Cafe culture as hybrid public space: social interaction, cultural identity, and everyday urban life in Bahrain
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study examines how ‘cafe culture’ is practiced as a form of public space in Bahrain, supporting social interaction, sustaining cultural identity, and contributing to urban life within a rapidly modernizing context. This study adopts a mixed-method approach, integrating quantitative survey data (n = 296) with qualitative case studies and on-site observations. The research is outlined in an ethnographic framework and mentions theories like Third Place theory and Scene Theory. Cafe typologies (traditional, modern, and art cafes) are comparatively analyzed to understand spatial, social, and cultural dynamics. The findings of the study show that cafes in Bahrain act as ‘hybrid public spaces’ performing as versatile public hubs supporting both collective sociability and individual retreat. Modern specialty cafés dominate user preferences, particularly among younger and female users, while traditional cafés continue to preserve cultural continuity. Differences in perception across nationalities highlight varied interpretations of sociability and identity. Overall, cafes contribute significantly to urban vibrancy, inclusivity, and everyday social life. The study has limitations due to its predominantly young, non-random sample and the use of a cross-sectional research design. Future research should include broader demographics and longitudinal observations to capture seasonal and cultural variations. This research offers a context-specific understanding of cafe culture in the Gulf, positioning cafes as hybrid socio-spatial environments that bridge the gap between traditional social structures (like the Majlis in the Gulf context) and modern commercial “Third Places” in non-Western urban contexts.
Source: Frontiers in Built Environment
Institution: University of Bahrain
Language: English
Subfield: Urban Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,353
OpenAlex ID: W7202263752