MENA Business Travel Spending Climbs 20% as Purpose-Driven Travel Shapes 2026 Outlook
January 7, 2026
Sachin GadoyaCEO & Co-founderMusafir.com Business travel spending across the Middle
Sachin GadoyaCEO & Co-founderMusafir.com Business travel spending across the Middle
As part of Experiential Planner’s Vision Bahrain research, we spoke with Tamer Farouk, General Manager of Hilton Bahrain, to understand why the Kingdom continues to resonate strongly with meetings and incentive planners. From effortless logistics to deeply human cultural encounters, Hilton Bahrain offers a perspective on the destination that is defined by accessibility, warmth and the ability to deliver high-impact programmes without unnecessary complexity.
Bahrain does not suffer from a capability problem.It suffers from
As part of Experiential Planner’s Vision Bahrain research initiative, we spoke with the leadership team at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa to understand how the destination delivers across large-scale MICE, international motorsport events and high-volume Indian weddings. From hosting Formula 1 car launches to managing emotionally charged destination weddings, Sofitel’s perspective reveals why Bahrain’s strength lies not just in infrastructure—but in flexibility, people and personalised delivery.
As part of Experiential Planner’s Vision Bahrain research, we met with the leadership team at Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain to understand how the destination is positioning itself at the very top end of the MICE and destination wedding spectrum. From hosting TEDx with national leadership in attendance to delivering deeply private celebrations within royal villas, Raffles Al Areen offers a perspective on Bahrain that is rooted in exclusivity, cultural intelligence and nature-led luxury.
Raffles Al Areen Palace, Bahrain, has announced the appointment of
The new property on Amwaj Island will feature contemporary event spaces, luxury rooms, and branded residences — a strong addition to the Kingdom’s growing MICE and hospitality landscape.
Exhibition World Bahrain hosted the ICCA Middle East Summit 2025, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position in the global MICE landscape. The event highlighted Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy 2022–2026 and growing visitor numbers, reflecting the country’s rising appeal as a leading destination for business events and tourism.
Event Facilities Al Nakheel BallroomSofitel Bahrain’s majestic Ballroom, stands as
Event Facilities The Garden, away from the bustling city, an