Interview
Business in Bahrain:‘ intimacy without compromise’
While attending the recent ICCA Middle East Conference in Bahrain, CMW’ s Iain Stirling met with HE Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority( BTEA) and chairperson of Exhibition World Bahrain
IS – What unique advantages does Bahrain offer business event organisers? Bahrain’ s unique strength lies in its balance of scale, accessibility, and personalised approach. We offer world-class infrastructure with the ease of a compact, connected destination – from airport to venue to hotel. Costs are competitive, but more importantly, organisers benefit from the flexibility and partnership approach that allows us to tailor solutions around their event. Unlike larger regional hubs, Bahrain offers intimacy without compromise, giving every organiser the confidence that their event will be prioritised and supported.
IS – How is Exhibition World Bahrain helping shape the Kingdom’ s ambition to become a regional anchor for global exhibitions and conventions? Exhibition World Bahrain( EWB) is the cornerstone of our MICE vision. It is not only one of the largest and most advanced convention centres in the region, but also a showcase for Bahrain ' s ability to host global-scale events with efficiency and flair. The venue demonstrates our readiness to welcome world-class exhibitions and conventions while serving as a hub for knowledge exchange, trade, and investment.
The venue’ s flexibility also allows us to accommodate a diverse range of event formats – from large-scale exhibitions and trade fairs to corporate launches and smaller-scale meetings.
IS – How do business events contribute to Bahrain’ s wider economic strategy and national development goals? Business events are central to the Kingdom’ s economic diversification strategy. They drive visitor spending and create knowledge legacies, sectoral opportunities, and inward investment. By hosting high-profile exhibitions and conventions, we are strengthening key industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology. These events help position Bahrain as a hub for innovation and talent, aligning perfectly with our national development priorities under Economic Vision 2030.
Below: Iain Stirling interviews Sara Ahmed Buhiji in Bahrain
Moreover, the ripple effect extends to Bahraini SMEs, local suppliers, and talent development programmes. Every event is a platform for engagement – from youth volunteers gaining firsthand exposure to international standards to local businesses integrating into global supply chains.
IS – What are your top three priorities over the next 24 months to accelerate growth in Bahrain’ s business events industry? Winning high-profile international bids that bring global visibility. Building recurring anchor events that become synonymous with Bahrain and deliver consistent impact year after year.
Embedding sustainability and legacy outcomes, ensuring events leave behind value for our communities, SMEs, and future generations.
To achieve these priorities, we are strengthening our collaborations with global associations, intensifying international promotional campaigns, and ensuring that our event delivery exceeds expectations.
IS – Which sectors are being prioritised to cultivate recurring, high-impact events with meaningful legacy value? We are prioritising healthcare, financial services, education, IT, and sustainability-focused industries, sectors that align with Bahrain ' s competitive strengths and national priorities.
Over time, these recurring events will grow in scale and reputation.
IS – What measures are being taken to enrich the delegate experience from arrival to departure? We place the delegate at the centre of the journey. Bahrain offers visa-onarrival for most nationalities, quick airport transfers, and a walkable hospitality ecosystem.
60 Issue 5 2025 www. exhibitionworld. co. uk