Bookings milestone
Bahrain's main venue for business gatherings has hosted 124 events and drawn over 1.4 million visitors since it opened in late 2022, with new bookings making up nearly three-quarters of those activities.
The Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre has also seen a marked jump in use, with a 40 per cent rise in events in 2024 compared to the year before.
Tourism Minister, Her Excellency Fatima Al Sairafi, gave the update in a reply to Shura Council member Ali Al Shehabi, who had asked about how often the centre was being used, how it measured up to global standards, and what was being done to attract organisers.
In 2024, the venue's halls were in use for 26 per cent of the year.
This falls within the standard international range, according to the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. Since its launch, the centre has leased out more than 11 million square metres of space.
Among the events were two major gatherings being held for the first time in the Middle East.
The World Routes air travel forum and the UN's food tourism meet both drew thousands from over 100 countries.
The grounds have also been used for month-long public programmes such as the Bahrain Summer Games and Youth City.
Sixty-three events are on the books for 2025, with a planned usage rate of 31 per cent.
Early-year bookings included the 35th Autumn Fair, which drew over 200,000 people, the GCC Law and Arbitration Week, and the Bahrain International Garden Show. This year is expected to bring large trade shows.
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