Bahrain has been named as one of the best places to live in the Middle East by a worldwide survey of expatriates.

Almost 14,000 people from across the globe took part in The World Through Expat Eyes survey, which was conducted by social networking organisation InterNations, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

The survey aims to give an insight into expatriates' career prospects in 61 countries, as well as the cost of living and the quality of life they experience.

Ecuador ranked first for expats globally, due mostly to its low cost of living and the welcoming attitude of the people, followed by Luxembourg for career-minded expats and Mexico for happiness and friendliness.

The rest of the top 10 was made up of Switzerland, the US, Singapore, Spain, the Philippines, Australia and Hong Kong.

Middle Eastern countries surveyed included Oman, which ranked 30th globally, the UAE at 33rd, Bahrain at 38th and Qatar at 58th while Saudi Arabia and Kuwait languished at the bottom of the list, coming in at 60th and 61st respectively.

Foreigners living in Bahrain told the GDN that they were happy in a country that many had come to see as their 'second home'.

British national Jackie Beedie, 56, said he expected Bahrain to have scored higher in the survey due to standard of living here.

“I thought Bahrain would have got a higher rank because all the expats that I know here are very happy,” he said.

“I have been living in Bahrain for 22 years and my wife has been here for 30 years and we both love it.

“We have three children, two of whom are staying in the UK now but were brought up in Bahrain - and my youngest son, who is 10 years old, is studying here at St Christopher's School.

“I must say that I am very pleased with the level of education they have received in Bahrain - it is higher than the standard in the UK.”

Beedie, who owns a home in Amwaj Islands, said he and his wife intend to stay in Bahrain for the rest of their lives.

“Bahrainis are very friendly and hospitable - and living in this country is easy in terms of costs of living because the difference between income and expenditure is low compared to the UK,” he said.

Irish lawyer David Hollywood has been living in Bahrain with his wife and three children for five years now, and his love for the country has encouraged him to direct poetry festivals and take part in several cultural events.

“Bahrain holds a special place in my heart,” he said.

“I have lived in many countries around the world, but I have always referred to my stay there as temporary.

“I am very happy in Bahrain and have a commitment to live here for many years more as I have already made long-term plans.

“The Bahraini mentality is very embracing and warm and I am really not surprised by it ranking high on this list.

“We need to invest more in the infrastructure of the country but in the meantime the heart and soul of the country is wonderful.

“Life is also not expensive here because we have a very subsidised economy, which makes it comparatively easy to live in comparison with other countries.

“There are some occasions where you find that it is too much to pay for a particular item, but when you think about it that is the same in other countries too.”

Canadian-Pakistani businessman Shakil Malik, meanwhile, described the people of Bahrain as 'visionary' and 'intelligent'.

“If you want to learn civilisation you should come to Bahrain and see its well-behaved people,” he said.

“A man is known by his society and I can say that the people here are intelligent and visionary as they are working on their vision and their future.

“The living conditions in Bahrain are excellent compared to the rest of the GCC and everything is affordable.”

Egyptian Yasmine Fath Al Bab, 21, has been living in Bahrain with her family for eight years and also agreed with the ranking.

“People are very friendly and humble and you get to meet people of different nationalities and cultures,” she said.

“It didn't take my family any time to integrate into the society and mingle with people here.

“The prices are suitable when compared to the average monthly income and the health service here is affordable.

“When we first came to Bahrain we didn't find many malls or places to go to and spend our weekends but look at the country now with all these malls and parks - people now can really enjoy their free time.” - TradeArabia News Service