Bahrain is setting its sights on becoming one of the Middle East’s most dynamic tourism and business events hubs, with the Ministry of Tourism driving forward the Tourism Strategy 2022–2026 — a plan designed to diversify the national economy, attract new visitor segments, and position the Kingdom as a global player in the MICE industry.
At the heart of this ambition stands Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) — a state-of-the-art venue that continues to put the Kingdom on the international map. Its recent hosting of the ICCA Middle East Summit 2025 in partnership with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) underscored Bahrain’s growing influence on the regional MICE stage.
During the summit, BTEA Chief Executive Sara Buhiji emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to innovation, hospitality, and cultural diversity as key pillars of its tourism growth. Industry discussions explored how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance visitor engagement, streamline operations, and redefine destination marketing — aligning with Bahrain’s push for smart, sustainable tourism development.
Momentum is already visible: Bahrain’s accommodation and food services sector grew 10.3% year-on-year, while overnight visitors rose 8.6% to 1.7 million in Q1 2025. The Kingdom also saw a 117% increase in arrivals from India between July 2024 and July 2025, signalling its rising connectivity and appeal to both business and leisure travellers.
