical for money withdrawal in order to avoid queuing up in the bank. Credit cards are used in most shops however, some of the smaller local shops or the Souq may only accept cash.

4.5 Schools The curricula in the public schools in Bahrain are delivered in Arabic. However, English and bilingual speaking private schools can be found around the Island. List of private schools and their contact details can be found on Bahrain’s Ministry of Education website: http://www.moe.gov.bh/en/daleel.aspx

5. Member of RCSI Bahrain Family

5.1 First Day at Work Your start time on your first day is 10.00am. You will be met in the reception at first floor by an HR

staff member to introduce you to your head of department and show your desk. You will also be

introduced to your buddy whom will be there to support you and during the first period of employment

and provide you with a campus tour.

For your first day we aim to have your IT access setup with your RCSI Bahrain email account, VLE access and telephone line as well as issue your staff ID card.

5.2 Group Induction Day The group induction day will take place within your first month with RCSI Bahrain. You will be joined

by other staff members whom might have started around the same time to be presented to different

functions of the University and a number of areas of relevance to your work such as:

Human Resources

Finance

Health and Safety

IT

Sports & Social

5.3 RCSI Bahrain templates/ Research Profile RCSI Bahrain is aiming to use consistent branding material such letterheads, internal documents and

power point design. These templates can be found on the staff shared folder.

RCSI Bahrain website is the portal to the world and we are keen to have it up to date with staff

research. We would encourage you to provide a copy of your research profile to the Communications

Office at RCSI Bahrain to upload it to the website.

5.4 Employee Assistance Programme The HR department has outsourced counselling and information service on confidential basis for all staff (an Employee Assistance Programme), which is provided by Vhi Corporate Solutions. Through the EAP service, free professional counselling and information services are available to you and your family. You will be able to talk to a counsellor on the phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

5.5 Privilege Days Privilege Days are official holidays offered to staff in addition to their annual leaves. In Bahrain the majority of these holidays evolve around Islamic religious holidays:

• Eid al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan • Eid al Adh is celebrated on the 10th day of the pilgrimage to Mecca called the Hajj. • The Islamic Year starts with the month of Muharram. The first day of Muharram is a holiday to

mark the new year. • the Shi'a Muslims observe a holiday called Ashoora which is significant day of mourning for

them. • The birth of Prophet Mohammed

Schools & colleges are closed on these holidays but it is difficult to plan for them exactly as they are dependent on the sighting of the moon and are normally announced only two or three days in advance. The Islamic calendar is based on a lunar month, compared with the Gregorian calendar. All months in the Islamic calendar move forward by 11 days a year, and so do the two Eid holidays. Bahrain also celebrates other national and international holidays:

16th December National Day: Celebrating the independence of the Kingdom of

Bahrain and held annually

17th December Accession Day: Celebrating the accession of the Kingdom of Bahrain

and held annually 1

st May International Labour Day

1

st January New Year’s Day

All official public holidays, if falling on a weekend will result in compensatory days in lieu i.e. a weekday will be given off. In addition to the above RCSI Bahrain will be closed for Christmas Day, should it fall during the week.

6 Living in Bahrain Expatriates have little to worry about, the Bahraini people are gracious and hospitable and you will usually be treated with kindness and generosity.

6.1 Time Bahrain is GMT plus three hours (two hours before United Kingdom in the winter and one hour in the summer.) The working hours in Bahrain are rather variable: Government Offices are open on 5 days a week from 7 a.m. to 2.15 p.m. (closed on Fridays and Saturdays.) Private companies are normally open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a 2-3 hours lunch break on 5 or 6 days a week (closed on Fridays). The Suq (local market) is normally open on 6 days from 9.00 a.m. to 12 noon/1.00 p.m. and again from 4.00 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. On Fridays a limited number of shops may be open between 9.00 a.m. and 12 noon. Large supermarkets are open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. - 10.00 p.m. Smaller supermarkets and cold stores are also open at these hours and sometimes on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. or later.

6.2 Language The official language is Arabic but, in practice, Bahrain is bilingual and English is very widely spoken and used for business communication. If you should consider learning Arabic, below are possibilities, apart from private tutors: The British Council: http://www.britishcouncil.org/bahrain/me.htm Berlitz: http://www.berlitz-bahrain.com/ Lingoease: http://www.lingoeasy.com/ The Ministry of Education courses: http://www.education.gov.bh/english/education/nonformal.asp

6.3 Religion Even though Bahrain is considered to be one of the most westernised of the Gulf States, Islam and the Muslim traditions are very important in everyday life here. The five "pillars" of Islam, namely, Faith, Prayer, Giving alms, Fasting and the Pilgrimage all play an important part in every Muslim's life. It makes sense for an expatriate coming to live and work in Bahrain to do some reading to gain at least a basic understanding of Islam.

6.3.1 Ramadan Ramadan is a Muslim religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is believed to be the month in which the Qur’an began to be revealed. During Ramadan, Muslims from all continents unite in a period of spiritual reflection, community, family bonds and fasting during daylight hours. When Muslims are fasting during Ramadan, non-Muslims are expected to refrain from eating, chewing gum, drinking and smoking in public places where they may be visible to any Muslim. Anyone may eat after the moon has risen and before it sets again.

6.4 Children in Bahrain Bahrain is a great place for kids. It is very safe and most compounds have their own pools and play areas for children. Bahrain also has a great deal to offer children with amusement parks and centres, sports clubs and entertainment venues. Most clubs have their own children’s programmes and hotels also often provide programmes particularly during school breaks. Mums in Bahrain is an active community online that can offer great advice and support for parents and children. They also arrange for many activities for parents and children around the Island. Visit the website www.mumsinbahrain.net or join their facebook page.

6.5 Climate The climate of Bahrain follows a seasonal variation in many ways similar to Northern Europe with temperatures some 15-20°C higher throughout the year. The summer (June to September) is mostly very hot, with temperatures daily in the range 35-48 °C. The maximum in the middle of the day often reaches 40-48 °C. The humidity can be high during this period, restricting outdoor activities and making this part of the year rather fatiguing.

RCSI Bahrain Staff Quotes I have been with RCSI since 2000- last year an opportunity came out of the blue to transfer to the

campus in Bahrain - this was totally unexpected. I had never previously worked outside Ireland so

this was a big decision for both my husband Henry and myself. My family urged me to go for it, and I

did.

We are now almost a year here and our experiences have been very positive. The cultural learning

occurs on a daily basis. The Bahraini people are extremely friendly, generous and hospitable. They

delight in telling me about their customs, holiday celebrations and the rituals around these family

orientated events. They are encouraging me to learn Arabic, so far I have just masterd Inshalla ,

Shukran, Sabah, and Msasa Alkhair... so a long way to go !

My day to day work has been a very smooth transition, in many ways ,similar to work in RCSI Dublin.

It was reassuring to find that in general the working systems are similar.

The students are bright, extremely motivated and hungry for knowledge. This make my teaching and

interactions with them very rewarding; it also keeps me on my toes.

I am surrounded by dedicated colleagues who provide world class educational programmes in a state

of the art building. It is a unique design incorporating Arabic and Celtic motifs that are encrypted in

the plaster work and glass panelling; all of which are feature of the building which is located beside

the ultra-modern King Hamad University Hospital which serves as a clinical site for the medical and

nursing students.

Now that we are in winter the weather is just perfect for me - 27degrees and still able to swim

outsdoors .

Catherine O’Neill

Director of MSc Nursing Programme RCSI Bahrain

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Area Query Answer

Leisure and

entertainment

Are there are any

possibilities for activities in my leisure time?

There are several good quality cinemas showing current release western and Asian films.

There are bars, night clubs and discotheques but little or no theatre or classical music orchestras.

There are occasional exhibitions of local painters’ work. Also several times during the year the British Council, Alliance Française and some of the larger hotels arrange cultural evenings when international entertainers perform in plays, classical music performances, opera and even ballet.

If you like acting there is the Manama Theatre Group who produces their own plays several times a year.

The Manama Singers is a choir that also performs several times each year and welcomes new talent to their ranks. http://www.manamasingers.com/

What sports activities/ facilities are available in Bahrain?

There are a great number of sport clubs in Bahrain where good facilities are available for a wide range of activities such as tennis, squash, football, swimming, sailing, diving, riding, golf etc. Family membership fees are from around BD 100 to BD 400 per year, depending on the club.

Golf? Golf is increasingly popular although, as most enthusiasts know, it is an expensive sport, particularly if you want to play on grass!! There are two public courses

1. the Royal Golf Club which is a grass course http://www.theroyalgolfclub.com/

2. the Awali Golf Club where one plays on sand and “browns” http://www.awaligolfclub.com/agc.htm

Sailing Sailing is very popular and can be enjoyed throughout the year. There are a number of clubs where yachts / sailing craft can be berthed.

Horse Riding

Horse Riding Clubs

Horse riding can be enjoyed from a number of Riding schools where lessons are given and where horses can be hired. For links to riding schools please refer to:

http://www.horse-riding.net/stables/Bahrain/ or the individual clubs:

http://www.twinpalmsridingcentre.com/

http://www.dilmun-club.com/

http://www.countryclubbahrain.com/

http://bhguide.com/2010/08/31/shakoora-riding-centre/

Other Clubs The Dilmun Club, located off the Budaiya Road near Saar Village, offers such

activities as swimming, horse riding, tennis & squash with a library for members: http://www.dilmun-club.com/contactus.htm

The Country Club, located in Karranah off the Budaiya highway in lush green environment with swimming, riding, tennis, handball, squash, an excellent gym with a ladies gym and a variety of restaurants. http://www.countryclubbahrain.com/

The British Club, located in southern Manama, has an excellent gym, tennis, squash, Taekwando and other activities: www.britishclubbahrain.com

The Gulf Hotel Recreation Club offers excellent gym facilities and a chilled pool in the summer: http://www.gulfhotelbahrain.com/

The Coral Beach Club situated along the cornice offers a range of facilities including health club, water sports, spa http://www.coralbeachbahrain.com/index.html

Restaurants

Is there good variety of restaurants?

One of the best things in Bahrain is the variety of restaurants and food available. It ranges from from Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Arabic traditional food to European dishes. Prices are quite reasonable. A number of restaurants have a buffet lunch and normally a-la-carte for dinner. Most of the larger restaurants have a liquor licence, while some of the smaller ones are not permitted to sell alcoholic beverages.

Shopping Will I have difficulty in buying clothes?

Generally speaking, you can buy just about anything you want in Bahrain. In the markets, Suq Area and in some stores you can bargain for the “best price”.

All types of clothing can be bought in Bahrain, also good quality shoes, dresses, and shirts. Tailors are fairly inexpensive but they are best when having an example to copy, so if you plan to have things made, you are well advised to take an example to the tailor as well. There are five large shopping malls that have an excellent selection of high street stores like Marks & Spenser, Evans, Monsoon, Debenhams, H& M and BHS.

Appendix A

Contact Details

RCSI Bahrain RCSI

P.O.Box 15503, Adliya 123 St Stephens Green

Bahrain Dublin 2

Ireland

Tel: 00973 17 531 450 Tel: 003531 402 8610

Fax: 00973 17 330 806 Fax: 003531 402 2458

www.rcsibahrain.edu.bh www.rcsi.ie

HR Department Dublin: Sorcha O’Grady – Human Resources Executive – sogrady@rcsi.ie, 00353 (01) 402 2440 Sorcha O’Grady has recruited and assisted many faculty to relocate to Bahrain and would be able to help and assist with many matters related to the relocation from Dublin. Sumaya Hashim – HR Operations - Sumayahasshim1@rcsi.ie, 00353 (01) 402 8581 Sumaya is RCSI Bahrain staff seconded to Dublin and will be able to provide more detailed information about living and working for RCSI Bahrain. HR Department Bahrain: Siobhan Traynor – HR Specialist - straynor@rcsi-mub.com, 00973 17 351 450 Ext 4051 Siobhan Traynor works closely with the President and Senior Management at RCSI Bahrain and the HR Director and team in Dublin to manage the needs of RCSI Bahrain employees and ensure best HR practice. Ahmed Al Mousawi – HR Projects - amousawi@rcsi-mub.com, 00973 17 351 450 Ext 3545 Ahmed will be helping you with the induction and the orientation. Mahdi Qarooni – HR Administrator mqarooni@rcsi-mub.com, 00973 17 351 450 Ext 4100 Mahdi will be able to assist you with issues related to Visas/ CPR / Ministerial Requirements Head of Schools Telephone Contacts: Professor Joe McMenamin Head of School of Medicine 00973 XXXX Professor Charles Docherty Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery 00973 39192442 Professor David Whitford Head of Postgraduate Studies and Research 00973 XXXXXX

Appendix B

Tips & Hints

Just after Immigration there is a small duty-free shop for arriving passengers where you may pay with Visa and other credit cards and where spirits may be purchased at reasonable prices. Passengers disembarking in Bahrain have a duty free allowance of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and one bottle of spirits or wine and normal personal items.

You can easily lose 20 % if you just go to a money dealer to exchange cash to BD so go to banks instead.

Dress is usually quite casual in Bahrain as befits a hot climate. However, you are advised to be aware of and sensitive to the local societal norms.

If you plan to buy your own car try to get a "No Claim Letter" from your car insurance company at home. This can reduce the insurance premium considerably.

You are advised to keep a copy of your CPR with you at all times and you should also carry your original with you at all times.

Liquor may be obtained from a number of licensed shops in the harbour area of Manama although it is quite expensive. There are no limitations on the purchase of alcohol and the supply includes a great variety of products including beer (South African, Danish, and German), wine and liquor (e.g., whiskey, gin, etc.). Alcohol cannot be bought during Ramadan so you may need to buy in supplies beforehand.

Appendix C

Check List

Offer

Confirm the acceptance of the offer by signing the Contract of Employment.

Email a scanned copy of the signed contract to recruitment@rcsi.ie

Post the original contract to the Dublin Office: HR Department, 121 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland.

Pre Travel Arrangements

Valid Passport (at least 6 months)

Bring along a copy of your passport and of any family members that will be accompenying

you.

Bring along 10 passport-sized colour photographs with white backgrounds.

Bring along 6 passport-sized colour photographs with white background for each family

member relocating to Bahrain.

Obtain a certificate of good standing from your current country of residence.

Obtain international driving licence.

Make sure you bring with you certified and attested copies (in the country of receipt) of your

qualifications for HEC approval e.g.:

Post-Graduate degrees

Recognized diplomas

Secondary certificates

Primary degree

Letters of reference or testimonials

CV

RCSI Bahrain to send No Objection Certificate (NOC)

RCSI Bahrain to travel details and bookings

RCSI Bahrain to arrange temporary accommodations for the first 2 weeks of relocation

Shipment, See Appendix D

Arrival

Meet the HR office to submit all necessary documents for HEC Approval

RCSI Bahrain will commence the process of your Residence Permit

Contact accommodation agencies to source accommodation and schools

Once residence Permit granted, RCSI Bahrain will apply for the CPR card

HSBC Bank is the only bank that is currently flexible in opening a bank account without CPR

card. Once you have the CPR card, you can open an account at any bank.

Health Insurance optional, contact Finance Department

Submit your research profile to the communications to upload it to RCSI Bahrain website

Appendix D

Shipment Suppliers

Appendix E

Living Expenses

Awaiting Debbie