Exhibition World Bahrain to host UFI’s Expert Day 2023

20.09.2023

Exhibition World Bahrain will be hosting the global association of the exhibition industry to hold their annual UFI Expert Day on the 1st of October 2023.

The one-day event, which takes place at the end of each year in one of the association’s member host countries, anticipates hosting event Industry experts from the region. This year, Exhibition World Bahrain is proud to be hosting such an event within their venue for the first time in the Kingdom of Bahrain, say the managers of the venue.

The day will unfold with a panel on the status of the MICE industry within the country. Experts from across the region will be invited to take part, as well as the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority’s chief executive officer, Nasser Qaedi, and Debbie Kristiansen, Exhibition World Bahrain’s general manager, for their ideas on the industry’s steps towards strengthening the Kingdom’s economic development through the MICE industry.

As for the panelists, to name a few who will be taking part: Naji Al Haddad, regional director of UFI; Gulf Air Group’s CEO, Jeffrey Goh; and general manager of Al Areen Palace & Spa, Marie Berengere-Chapoton. The discussion will reflect upon the country and its position as an attractive destination in the region for hosting large events, conferences, and seminars. This event will enable attendees to take part and obtain updates on the industry’s latest shifts and trends within the region.

Exhibition World Bahrain says that is a proud UFI member and aims to make the most of such an affiliation by allowing for active knowledge transfer and networking with international MICE contacts. The venue’s membership is a clear indication of the level of professionalism and competence as the Kingdom’s driving force to place it at the forefront of the MICE industry regionally and internationally. With a strategic location as well as being a cross-cultural hub, it is an added value to be part of an international association that will open doors with other MICE centres across the globe.

On the occasion, chief executive officer of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, Nasser Qaedi, commented, ‘We aim to have such events, to highlight the role of Exhibition World Bahrain in supporting the tourism sector, alongside other related economic sectors, and to encourage the growth and development of other related service sectors. By attracting such opportunities, we continue to showcase the Kingdom of Bahrain as a key location within the MICE industry regionally, and we look to grow towards such a position internationally as well.’

Debbie Kristiansen, the general manager of Exhibition World Bahrain, said, ‘It is an honor for us to be opening our doors and welcoming industry experts and peers from Europe and across the region. We look forward to building on the country’s legacy within the MICE industry and extending our warm welcome to our fellow MICE industry colleagues. Our long-standing relationship with UFI has been and will continue to be a driving force towards our plan of transforming the Kingdom’s most prominent sector, contributing to the development and growth of the national economy.’

Naji Al Haddad, UFI regional director, stated, ‘We look forward to being hosted by Exhibition World Bahrain for our Expert Day. The venue is a true reflection of innovation and I foresee it being the executor of many international exhibitions and conventions that look to take place within the Middle East. When it comes to such events, diversification is key, and so we are very assured that there will be a successful outcome of such a meeting.’

Exhibition World Bahrain looks to explore new opportunities and grow through such memberships for the first time in the Kingdom of Bahrain at the region’s newest exhibition and convention centre. This is part of the venue’s objectives to host large-scale international events to benefit the Bahraini community and the region.