Bahrain is preparing to host the 93rd UFI Global Congress from November 2 to 5, 2026 at Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB), as the Kingdom seeks to strengthen its position as a leading destination for business tourism and international events.

Fatima Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism of Bahrain, met with Chris Skeith OBE, CEO and Managing Director of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), Said Al Shanfari, UFI President-elect for 2027-2028 and CEO of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, and Naji El Haddad, UFI Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa, during their visit to review preparations for the congress.

Al Sairafi said hosting the event represents an important milestone for Bahrain’s tourism and exhibitions sectors, highlighting the Kingdom’s infrastructure, international-standard facilities and competitive advantages.

She added that preparations are progressing in coordination with relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of the global gathering.

The minister also said Bahrain looks forward to welcoming exhibitions professionals and industry representatives from around the world and showcasing opportunities across its business tourism and events sectors.

During the visit, the UFI delegation reviewed preparations and discussed cooperation between the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and UFI.

The delegation also toured Exhibition World Bahrain, meeting teams responsible for delivering the event, and visited several venues across the Kingdom that will host activities alongside the congress.

Chris Skeith OBE said: “It was a pleasure to visit Bahrain and meet with representatives of the tourism sector and the teams working on the Congress preparations. We have seen the progress being made and the clear commitment demonstrated by our hosts. Bahrain is a distinctive destination for the global exhibitions community, and we look forward to bringing UFI members and industry representatives together here in November for a Congress rich in dialogue and engagement.”

Said Al Shanfari said: “The Middle East continues to strengthen its position and influence within the global exhibitions industry, and Bahrain’s hosting of the Congress is an important reflection of this momentum. Our visit provided an opportunity to review the preparations underway and highlighted the strong cooperation between UFI and BTEA. We look forward to returning to Bahrain this November and welcoming colleagues from the industry from around the world.”

The congress will bring together professionals and stakeholders from the business events, meetings, conferences and exhibitions sectors.

Registration remains open to eligible industry participants, including members of UFI, the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), and the Society of Independent Show Organisers (SISO). -TradeArabia News Service