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Beyond the event, delegates experience Bahrain’ s warm culture, rich heritage, and authentic hospitality. We also work closely with hotels, transportation providers, and hospitality institutions to create curated programmes that blend business with leisure.
We are also leveraging digital technologies and concierge services to ensure delegates receive real-time guidance and support, from transport to dining to cultural tours. The aim is to make every stage of the delegate journey frictionless, allowing them to focus entirely on the event while enjoying Bahrain ' s wider offerings.
IS – How are you managing ambitious growth in the business events sector while embedding sustainability and positive community impact? Sustainability is not an afterthought; it’ s a pillar of our strategy. Exhibition World Bahrain was designed with green principles, and we encourage organisers to adopt sustainable practices in logistics, catering, and operations. We also prioritise community impact, ensuring events engage Bahraini SMEs, create skills development opportunities, and leave legacies that extend well beyond the closing session.
We are also developing metrics to track the social and environmental impact of events and ensure that organisers and partners can see the tangible benefits that extend to Bahrain ' s environment, communities, and economy.
IS – What narrative are you crafting on the global stage to attract high-calibre international events to Bahain? Our narrative is straightforward: Bahrain is a place where business events matter and make a difference. We combine global-standard infrastructure with the intimacy and agility of a destination that truly
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partners with organisers. In Bahrain, your event is not just one among many; it is a priority, and we work closely with you to make it impactful, sustainable, and memorable.
IS – What recent strategic partnerships have made a tangible difference to Bahrain’ s ability to win and deliver high-profile business events? Our partnerships with leading global bodies, such as ICCA, UFI, and IAPCO, have been game-changing, giving Bahrain a stronger voice in the international MICE community. Collaboration with regional and local associations has also been vital, as it builds sectoral relevance and ensures that events resonate with local industries.
Equally, our close co-operation with airlines, hotels, and logistics providers has created a strong ecosystem that can deliver events of international scale. This integrated approach is one of Bahrain’ s greatest strengths and a decisive factor in winning bids.
IS – How are you developing recurring anchor events that have the potential to evolve into global flagships over time? We are identifying sectors where Bahrain has substantial competitive advantages and fostering long-term partnerships with associations and organisers in those fields. The goal is to develop events that grow with us – starting regionally, then expanding to global prominence.
The success of annual events such as the three major events( Jewellery Arabia, Scent Arabia, and Cityscape Bahrain), Fintech Forward, the Bahrain International Garden Show; biennial gatherings such as the Middle East Oil, Gas, and Geosciences Show( MEOS GEO), and various internationally acclaimed events contributes to Bahrain’ s position as a leading regional and global destination for business and leisure.
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Right: Sara
Ahmed Buhiji
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We also recently launched an incentive programme to attract primary international organisers and associations. It is flexible and is built on a full or partial exemption from venue hire fees.
We offer six different types of incentives: exhibitions and conventions, international congresses, ticketed events, government events, events for Sakhir neighbours, and annual events for loyal customers. The programme is a key element of Bahrain ' s Tourism Strategy. Between 2024 and 2026, 16 hotels are expected to open in Bahrain. In 2024 alone, Bahrain welcomed several new four-star and five-star hotels to the tourism sector. By 2026, the Kingdom is set to welcome an additional 12 hotels. This expansion is expected to add over 3,000 new rooms.
The Kingdom aims to achieve its goal of 14 million visitors by 2026.
We also collaborate with universities, entrepreneurs, and key players in the private sector to connect international events with Bahrain ' s innovation ecosystem. This ensures that global expertise is directly integrated into the Kingdom ' s long-term development, yielding measurable outcomes long after the event concludes. EW
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www. exhibitionworld. co. uk |
Issue 5 2025 61 |