The Kingdom of Bahrain has won the prestigious bid to host the 93rd Global Association of the Exhibition Industry UFI Global Congress, marking a significant milestone for the country’s burgeoning Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry Board, voted in Bahrain’s favour at the recent UFI European Conference 2024 held in Zurich, Switzerland. This will be the first time the annual gathering, recognised as the largest event in the exhibition industry, will be held in Bahrain.
The UFI Global Congress is scheduled for November 2026 at the award-winning Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) in Sakhir. EWB, the current World’s Leading New Exhibition and Convention Centre in 2023 and the Middle East’s Leading Large-Scale Wedding Venue in 2024 boasts state-of-the-art facilities and has already hosted numerous successful global events.
“We are honoured to have been selected as the host destination for the UFI Global Congress,” said H.E. Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, the Minister of Tourism and Chairman of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA). “This is a testament to Bahrain’s commitment to the MICE industry and our ongoing efforts to drive innovation in this promising sector. We look forward to welcoming delegates from across the globe to experience the Bahraini hospitality and the many opportunities our nation has to offer.”
Geoff Dickinson, President of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry President, added: “After Cologne in 2024 and Hong Kong in 2025, we couldn’t be more excited to announce that Bahrain will host the 2026 UFI Global Congress. Exhibition World Bahrain presented a very strong bid, making it an easy decision for the UFI leadership. After the success of the 2022 Global Congress in Oman, we are thrilled to return to the Middle East for another unforgettable event.”
EWB led the bid to secure this internationally renowned event for the first time in the Kingdom of Bahrain with the support of strategic local partners. This landmark achievement aligns with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority’s (BTEA) strategy to strongly position the Kingdom as a premier destination for international events. Hosting the UFI Global Congress will also enable the Kingdom to attract hundreds of industry professionals and decision-makers from around the world to exchange insights, foster collaborations, and shape the future of the sector. This further strengthens Bahrain’s positioning as a regional leader in the MICE industry since the early 1980s and a dynamic hub for business tourism.
Bahrain’s strategic location, robust business infrastructure, and supportive government policies, coupled with its rich history and cultural diversity, have made it a compelling destination for MICE events. A wide range of accommodation options and a world-class regulatory framework further enhance its appeal, offering event organisers and attendees an ideal blend of modern amenities and unique cultural experiences.
Since its opening in November 2022, EWB has rapidly established itself as a premier destination for events of all sizes, attracting over 800,000 visitors and exhibitors across 186 local and international events in its inaugural year. With state-of-the-art facilities, innovative services, and a diverse range of multi-purpose halls, EWB has successfully hosted a multitude of events, from large-scale exhibitions and conferences to intimate meetings and grand weddings. The venue’s commitment to providing unparalleled comfort, luxury, and bespoke service has ensured the success and memorability of every event, cementing its position as the preferred choice for major international events in the region.
