Engineer’s move highlights differences in approach by UK consultants to instability in Gulf state

Scott Wilson has reopened its office in Bahrain after it closed down in the face of street violence in the country.

The firm said that it would be fully operational by the weekend.

“The Bahrain office was closed for a period of time but has now re-opened for business and will be fully operational by Sunday.

“We continue to monitor the situation in Bahrain closely and the safety of our staff is paramount,” a spokesperson said.

Scott Wilson said that it had flown some staff out of the country.

Davis Langdon and Atkins evacuated their employees from the kingdom on Wednesday last week after troops used force to clear the capital Manama’s central square of protestors, reportedly leaving at least three protestors dead.

Since 15 March, Foreign Office advice has been for British citizens to leave the country unless they have a “pressing reason” to remain, and not to travel to the country at all.

Yesterday the US State Department upgraded its travel advice for the kingdom, telling US citizens they should consider leaving.

“We urge U.S. citizens to defer travel to Bahrain at this time. U.S. citizens currently in Bahrain should consider departing,” it said.

Some of Davis Langdon’s staff returned from Dubai over the weekend, while Hyder said it reopened its office last Sunday and had not evacuated any employees.

Atkins has not yet flown its staff, who are working from other regional offices, back to Bahrain.

 

 

 

 

 

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