Bahrain was the first, and she can lead again.

The following text is an excerpt from MDLBEAST Foundation's XINE 2025. You may access the full publication here.

A short drive away from Saudi, a tiny island on the Arabian gulf is bursting with promise. She is Bahrain.

Despite being small in size, Bahrain’s music scene is nothing short of lively. For decades, it has carried the region’s nightlife affairs with people from all across the GCC catching whatever can carry them– literally planes, trains and automobiles– just for a weekend in Bahrain. This happened so much so that Bahrain witnessed over 120 thousand cars driving in from Saudi on a singular day in 2018 (it’s true, you can look it up).

What helped set up Bahrain is an amalgamation of things– from its geopolitical location as a port city with a rich history of cultural exchange, to a unique culture boom that unexpectedly designated it the region’s entertainment hub. This created the ideal foundation for what was to become The Bahrain.

And so Bahrain was the first. But, more importantly, it kicked off a movement that slowly rippled into the greater region. “We started first. We were the ones pioneering the scene. Bahrain brought the music.” 

From venues, to trailblazing collectives, and everything in between, Bahrain has been an undeniable catalyst in the region’s nightlife ecosystem. 

We were there to learn from them.

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In the heart of Adliyah– the epicenter of Manama’s music scene–, Bahrain’s music community gathered. We were in Calexico, a Mexican restaurant & bar that doubles as a music community hub.

Our session kicked off with a panel, moderated by Bahraini R&B artist May AlQasim. On the panel were Mashael Fairooz, founding partner of JEO Capital Management, Lance Tobini, Vice President of Booking at Al Danah Amphitheatre, Wrista, recording artist and founder of L.O.A.D.B Productions, and Ali Zayani, co-founder of Bahraini collective Soundscapes.

The following text is a synthesis of our findings from the panel and 3 overflowing workshop tables.

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Bahrain has historically been the designated GCC entertainment hub and that came with its perks. Being the only country regionally with diverse nightlife offerings meant that it had little to compete with– it was guaranteed that their clubs, lounges, and even malls and restaurants would be packed every weekend. This also meant that their music community had infinite more chances to explore and experiment with lax laws, a variety of venues, and diverse audiences to play for.

However, when competition began to enter the regional market, things started to slow down. Being the first and the only for so long, Bahrain overlooked its need to evolve its music and entertainment industries. Eventually, it being the first became the only thing left it had to show for. 

This is not to say that the Bahraini music community isn’t rich, eager to grow and to exchange– it is. The main barriers they face are institutional with little progress made in its music infrastructure and policy. Despite there being so much talent and an active grassroots movement in Bahrain– an experienced and seasoned grassroots to be even more specific–, the scene continues to struggle; from finding appropriate venues, to ensuring venue longevity, to securing permits, and to building sustainable careers, the scene falls short of The Institution. This resulted in a stunted music industry, while neighboring countries surpassed their initial benchmark (Bahrain).

In spite of these barriers, the grassroots remains vibrant and active. 

Independent and cross-genre microvenues and collectives– such as Sonder Café, Ravens Nest, Misfits collective, Museland collective, Soundscapes (the list does not end)-- have been central in platforming local artists and shaping niche music communities across Bahrain, and the whole region. Additionally, creative spaces, such as the popular and collectively-mourned Malja2, were so enthusiastically utilized, displaying the scene’s commitment to collaboration and community.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to DIY a music industry.

Although these venues and collectives were heavily sought after, they seldom lasted; as the venues and collectives grew bigger, they became harder and more expensive to manage and cyclically died out. New venues would emerge– in true initiatory Bahraini fashion–  replacing the old ones. Repeat cycle. Without institutional backing, there is a lack of longevity and continuity in the scene, giving the Bahraini music community an additional lump of work to do before being able to share their craft.

What we learned:

• A strong grassroots, but a fragile infrastructure

Bahrain is overflowing with a strong grassroots. From the independent Bahrain Music Conference in 2013, to endless community spaces and events launching year-round, the music community takes initiative to be among each other, to collaborate, and to create together. In order to leverage this, community spaces and accessibility are key to the scene thriving and growing– the lack of institutional support and music-specific infrastructure leaves the grassroots carrying most of the weight. 

• Policy and Institutional Gaps + Opportunities

Government initiatives such as Tamkeen are great starts, awarding grants to Bahraini entrepreneurs and creatives– including music scholarships and funding innovative venues– with the broad goal to accelerate the arts and culture economy. Although these initiatives are terrific launchpads, there remains a lack of focus on music as a stand alone culture and economy, resulting in a neglected music scene. Institutional focus and policy reform are integral in unlocking the next stage of growth.

• Short-term models hold the scene back

The focus on short-term entertainment offerings is one of Bahrain’s main setbacks. This model is outdated and only worked when it was the only weekend destination. More than anything, this model stunted the industry’s development when it already has the talent and drive needed for a booming industry. Without longer-term investment, the scene’s growth will remain stagnated.

• Venues are everything

A main hurdle artists face in Bahrain is jumping from small-artist to performing artist due to an absence of hospitable venues with the only contenders for performance being either small-scale venues– lounges, cafes, bars, and restaurants– or the headlining, unsellable 10k seating Aldanah Amphitheatre. Nothing in-between. To truly thrive, Bahrain needs mid-size, modular venues that prioritize music-first programming, community values, and longevity over turnover.

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Bahrain may be the region’s first, but it is so much more than that. The roots of its music scene run deep, and its grassroots continue to prove that the culture is alive, ambitious, and unafraid. With a renewed focus on community spaces, mid-size venues, and policies that are truly artist-first, Bahrain can transform itself from a weekend destination into a year-round leading music hub.

What started as a pioneering movement can slowly translate into a new cultural renaissance. 

Bahrain was the first, and she can lead again.