Bahrain’s Rising Star

A Game-Changing Venue

Exhibition World Bahrain is the centrepiece of Bahrain’s 2022–2026 tourism strategy. Spanning 105,000 square metres of leasable indoor space and featuring 10 exhibition halls, 94 meeting rooms, and a Grand Hall with a 4,000-seat capacity, it is one of the most advanced venues in the region. Since its inauguration, EWB has hosted over 1 million visitors across 280 events, emphasising its role as a driver of Bahrain’s business tourism.

Alan Pryor, General Manager of EWB, shared the venue’s mission: “Our goal is to make every event extraordinary, showcasing Bahrain’s cultural richness while delivering world-class services. EWB is a platform to highlight the Kingdom’s growing influence in the global MICE industry.”

From state-of-the-art audio-visual setups to its elegant meeting spaces, EWB brings together functionality with style. Its well-thought design ensures every detail – from breakout rooms to backstage facilities – supports the needs of both organisers and delegates.

The Appeal of Bahrain for Associations

Bahrain’s strategic location, at the crossroads of East and West, makes it a natural hub for international associations. The Kingdom’s proximity to key GCC markets, efficient transport networks, and modern infrastructure create seamless connections for global delegates. In addition, the new Bahrain International Airport, renowned for its passenger comfort and streamlined processes, enhances accessibility.

The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) actively works to attract associations through its tailored event offerings. “We’ve developed comprehensive event packages and incentives, from discounted venue rates to full logistical support, to ensure Bahrain is an attractive option for associations. Our efforts are already yielding results, with global organisers seeing the benefits of hosting their events here,” shares Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of BTEA.

As expected, major industry conferences are making an appearance: the ICCA Middle East Summit and the Global Water Energy and Climate Change Congress are convening in the country in 2025, while the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry (UFI) has secured its spot for 2026. According to Buhiji, “Our focus is on attracting international events in sectors where Bahrain has a competitive advantage, such as FinTech, healthcare, renewable energy, and education. By aligning our MICE offerings with these industries, we are fostering partnerships that drive economic development and innovation.”

Bahrain’s welcoming and inclusive approach further strengthens its appeal. Women hold key leadership roles in the events sector, and diversity is celebrated at all levels. Furthermore, there’s a sense of community that’s hard to miss, as everyone, from venue staff to hoteliers, shares genuine warmth. Pryor explained: “We don’t just host events in Bahrain; we create a welcoming environment where visitors feel like they belong. That’s the essence of Bahraini hospitality.”

One of Bahrain’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to combine business with cultural exploration. The Kingdom’s rich heritage – spanning 5,000 years of history – is found in every aspect of the visitor experience. From exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bahrain Fort to wandering through bustling Bab Al Bahrain market, delegates can immerse themselves in Bahrain’s unique blend of culture and modernity.

The UN Gastronomy Tourism Forum

A highlight of my trip was attending the 9th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, a landmark event that brought together global leaders, chefs, and policymakers. Held under the theme “Gastronomy Tourism: A Driver of Economic Diversification and Inclusion”, the Forum explored how food and tourism can create economic opportunities while fostering cultural exchange. 

Organised by the World Tourism Organisation and the Basque Culinary Center, the Forum marked its first appearance in the Middle East. The Forum welcomed 500 delegates from 50 countries, marking a milestone in showcasing the region’s unique culinary traditions. It was a resounding success in part thanks to the impeccable organisation by EWB and the support of the local community.

Sandra Carvao, Director of Market Intelligence at the World Tourism Organisation, praised the hosts: “Our collaboration with the Exhibition World Bahrain team was exceptional. Their staff demonstrated a deep understanding of our conference objectives and worked hard to ensure that the event’s vision was brought to life. Their attentiveness and proactive approach truly stood out, making the entire planning process seamless.”

Sandra also highlighted the practical support that made the conference a success: “The venue was a perfect fit for the event, meeting both its size and technical needs. Having technicians available throughout the forum was a great help, and the dedicated team assigned to each session room ensured everything ran smoothly and without issues.”

One particularly innovative feature of the event was the inclusion of live cooking demonstrations by local chefs, which required a different kind of organisation. Sandra remarked: “A major highlight was the opportunity to feature live cooking demonstrations by several talented chefs. This was made possible thanks to the innovative solutions and flexibility provided by the Exhibition World Bahrain team.”

It’s clear that Bahrain is more than ready to welcome the world. With its cutting-edge venues, strategic location, and deeply rooted culture of hospitality, the Kingdom offers a truly unique proposition for associations and event organisers.