Bahrain has won the bid to host the 93rd UFI Global Congress in November 2026, as announced at the UFI European Conference 2024 in Zurich, Switzerland.
The event will be held at Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) in Sakhir, recognised as the World’s Leading New Exhibition and Convention Centre 2023 and the Middle East’s Leading Large-Scale Wedding Venue 2024. EWB’s state-of-the-art facilities and successful hosting of global events were key factors in securing the bid.
“We are honoured to have been selected,” said H.E. Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA). “This highlights Bahrain’s commitment to the MICE industry and our efforts to drive innovation.”
UFI President Geoff Dickinson commented: “After Cologne in 2024 and Hong Kong in 2025, we are thrilled to bring the 2026 UFI Global Congress to Bahrain. EWB presented a strong bid, making it an easy decision.”
The event aligns with BTEA’s strategy to position Bahrain as a premier destination for international events, attracting industry professionals and decision-makers from around the world. Bahrain’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal destination for business events.
Since opening in November 2022, EWB has hosted over 800,000 visitors and 186 events, establishing itself as a leading venue for international events.