Bahrain Joins Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Egypt as UFI Opens Registration for 93rd Global Congress at Exhibition World Bahrain to Accelerate MICE Tourism, International Business Events and Middle East Travel Growth

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Bahrain is reinforcing its status as one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing destinations for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) after the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) officially opened registration for the 93rd UFI Global Congress. Scheduled to take place from November 2 to 5, 2026, at Exhibition World Bahrain, the prestigious gathering will welcome hundreds of exhibition organisers, venue operators, tourism executives, policymakers, convention specialists and business leaders from around the world. Hosted in partnership with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), the event is expected to strengthen Bahrain’s international profile while generating new opportunities for tourism, hospitality, aviation and business travel across the Gulf region.

The congress comes as Bahrain joins regional leaders including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Egypt in expanding investments in international exhibitions and large-scale business events. With global delegates expected from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, the congress will showcase Bahrain’s modern infrastructure, growing convention capabilities and strategic location. The event is also expected to stimulate hotel occupancy, airline traffic, local spending and destination marketing, further establishing Bahrain as a competitive gateway for international conferences and exhibitions in the Middle East.

Bahrain Secures One of the World’s Leading Exhibition Industry Events

Registration has officially opened for the 93rd UFI Global Congress, one of the exhibition industry’s most influential annual gatherings. The event will bring together senior executives, exhibition organisers, convention centre operators, government representatives, investors and tourism authorities to discuss the future of the global exhibition sector.

The congress provides an international platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation while promoting business tourism and strengthening cross-border partnerships within the meetings and exhibitions industry.

Bahrain Strengthens Its Position in Global MICE Tourism

Hosting the UFI Global Congress highlights Bahrain’s continued investment in business tourism infrastructure. The Kingdom has steadily expanded its convention and exhibition capabilities, making it increasingly attractive for international associations and event organisers seeking world-class venues in the Middle East.

The congress also aligns with Bahrain’s long-term tourism diversification strategy by attracting high-value international visitors and strengthening the country’s reputation as a regional business events hub.

Exhibition World Bahrain to Welcome Global Industry Leaders

Exhibition World Bahrain will host the entire congress programme, providing delegates with access to one of the region’s newest and most advanced exhibition venues. Participants will engage in keynote sessions, networking events, industry discussions and collaborative forums focusing on innovation, sustainability, digital transformation and future exhibition trends.

The venue will also showcase Bahrain’s capability to host large-scale international events while promoting the Kingdom’s expanding tourism and hospitality ecosystem.

UFI Highlights Confidence in Bahrain

UFI confirmed that its Executive Committee and Board carefully reviewed developments across the Middle East before proceeding with the congress. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to bringing together the international exhibition community while recognising Bahrain’s readiness to host one of the industry’s flagship events.

The decision reflects growing international confidence in Bahrain’s stability, infrastructure and expanding role within the global exhibitions market.

Economic Benefits for Tourism and Hospitality

The congress is expected to generate substantial economic benefits beyond the exhibition industry. International delegates typically contribute to hotel bookings, restaurant visits, retail spending, transportation services and cultural tourism.

By welcoming business travellers from multiple continents, Bahrain will gain valuable international exposure that could encourage future conferences, exhibitions and corporate events to choose the Kingdom as their destination.

Leadership Emphasises Global Collaboration

Sara Ahmed Buhiji, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and Chairperson of Exhibition World Bahrain, said hosting the UFI Global Congress for the first time reflects Bahrain’s commitment to supporting the global exhibitions industry while delivering an outstanding experience for international delegates.

Chris Skeith OBE, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of UFI, said the annual congress brings together the people and ideas shaping the future of exhibitions worldwide. He added that Bahrain offers an ideal setting for networking, learning and strengthening international cooperation across the business events industry.

Why the Congress Matters for Global Travel

The 93rd UFI Global Congress extends beyond the exhibition sector by supporting international tourism, aviation, hospitality and destination marketing. It demonstrates how business events continue to drive economic development while encouraging investment, innovation and international partnerships.

As global demand for conferences and exhibitions continues to recover, Bahrain’s successful hosting of this prestigious event is expected to reinforce its reputation as one of the Middle East’s leading MICE destinations.

FAQs

1. What is the UFI Global Congress?

The UFI Global Congress is the annual flagship event of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, bringing together exhibition professionals from around the world.

2. When will the 93rd UFI Global Congress take place?

The congress will be held from November 2 to November 5, 2026.

3. Where is the event being hosted?

The event will take place at Exhibition World Bahrain in Bahrain.

4. Who is hosting the congress locally?

The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority is hosting the event in partnership with Exhibition World Bahrain.

5. Why is the congress important for Bahrain?

It strengthens Bahrain’s position as a leading destination for MICE tourism, international conferences and exhibitions.

6. Who is expected to attend the congress?

Exhibition organisers, venue operators, policymakers, tourism leaders, convention professionals and business executives from across the world.

7. How will the event benefit Bahrain’s tourism industry?

The congress is expected to increase hotel occupancy, airline traffic, visitor spending and international destination exposure.

8. What topics will be discussed during the congress?

Delegates will discuss exhibition industry trends, sustainability, innovation, digital transformation and future business opportunities.

9. Why is Exhibition World Bahrain significant?

It is one of the Middle East’s most advanced exhibition and convention venues, capable of hosting large international events.

10. How does the congress support international travel?

By attracting global delegates, the event stimulates business travel, strengthens tourism partnerships and promotes Bahrain as an international meetings and exhibition destination.