Bahrain Signs Memorandum of Cooperation with Kanoo Museum, Boosting Cultural Tourism and Economic Growth Through Heritage and Sustainability in Manama

Published on December 7, 2025

The Ministry of Tourism signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Kanoo Museum in a pioneering step for the tourism sector in Bahrain, enabling it to reinforce its position among the leading tourist destinations in the region by promoting cultural tourism. This MoC comes within the larger strategy of Bahrain Tourism to further diversify its offerings and showcase Bahrain’s rich cultural heritage and history.

While speaking at the Umoja Laikipia Cultural Unity Festival in Laikipia County, Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism, underscored that this cooperation is in line with efforts to enhance the tourism infrastructure in Manama Souq and ensure long-term sustainable tourism growth. The initiative focuses on integrating cultural experiences into MICE tourism, thereby providing visitors with a rich, immersive experience that incorporates business events with cultural tourism.

Tourism Growth Through Heritage and Cultural Integration

The MoC between the Ministry of Tourism and the Kanoo Museum is expected to drive significant tourism growth in Bahrain by highlighting the country’s cultural heritage and unique history. By promoting the Kanoo Museum as a central part of Bahrain’s tourism offerings, the partnership will attract cultural tourists from around the world, eager to explore the Kingdom’s historical treasures.

The integration of cultural heritage into MICE tourism has the potential to transform Bahrain into a top destination for business travelers who seek authentic cultural experiences alongside their professional engagements. This blend of business tourism with heritage and cultural immersion will offer visitors an enriching tourism product that connects them to the Kingdom’s history while promoting the local economy through increased visitor spending on accommodation, food, and souvenir purchases.

Economic Impact: Boosting Local Business and Creating Employment Opportunities

The partnership is set to have a direct economic impact on Bahrain’s local businesses. By promoting cultural tourism, the Kanoo Museum and the Ministry of Tourism aim to generate higher revenues for hotels, tour operators, transport services, and local artisans. Cultural tourism encourages tourists to explore beyond traditional destinations and engage with local culture, spending money on crafts, food, and tourism-related services, benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Moreover, as more international tourists visit Bahrain for its cultural attractions, including the Kanoo Museum, there will be increased demand for tourism infrastructure, leading to job creation in areas such as hospitality, event management, tour guiding, and cultural preservation. This economic growth will also contribute to job security for those working in the creative industries, as the tourism sector boosts the visibility of local artists, performers, and cultural heritage workers.

Sustainable Tourism Development for Long-Term Impact

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the tourism strategy behind the partnership, with cultural tourism viewed as a way to both preserve Bahrain’s cultural heritage and support economic growth. As part of the initiative, the Ministry of Tourism is emphasizing responsible tourism practices that benefit local communities and ensure that tourist activities do not harm the environment. By promoting sustainable tourism, such as eco-friendly tours, green hotels, and cultural preservation, the initiative will have a long-lasting, positive impact on both the tourism industry and the local population.

Cultural tourism not only protects Bahrain’s historical landmarks but also promotes eco-tourism and responsible travel, which are increasingly sought after by international tourists. This focus on sustainability will attract eco-conscious travelers who prioritize destinations that preserve natural resources and cultural assets.

Future Impact: Growing Global Recognition and Regional Connectivity

The strategic partnership with the Kanoo Museum marks the beginning of a broader effort to raise Bahrain’s profile in global tourism markets. As the Kingdom enhances its cultural tourism offerings, it is expected to attract tourists from global markets, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The MoC will help place Bahrain on the map as a leading destination for travelers seeking a combination of business and cultural experiences.

As Bahrain strengthens its presence in the regional tourism market, the long-term tourism impact will be seen in increased visitor numbers, higher tourism revenues, and the creation of new tourism products that blend history, culture, and innovation. With this shift toward MICE-integrated cultural tourism, Bahrain is poised to become a key player in the Middle East’s luxury tourism market.

Bahrain’s Commitment to Cultural Tourism and Economic Growth

This MoC will go a long way in upgrading the cultural tourism product of Bahrain. By focusing on heritage preservation, sustainable tourism, and community engagement, the initiative ensures that Bahrain’s tourism sector not only prospers but grows in a manner that brings gains both to the local communities and global tourists. As Bahrain continues to expand its tourism infrastructure, its commitment toward cultural integration will give rise to a thriving and sustainable tourism economy, providing long-term economic benefits while preserving the rich cultural identity of the Kingdom.