Bahrain
Exhibition World Bahrain – moving on up
EXHIBITION WORLD BAHRAIN ( EWB ) HAS WASTED NO TIME MAKING ITS MARK AS THE REGION ’ S NEW KID ON THE BLOCK AND IS NOW MOVING TO MAKE ITS PRESENCE FELT INTERNATIONALLY , AS SIMON GEORGE FINDS OUT
E
WB has only been in existence for two years but from a top-down perspective it looks wellplaced to grow : a vast new 95,000sqm state-of-the-art exhibition centre , making it the region ’ s largest venue ; government funding through its owner , Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority ( BTEA ); strategic location in the Gulf ; and strong connections in terms of transport links .
Since opening its doors in November 2022 , it has already scooped a number of awards including the ‘ World ’ s new leading exhibition & convention centre 2023 ’ and the ‘ Middle East ’ s leading large-scale wedding venue 2024 ’ at the World Travel Awards – and it has a busy pipeline of events for 2025 .
The MICE sector is very important for EWB , underlined Sara Ahmed Buhiji , BTEA ’ s CEO : “ Part of our tourism strategy 2022-26 is to promote Bahrain as a destination to attract conventions . We have incentive programmes and packages where we have worked closely with the private sector – hotels , DMCs , tour operators .”
Bahrain was recently awarded Best MICE destination by the London Arabia Organisation in recognition of its contribution to business tourism , strengthening its position as a preferred location for various major regional and international events .
EWB ’ s key markets ( in order ) are : Gulf Co-operation Council countries , which made up 80 % of Bahrain ’ s tourist arrivals in 2023 , the UK , Germany , India and China .
UN gastronomy tourism forum – a historic milestone I got a taste of EWB ’ s meetings menu , joining 500 visitors at the EWB-hosted
Left : EWB , host of the recent UN gastronomy tourism forum
9th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism , in conjunction with Basque Culinary Center , 18-19 November 2024 . Attendees came from 50 countries for a forum that comprised culinary master classes delivered by international chefs , workshops and panel discussions , all showcasing how food and tourism can come together and enhance a destination ’ s image and promote sustainable development , and thereby become a key driver of economic diversification , something that is fundamental to Bahrain ’ s Economic Vision 2030 programme .
In her welcome speech at the forum , Bahrain ’ s Tourism Minister , Her Excellency Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi , commented : “ This landmark event underscores our dedication to becoming a leading hub for gastronomy tourism in the Middle East . The forum presents a unique opportunity to engage with international experts and thought leaders , allowing us to share insights and best practices that drive sustainable growth in the gastronomy sector .”
This was the first time the UN forum has been held in the Middle East and Buhiji added : “ This is an example that really tells everyone globally that we are ready to host events , and we want to show what Bahrain is all about and welcome more people here .”
Mohammed Ebrahim , general manager of Informa Markets has brought shows to the venue , including Jewellery Arabia and Autumn Fair , both doing strong business .
All is not shiny new , and EWB brought industry veteran Alan Pryor ( previously GM of ASM Global ’ s Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre ) across to Bahrain in October to manage the venue , following the departure of Debbi Kristiansen who had been responsible for the venue ’ s opening .
ISSUE 134 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 17