Alex Curran, wife of renowned football manager Steven Gerrard, has been praised for her ‘tactical masterstroke’ in choosing to reside in Bahrain while her husband manages Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. This decision has not only allowed the Gerrard family to maintain a comfortable and familiar lifestyle but has also provided Alex and their children with a supportive and less restrictive environment compared to Saudi Arabia.
How Did Alex Curran Decide on Bahrain?
When Steven Gerrard accepted the managerial position at Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, Alex Curran faced the challenging decision of whether to join him in a country known for its conservative cultural restrictions. Saudi Arabia, where alcohol is banned and dress codes are strictly enforced, can be a daunting environment for expatriates. Many WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends of sportsmen) in Saudi Arabia have voiced their struggles with the country’s regulations, including facing criticism and being denied entry to shops for their attire.
However, Alex, who has always been known for her independent spirit and love for luxury, found a brilliant alternative. She chose to establish their family base in Bahrain, a neighboring country just an hour’s drive from Dammam, where Steven works. Bahrain, with its more liberal stance and vibrant expatriate community, offers the perfect blend of comfort and accessibility for the Gerrard family.
Why Is Bahrain the Ideal Choice?
Bahrain is known as the party capital of the Gulf region, boasting lavish malls, restaurants, and bars that cater to a cosmopolitan lifestyle. This suits Alex’s preferences perfectly, allowing her to enjoy the upscale lifestyle she is accustomed to without the stringent restrictions of Saudi Arabia.
Living in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, Alex and her children have access to all the luxuries and freedoms they cherish. The country’s expat-friendly environment and cultural openness provide a stark contrast to the more conservative Saudi Arabian lifestyle. This strategic move not only ensures the family’s comfort but also allows Steven to commute easily to his job.
How Does Steven Gerrard Manage His Commute?
Despite his demanding job as the coach of Al Ettifaq, Steven Gerrard has managed to balance his professional responsibilities with family life effectively. Gerrard, who earns a substantial £15 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid football coaches in the world, commutes frequently between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
He travels along the 15-mile King Fahd Causeway, which connects Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, making the journey to Dammam in about an hour. While Gerrard has been provided with a luxury villa in Dammam by his club, he spends most of his time with his family in Bahrain. Last September, he clarified his commuting routine on a local radio station, stating that while he is often ‘back and forth’ to Saudi Arabia, his family is permanently based in Bahrain.
What Is Life Like for the Gerrard Family in Bahrain?
In Bahrain, the Gerrard family enjoys a lavish lifestyle that mirrors their previous experiences in the UK. They reside in a six-bedroom villa in the upscale Hamala area, a neighborhood that is home to members of Bahrain’s royal family and elite. The villa, costing around £10,000 per month, includes luxurious amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis court, and games room, all set within a secure compound.
For their children, Bahrain offers an excellent educational environment. Their three youngest children, Lexie, Lourdes, and Lio, attend one of Bahrain’s most prestigious English language schools, which is ranked among the top 100 schools globally. The annual fees for this elite education are nearly £11,000 per child.
How Does Alex Curran Balance Family Life and Social Activities?
Alex Curran has adeptly balanced her roles as a mother and a prominent figure in the social scene. Bahrain’s vibrant expat community and luxurious lifestyle options provide her with ample opportunities to enjoy life while maintaining her family’s routine. The Gerrard family’s membership in Bahrain’s two most exclusive health clubs, located at the Four Seasons Hotel and the Ritz Carlton Hotel, further enhances their luxurious lifestyle.
Alex is often seen enjoying Bahrain’s high-end shopping malls, upscale restaurants, and social hotspots. Living in a country that embraces a more relaxed dress code and lifestyle compared to Saudi Arabia allows her to maintain her personal style and comfort, without facing the cultural restrictions imposed in Saudi Arabia.
What Are the Benefits of Their Lifestyle in Bahrain?
Choosing Bahrain has offered numerous benefits to the Gerrard family. It provides them with a stable and luxurious base that is close enough to Saudi Arabia for Steven to commute conveniently. This arrangement allows the family to enjoy the best of both worlds – the professional opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the relaxed, vibrant lifestyle in Bahrain.
The decision to live in Bahrain also ensures that their children have a consistent and high-quality education, and that the family can stay together despite Steven’s demanding job. For Alex, Bahrain represents a place where she can thrive socially and maintain her family’s well-being.
How Has Alex Curran’s Decision Been Perceived?
Alex Curran’s choice to live in Bahrain has been widely praised as a savvy and practical move. It highlights her ability to navigate challenging situations and find solutions that best suit her family’s needs. Friends and admirers have lauded her for finding a way to maintain a luxurious lifestyle while supporting her husband’s career.
This strategic decision underscores Alex’s role as a supportive partner and a devoted mother, all while enjoying the freedoms and luxuries that Bahrain offers. Her ability to adapt and thrive in a new environment reflects her strength and resilience.
Conclusion
Alex Curran’s decision to reside in Bahrain while Steven Gerrard manages in Saudi Arabia is a testament to her strategic thinking and commitment to her family’s happiness. By choosing Bahrain, Alex has ensured a comfortable and vibrant lifestyle for herself and her children, while supporting Steven’s professional endeavors. This move showcases how the Gerrard family continues to adapt and thrive, balancing career ambitions with family well-being.
