Telephone numbers in Bahrain are allocated as eight-digit national numbers and are reached internationally using the country code +973. There is no separate area code or national trunk prefix: callers within Bahrain simply dial the eight digits, while international callers use the +973 country code followed by the full number. The national plan distinguishes services by the leading digits rather than by geographic area.

Numbering structure and common prefixes

Fixed (landline) numbers typically begin with the digit 1. Mobile and pager services commonly use prefixes that start with the digit 3 or with specific three-digit blocks such as 663 or 669, which are associated with particular mobile allocations and service providers. In practice these prefixes identify the service type and, historically, the operator that originally received the allocation.

Dialing examples and formatting

  • International: +973 1xxxxxxx — call a Bahraini landline from abroad.
  • International mobile: +973 3xxxxxxx or +973 663xxxxx — call a Bahraini mobile from abroad.
  • Domestic: xxxxxxxx — dial the full eight-digit number directly when calling within Bahrain.

For readability, people often group the eight digits (for example, 1234 5678), but this is a formatting preference rather than a requirement of the numbering plan.

Service providers and regulation

The incumbent fixed-line operator is Batelco, which historically supplied the majority of landline services. The mobile market is served by several operators, with customers commonly subscribing to providers such as Batelco, Zain and Viva. The national numbering plan and allocations are overseen by the local telecommunications regulator; more information about regulatory arrangements can be found via the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.

History, allocation practices and notable facts

Bahrain’s compact size means the numbering scheme relies on service-based prefixes rather than geographic area codes. Over time the authorities have adjusted digit blocks to accommodate growth in mobile subscriptions and value-added services. For details about specific prefix assignments or to check whether a particular range is mobile or fixed, consult operator resources or authoritative national documents; consumer guides and operator pages are available through major providers and information portals such as mobile service information.