Leading venue management company and live experience producer ASM Global recently hosted an awe-inspiring, firework-laden grand opening ceremony for the new Exhibition World Bahrain, one of the largest convention centers in the Middle East, with more than 1 million square feet of trade show and conference space.

The new venue’s launch marks a milestone for the Kingdom of Bahrain’s economic development and is expected to play a key role in advancing the economic competitiveness and positioning of Bahrain as a major global destination for regional and international meetings and conventions, according to ASM Global officials.

The contemporary convention facility not only joins ASM Global’s rapidly expanding portfolio of more than 350 venues around the world, but also kicks off the company’s post-pandemic convention growth initiative.

“This moment is the culmination of our plan developed during the pandemic leveraging our belief that this part of the world would be the quickest to not only return to normal but move quickly to dramatically increase its convention and exhibition market share,” said Ron Bension, president and CEO of ASM Global. “We’re also looking forward to leveraging the widest network in the world within the MICE industry to create unique experiences built on years of expertise.”

The opening extravaganza, which took place in November, was attended on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, who highlighted the importance of competitiveness as a fundamental element of the kingdom’s economy. He also noted that tourism remains a leading economic sector, adding that the sector’s growth has been a key driver of the kingdom’s comprehensive development, led by His Majesty the King.

During the ceremony, Bahrain Tourism Minister H.E. Fatima Al Sairafi noted the kingdom’s longstanding history in being a destination linking the east and west for trade, which has furthered its position as a global tourist destination. She added that the venue’s inauguration reflects the kingdom’s commitment to expanding cross-sector development in line with Bahrain’s sustainable development goals.

Featuring adaptable and flexible design with multiple space configuration capabilities, Exhibition World Bahrain offers the following features:

• 10 halls exhibition halls totaling more than 1 million sq. ft.
• A Grand Hall that can accommodate up to 4,000 seated guests
• 94 meeting rooms
• 14 show offices
• 25 food and beverage and retail outlets

The facility’s spaciousness also enables it to host a number of simultaneous events, including local, regional and international exhibitions, meetings, conventions, galas, weddings, concerts, and sports and live entertainment events.

At the grand opening ceremony, ASM Global APAC and Gulf Region Chairman and CEO Harvey Lister AM congratulated the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) on the inauguration of Exhibition World Bahrain.

“ASM Global is proud to be working in partnership with BTEA helping to ensure Bahrain will be at the forefront of attracting tourism investment, international conventions and exhibitions, and world-class live events to the Gulf region,” Lister said. “This iconic landmark venue will further position Bahrain as an international destination, helping to drive diversification of growth, benefiting the local economy and further enhancing the kingdom’s global standing.”

Following the grand opening, Exhibition World Bahrain immediately opened to the public with three concurrent events that attracted more than 100,000 visitors over five days: the 30^th edition of Jewellery Arabia, the region’s premier jewelry and watch show; the inaugural edition of Scent Arabia, Bahrain’s first luxury fragrance event; and Cityscape, the region’s largest real estate summit and exhibition.

Exhibition World Bahrain is owned by BTEA, which plans to leverage ASM Global’s wider network within the meetings and trade show industry to create unique event experiences.

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