Manama : The Kingdom of Bahrain today inaugurated the 93rd UFI Global Congress at Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB), bringing together senior executives and industry leaders from around the world to discuss the future of the exhibitions industry.
Hosting the Congress for the first time marks a significant milestone for Bahrain, further strengthening its international standing as a destination for business tourism and major international events.
The opening ceremony was attended by Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism; Sara Ahmed Buhejji, Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and Chairperson of Exhibition World Bahrain; and Chris Skeith OBE, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibitions Industry, alongside international industry leaders and delegates.
Minister Al Sairafi said hosting the prestigious international gathering marked an important milestone for Bahrain’s tourism and business events sectors, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing standing in the international exhibitions industry and the confidence in its ability to host major global congresses.
She added that the Congress provided an opportunity to showcase Bahrain to the international exhibitions community, deepen international partnerships and strengthen connections that would help shape the future of the tourism and business events sectors.
The minister welcomed the international exhibitions community to Bahrain, expressing confidence that the event would create lasting opportunities for tourism and the wider economy.
She also highlighted Bahrain’s distinctive blend of authentic heritage, hospitality, diverse attractions and culinary experiences, supported by advanced infrastructure and ease of access to destinations across the Kingdom.
The 93rd UFI Global Congress features sessions examining changes in the global business environment and opportunities for the exhibitions industry to strengthen confidence, adapt to emerging trends and accelerate growth.
Plenary discussions and professional exchanges also provide a platform for developing partnerships and innovative ideas to create lasting value for the regional and global exhibitions industry.
Beyond the Congress sessions, the gathering is expected to provide networking opportunities and foster new connections among exhibition organisers, venue operators and industry stakeholders, further strengthening Bahrain’s position as a gateway to business opportunities across the Gulf and the wider region.
Hosting the Congress also highlights Exhibition World Bahrain’s capabilities as a venue for major international exhibitions, conventions and business events. Since its opening in November 2022, EWB has contributed to strengthening Bahrain’s events infrastructure and expanding the Kingdom’s capacity to host regional and international gatherings.
