luxury resorts are at our doorsteps . There ’ s also Bahrain International Circuit , and Al Dana Amphitheatre . The investment in Zallaq continues ; businesses are working together to create a destination within a destination , making EWB is a unique venue that ticks all boxes .
ASM Global is proud to manage operations for EWB , we are utilising our wider network within the MICE industry to create unique experiences built on years of expertise . EWB is now a member of UFI and ICCA , and we ’ re working on securing memberships at AIPC and PCMA .
Behind the scenes with Bahrain
EW catches up with Exhibition World Bahrain , following its branding reveal at this year ’ s IMEX Frankfurt
SM Global ’ s new
A exhibition space , Exhibition World Bahrain ( EWB ), is due to open in November . As announced at IMEX Frankfurt , the venue hopes to demonstrate the location ’ s MICE appeal – while simultaneously capturing the deep culture of Bahrain .
What challenges did developing the venue during the pandemic pose ? Despite the pandemic , we ’ ve had local and international expertise at our disposal to ensure that we apply the highest level of standards . Covid-19 hasn ’ t stopped us ; from day one we ’ ve been going full-steam ahead and focused on our goal .
Above : Exhibition World Bahrain concept image
How will the venue benefit the local economy ? Our goals are aligned with the Bahrain Tourism Strategy 2022- 2026 . We ’ re working closely with Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority to support the increase in prospects of international tourism . This means economic diversification , significant contribution to the GDP , and opening to new markets .
We ’ re introducing a new industry in Bahrain , and we ’ re all about generating a long-term legacy as we ’ re committed to nurturing talents . Most of our team are young Bahrainis whom we are mentoring and developing .
What has been EWB ’ s reception following the brand reveal at IMEX ? We wanted to announce our brand to the MICE industry , and what better way to do it than at IMEX Frankfurt ! EWB won the 2021 Eventseum Hall of Fame Global Innovation Award for Convention and Conference Centres in Europe , the Middle East and Africa . The level of interest and the momentum have kept building since . We ’ re receiving inquiries from planners looking for a new location with an authentic experience ; Bahrain is a very cosmopolitan and modern society with timeless traditions and true Arabian hospitality .
Does EWB already have events on the books ? We ’ ve got a full calendar through to the end of 2023 , and events lined up into 2024 and 2025 . Three concurrent events will launch the venue , taking up 85,000sqm of our exhibition space in our first week . There ’ s Jewellery Arabia ’ s 30th edition , Scent Arabia and of CityScape – a real estate show . It truly is an impressive start .
What features will organisers particularly value ? The flexibility and adaptability of the venue . Our location in Zallaq as well makes it particularly appealing . Three
What will the venue provide the MENA region ? It is the largest and newest venue in the Middle East , and with the exponential growth happening in neighbouring countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE , there ’ s an opportunity to be near new business prospects .
We ’ re looking at significantly increasing traffic for business tourism in the area . The region ’ s really buzzing and , with many major projects launching around the region , it will soon become a prime destination for business and leisure tourism . EW
www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 5 2022 29